Henry Roldán
August 2 is the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline for teams looking to strengthen their rosters for the postseason or to acquire a good group of prospects for the next few years.
As a result, with only two weeks left on the calendar, JefeBet provides you with a list of the needs of the teams vying for a playoff spot, as well as the strengths of those who will utilize them to sell and profit.
2022 MLB Trade Deadline: Needs in the National League’s West Division
Los Angeles Dodgers (Buyers)
Relief pitching
While the Dodgers have one of the best collective pitching staffs in all of the major leagues, injuries have dented their bullpen and closer Craig Kimbrel is not at his best. Many rumors have been circulating about putting together an unbeatable rotation with the arrival of Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas, but the truth is that the priority is the bullpen.
Possible additions: David Robertson (Cubs), Mychal Givens (Cubs), Geovany Soto (Tigers), Michael Fulmer (Tigers), Daniel Bard (Rockies), David Bednar (Pirates).
Depth on the bench
With Chris Taylor’s injury and Justin Turner’s injury, Dave Roberts’ bench options are somewhat limited. Several names have gotten the job done this year, but if they want to win the World Series again, the team needs a bat that can give them more depth on offense, as well as dynamism.
Possible additions: Brandon Drury (Reds), Ian Happ (Cubs), Tommy Pham (Reds), Donovan Solano (Reds), Whit Merrifield (Royals).
San Diego Padres (Buyers)
Outfielders
With injuries to Wil Myers and Jurickson Profar, the Padres’ outfield has been left adrift, so many think they should look for two players who can help them in that area.
Potential additions: Andrew Benintendi (Royals), Ian Happ (Cubs), Joey Gallo (Yankees), Juan Soto (Nationals)
Catcher
The duo of Austin Nola and Jesus Alfaro have struggled this season, and San Diego seems to be desperately looking for a new catcher to provide them with a better offense heading into the postseason.
Possible additions: Willson Contreras (Cubs), Sean Murphy (Athletics)
San Francisco Giants (Buyers)
Power hitter
The Giants’ offense is one of the worst in the circuit, and one of the main reasons is that only two of their players have hit more than 10 home runs in 2022. Bringing runs to the plate is a big issue in the Bay Area and a priority these weeks.
Potential additions: Josh Bell (Nationals), Nelson Cruz (Nationals), Trey Mancini (Orioles)
Catcher
Similar to what happened to the Padres, the absence of Buster Posey has been sorely felt in San Francisco, despite the presence of young Joey Bart. There is nothing to claim defensively, but his and Curt Casali’s offensive contributions are nearly non-existent.
Possible additions: Willson Contreras (Cubs), Sean Murphy (Athletics)
Colorado Rockies (Sellers)
Position players
The Rockies are one of the teams that will surely attract the most attention from buyers, as they have interesting pieces that at the beginning of the season positioned them better for this year. First baseman C.J. Cron is one of them as well as experienced shortstop Jose Iglesias.
Relief pitching
There are also several interesting relief pitchers for competing teams in the Rocky Mountains, such as Daniel Bard and Alex Colomé. It is worth noting that the Rockies are seven games out of the last wild card, but with five teams ahead of them all indications are that they will be good sellers.
Objective: Depth of prospects for both starters and relief pitchers
Arizona Rattlesnakes (Sellers)
Outfielders
In Arizona there are several outfielders available for contending teams such as David Peralta, Jordan Luplow and some negotiations for Daulton Varsho are also not ruled out.
Starters
While Arizona could look to bolster its bullpen with young talent on the mound, names such as Madison Bumgarner, Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen are being bandied about to add depth to postseason rotations.
Objective: Reinforce the starting rotation with young players and provide depth to the infield.
