Hiram Moreno
MLB Trade Deadline 2022 is about to arrive, so teams should start making decisions about what they will do in the coming days, since with half of the season already played, almost all have clear intentions for the next two months of the regular campaign and even the postseason, so these days could be crucial to define the future of many franchises.
Here at JefeBet, we review the teams competing in the American League West Division and assess what the next few days could look like for them.
MLB Trade Deadline 2022: Needs in the American League West Division
Houston Astros (Buyers)
If there is one team that seems to be able to stand up to the Yankees in the American League, it is the Houston Astros. They proved that they are capable of doing it after getting a no-hitter against the team with the best record in the MLB.
However, Houston could use a lot more improvement if it wants to compete for a World Series berth, and acquiring another starter could be just what the Astros need to get off the ground.
Justin Verlander, at 39 years old, is doing wonders, and Framber Valdez looks to be his companion as rotation leaders, so a pitcher who can fill a lesser role might be enough for them.
Potential reinforcements: Tyler Mahle (Reds), Martin Pérez (Rangers), Madison Bumgarner (D-Backs), José Quintana (Pirates)
Seattle Mariners (Buyers?)
With a 52-45 record, the Seattle Mariners have a chance to compete for a postseason berth via the wild card to end the longest playoff drought for a franchise in MLB. What makes us doubt their intentions is what happened in the 2021 campaign, when the Mariners were in this same position and management opted to get rid of some elements.
However, the moves they made in preseason to improve the roster make us think this time they could acquire pieces to fight in this second half of the season, and the priority for this should be the relievers.
The Mariners’ bullpen has several pitchers who have been at a good level, but the problem is that the options aren’t many, and getting some depth wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Possible Reinforcements: Alex Colomé (Rockies), Andrew Chafin (Tigers), Matt Moore (Rangers), Paul Blackburn (Athletics)
Texas Rangers (Sellers)
The Rangers also made good moves in the preseason with the intention of competing in this 2022 by signing Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. However, that was only intentional, as the team’s performance has it practically without a chance to fight for a postseason berth barring a drastic change in the coming months.
Because of this, the team is expected to shed several pieces. Starter Martín Pérez, who has even been involved in Cy Young talk, is their most desired player, but others like Cole Kalhoun and Matt Moore could also leave for other teams.
Goal: Try to strengthen the team for 2023 by selling the elements that will not return after this season.
Los Angeles Angels (Sellers)
Another season, another year in which the Los Angeles Angels disappoint. Despite having big-name players like Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani in their ranks, the Angels seem doomed to finish third in the division at best.
In fact, because of this, there could be the remote possibility of Ohtani heading to another team before the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Of the trio of players mentioned above, the first two already have a mega-contract, and it seems difficult for the Angels to make a similar offer to Ohtani considering his current position.
Is a mid-season change likely? Not much, but keep a close eye on what the Anaheim franchise does in the coming days.
Goal: Not even we know what they plan to do.
Oakland Athletics (Sellers)
Absolutely no one expected anything from the Athletics after the team was shedding the players that once made them compete with the Astros in the division. Marcus Semien is gone, as are Matt Olson and Matt Chapman, not to mention other names that could be added in the coming days.
There is not much to choose in Oakland, except for Frankie Montas, who could very well be among the leaders of a World Series contending team’s starting rotation. So, it would not be a surprise to see him pitch in another uniform for the second half of the season. There is also starter Paul Blackburn, who could be a nice addition to any rotation.
Goal: Obtain the best possible package for Frankie Montas and the rest of the players who decide to redeem.
