Hiram Moreno
August 2, which marks the MLB Trade Deadline 2022, is just a few days away. The teams are already in the middle of the season and know whether they can hope to qualify for fall baseball, so we should not be surprised to see franchises begin to make moves in the coming days.
At JefeBet, we are going to evaluate the outlook of each of the Major League Baseball divisions, and this time we are going to evaluate the teams in the American League East Division, which is by far the most competitive in the MLB.
MLB Trade Deadline 2022: Needs in the American League East Division
New York Yankees (Buyers)
Offensively, the Yankees are well covered in all areas, and that is evidenced by the fact that they average the most runs per game in MLB at 5.4. The area to cover for the Yankees is clearly pitching, as they can never have enough of it.
An extra starter would not be a bad addition to the rotation considering that Luis Severino continues to have injury problems and could provide extra options for the second half of the season and a postseason that already looks almost certain in the Bronx.
In addition, the recent injury to their reliever Michael King also makes acquiring some more depth for the bullpen a good idea as well, as does getting a replacement for Joey Gallo in the outfield.
Possible reinforcements: Luis Castillo (Reds), Frankie Montas (Athletics), Pablo López (Marlins), Madison Bumgarner (D-Backs), Michael Fulmer (Tigers), David Bednar (Pirates), Andrew Benintendi (Royals), David Peralta (D-Backs).
Toronto Blue Jays (Buyers)
After several years of waiting, the Toronto Blue Jays finally look like one of those teams that are capable of competing at a good level in a postseason, but some other acquisitions could be made to improve their chances.
Getting a complement to their starting rotation could be what the team needs, because while Ross Stripling, Alek Manoah, and Kevin Gausman are doing a good job, Yusei Kikuchi and José Berríos have not lived up to expectations, and Hyun-Jin Ryu’s injury doesn’t help them either.
If this need is met, the Blue Jays could clinch that postseason wild card ticket they currently hold after the regular season ends.
Possible reinforcements: Zach Davies (D-Backs), Kyle Hendricks (Cubs), Kyle Freeland (Rockies).
Tampa Bay Rays (Buyers)
Analyzing the Tampa Bay Rays is as complex as ever, because while the franchise is currently in a postseason wild card spot after a good season, it’s no secret that overspending is not their thing.
Because of this, some low profile players would be something to look forward to for them, mainly someone who can hit the ball hard, since as usual Tampa is relying too much on their pitching to win their games.
In addition, injuries to Mike Zunino and Brandon Lowe have depleted power in the lineup, and it will be necessary to bring in a replacement for them.
Possible reinforcements: Josh Bell (Nationals), Nelson Cruz (Nationals), Kole Calhoun (Rangers), Wilson Contreras (Cubs), Brandon Drury (Reds).
Boston Red Sox (who knows?)
The Boston Red Sox are one of those teams in limbo heading into this MLB Trade Deadline. The team is three games out of the wild card spots for the postseason, so acquiring elements to continue competing would not be unreasonable, although surely the franchise will look to solve its problems at home before looking for players.
The contract situations of Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers will likely be a priority for the Red Sox, although acquiring a first baseman would also not be out of the question, considering the collective OPS of players at that position has been just .609.
Possible backup: Josh Bell (Nationals).
Baltimore Orioles (Sellers?)
Baltimore was destined to be a seller, but a streak of ten straight wins allowed the team to return to a .500 record, leaving it just over three games behind in the fight for an improbable wild card within the American League.
Apart from that, the Orioles are not expected to make any drastic moves going forward and will likely look to keep their core of current players, and if they can fight for a wildcard, the franchise will surely be more than grateful.
Goal: Continue to develop their current talent and pull the trigger on changes that only benefit them.
