With the trade deadline fast approaching, all five American League East teams are looking to improve their roster. What player should each team target?
In advance of the August 1 MLB trade deadline, the AL East finds itself with all teams all positioned to contend in the playoff race. The last-place New York Yankees are 53-48, 2 1/2 games back of the third AL wild card spot. But, Boston Red Sox sit one game ahead of New York, and the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays each hold wild card positions right now. The dynamic Baltimore Orioles recently eclipsed Tampa Bay for first place, and now sit 1 1/2 games clear. With each team in the division playing winning baseball, all five figure to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline. Let’s look at one player each team should target in the next week.
Baltimore Orioles – Dallas Keuchel
I expect we will see Dallas Keuchel, 35, back in the big leagues sooner rather than later. @kidkeuchy has a 0.90 ERA through 4 starts with the @Twins Triple-A affiliate. @MLBNetwork @MLBPipeline
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2023
Baltimore needs more especially all their prospects and young, controllable talent. Many of their highly-vaunted prospects are untouchable, but a deal for Dallas Keuchel would not jeopardize the future. Keuchel, recently signed to a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins. He’s put up a 0.69 ERA in five starts in Triple-A St.Paul this season. Since the Orioles are cautious about being caught up in a feeding frenzy, Keuchel is a cheap option for rotation depth. As a veteran clubhouse presence, Keuchel could also bring value to a young roster caught up in their first postseason race.
Boston Red Sox – Michael Lorenzen
Fun Fact Friday
Michael Lorenzen currently owns the longest active scoreless streak in MLB. He’s been dominant for 21.2 consecutive innings. 👊#RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/BaglW365GA
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 21, 2023
The Red Sox have already begun their moves for the MLB trade deadline, but they are not selling. In order to compete in the crowded divisional race, Boston will need to augment their starting rotation. Michael Lorenzen of the Detroit Tigers is a good fit, providing valuable innings for a rotation that has struggled to find viable options. Lorenzen averages nearly six innings per outing, posting a 3.49 ERA in 17 starts this season. As an impending free agent, Lorenzen will be traded. Despite a middling farm system, Lorenzen will not command the same price as other pitchers on the market, and is affordable for the Red Sox to acquire.
New York Yankees – Lane Thomas
SF @ WSH
July 23, 2023Lane Thomas stole 4 bases ties the Nationals Record. pic.twitter.com/RoKRyb8I2g
— Nationals Homers (@Nats_HRs) July 24, 2023
The Yankees have been ravaged by injuries up and down their roster this season. Where the injury bug has felt the most pressing is in the outfield. Thomas is right-handed, which lacks the lineup balance New York needs. However, the Washington Nationals will only trade Thomas if he’s given consistent playing time, which the Yankees can offer. After all, an athletic outfielder hitting .293 this season is a marked improvement for New York. Thomas also offers three more years of club control, which raises the acquisition price. Despite the higher price, the Yankees would be well-served to add Thomas to the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Tampa Bay Rays – Eduardo Rodriguez
Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound tonight against the Angels
83.2 IP | 2.69 ERA | 3.14 FIP | 0.968 WHIP | 9.5 K/9 | 2.4 bWAR
The trade deadline is in one week. Tip of the cap to E-Rod if this is his final start for the Tigers. pic.twitter.com/tIJkiuIAzM
— Motor City Metrics (@mcmbaseballpod) July 25, 2023
The Rays usually boast strong pitching staff and seeking offensive reinforcements. Injuries to their starting rotation has put added stress on their vaunted bullpen. Since June 1, Rays starters have carried a 4.19 ERA, and the team has slipped from first place in recent weeks. Eduardo Rodriguez has been quite good this season (2.95 ERA in 15 starts), and is left-handed, which the Rays have been successful in developing in the past. Adding to the roster fit, Rodriguez has an opt-out clause at the end of this season, which would free the Rays of an additional $45 million in salary. If the clause is not triggered,he’s still affordable for a low-revenue team like Tampa Bay moving forward. The Rays could return strong pitching prospects to make the deal work.
Toronto Blue Jays – Brent Suter
The Rockies should be very active over the next week, with C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, Jurickson Profar, Brent Suter and Brad Hand all potentially being moved.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 24, 2023
Despite some underperformance, the Blue Jays hold the third wild card spot heading into the MLB trade deadline. However, to truly threaten a deep postseason run, Toronto has a need for relief pitching, particularly from the left side. Brent Suter of the Colorado Rockies has a 2.62 ERA this season, and ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit percentage. Though not a hard thrower, Suter is effective in middle relief situations, which is a big need for the Blue Jays. Toronto could package two lower-level prospects to make the deal work.
Final Thoughts
Over the past five seasons, no division has been consistently stronger than the AL East. This season, this rings especially true. With only five days until the MLB trade deadline, all five teams are in playoff contention, and looking to add. The division will be a major factor in the American League playoff picture until the end of the season.
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Dallas Keuchel, Michael Lorenzen, Lane Thomas, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brent Suter
