WHAT ABOUT THE IN-BETWEENERS?
Recently, the Times spotlighted teams around the league who are far outside the playoff picture and will most likely be stripping down their individual rosters in a hope to retool for next year. This week, the Times focused in on teams who are on the cusp of making the playoffs but could end up falling short. The Times reached out to those several teams in both the AL and the NL who are on the bubble of making the playoffs in the Wildcard round to gauge what their status is as the August 7th trade deadline rapidly approaches.
Chicago Whitesox (86-91-15): At 8th place in the AL standings, the Whitesox are in the thick of the fight to secure that coveted second Wildcard slot. However, injuries have piled up for the Whitesox as the playoff push began which caused the organization to make a few moves to tweak their roster. When the Times reached out for comment on their status as Week 17 begins, Chicago’s GM only provided a brief comment. “We are not actively engaged in any major trade negotiations at this point but we could be persuaded to deal a relief pitcher for the right price” Chicago’s GM explained. The Whitesox relievers are the better pitchers for Chicago so it would take a hefty haul to snag one of their relievers from them. Jharel Cotton was recently activated and could make his season debut for the Whitesox which may indicate why Chicago is willing to part ways with one of their relievers to make room for Cotton’s eventual call up.
San Diego Padres (108-69-15): To have over 108 category wins and not be in the playoff picture has been a difficult pill to swallow for the San Diego Padres and their front office. The Padres promising roster has been producing consistent wins but is stuck in the NL West which has proven to be the best division in the entire league. The Times reached out to the Padres front office and team officials explained that “the Wildcard race will be an uphill battle and they are open to all deals that can help them this year and build their minor leagues for the future.” The frustration is understandable for a team that has competed well but is stuck behind two equally powerful teams in the NL West. Could the Padres be persuaded to move an older more expensive player like a Kyle Schwarber or a Trey Mancini in exchange for enriching their farm system at the deadline?
Cleveland Indians (87-89-16): Ranking 7th in the AL standings, the Cleveland Indians have been on the upswing in recent weeks and are very much in place for the final Wildcard slot in the AL playoff race. Surprise prospect Yordan Alvarez and savvy vets like Juan Soto and Hunter Dozier have the Indians on the cusp of making the playoffs in the Turtle Ball inaugural season. With that being said, the Indians front-office had only one phrase to describe their status in regards to the trade deadline; “the Cleveland Indians are all in”. The Indians like their roster as presently constructed and are not expected to make much changes as their front office believes they have a chance to finish the season strong and make the playoffs as a result. Perhaps the Indians could be persuaded to add talent to their batting order or pitching rotation in exchange for parting ways with players in their very deep farm system.
Philadelphia Phillies (82-94-16): Teetering at 8th place in the NL standings, the Philadelphia Phillies are apparently biding their time before the August 7th deadline. In a brief conversation with Philadelphia’s front office brass, sources tell the Times that Philadelphia is planning to “buy, sell or stand firm” as the deadline approaches. The Phillies are more than several games behind the Padres and the Giants in the NL Wildcard race. Barring a complete collapse by the Padres or the Giants and a huge effort down the stretch from Philadelphia, the Phillies will most likely be on the outside looking in when the playoffs arrive. A season riddled with injuries and poor performances have left the Phillies to regret some decisions that were made before the season began. Philadelphia touts one of the oldest rosters which could explain the disappointing play and injuries that has held their roster back. Teams looking to add to their own rosters could be tempted to send a feeler out to Philadelphia’s front office for one of their veterans in exchange for helping Philadelphia retool for next year. Older veterans such as Albert Pujols, Jason Kipnis, Lorenzo Cain and AJ Pollock could all be on the market as older players that Philadelphia could look to dish in an effort to get younger and more dynamic for next season and beyond.
San Francisco Giants (113-70-9): The Giants are in the middle of the NL Wildcard hunt and it appears they will remain squarely in the center of that fight with the Reds and Padres til the end of the 2019 season. The Giants front office did not provide a comment regarding their status for the trade deadline. After reviewing their roster, the Times figures the Giants will look to buy weapons to secure a Wildcard spot this year to fend off conference rivals Reds and Padres.
Minnesota Twins (88-87-17): The Twins did not provide a comment as to their status at this time. The Times rates their organization as buying at this point nearing the deadline.