MLB Trade Deadline: AL West

By Steven Cardona
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Updated: July 12, 2016

Buyers or Sellers?

Houston Astros– Buyers

W-L: 48-41 (2nd AL West)

Scott Halleran-Getty Images

After a rough start to the season, the Astros are looking like their 2015-selves again. They’re hot and just two games out of the AL West, they have the MVP front runner in Jose Altuve and very young team that has a chance to make serious postseason noise. The Astros need Dallas Keuchel to step his game up, as he as struggled thus far. Houston is a few pieces away from being top contenders making them buyers at this year’s deadline. Houston should look to go pick up a veteran first baseman to give them more club house leadership. The Orioles’ first baseman Mark Trumbo would make a great fit here. Trumbo adds a huge boost to the offense seeing that he has already hit 28 HRs for the O’s this year. However, the Orioles may not be looking to sell much of that offense since they lead the league in HRs. The ‘Stros should also look to bolster that bullpen by adding someone of the likes of Joaquin Benoit or Steve Cishek, maybe even Jason Grilli. The Mariners and Braves are both looking to sell, but that’s another story.

Los Angeles Angels – Sellers

W-L: 37-52 (5th AL West)

MLB.com

The Angels look horrendous. Mike Trout won’t be around for the long haul if this continues. There’s too much talent all across the roster to be underperforming the way they are– then again, this season has be injury-driven for the Halos. Yunel Escobar should be on move and maybe even get someone like a Trevor Plouffe in return. But with all these injuries it’ll be hard to make any kind of major move no contender will risk giving up prospects for someone who may not even be able to help them at the end.

Oakland Athletics – Sellers

W-L: 38-51 (4th AL West)

Rick Yeatts-Getty Images

The Money Ball Era seems like it’s fading the short tenured success has fallen off in Oakland. The A’s haven’t looked great, but just like the Angels they been hurt by many, many, many injuries. Danny Valencia, Sonny Gray, Rich Hill, Josh Reddick and Co. should all be on the move. It’s time to hit the restart button, but it’ll be hard moving some pieces with these injuries.

Seattle Mariners – Buyers

W-L: 45-44 (3rd AL West)

MLB.com

Since this season began, I have believed in King Felix and his Mariners. Minor bumps in the road have kept them right around .500 and haven’t let them surpass that mark. If anything, the M’s should look to buy but give up minimal prospects. But realistically, they should stand pat and make a splash in free agency. Stay strong Seattle, your time is coming– you even picked up another Griffey in the draft.

Texas Rangers – Buyers

W-L: 54-36 (1st AL West)

Tony Gutierrez-AP

The Rangers had a season turning point where the ball started rolling and hasn’t stopped since. Say thank you Jose Bautista, Ranger fans. Since the May 15 brawl, it’s been scorching hot in Arlington. Rougned Odor brought some serious momentum to this club. They hold the 2nd best record in baseball so stay put and don’t make a poor decision. Jonathan Lucroy would be a huge boost to this club but the cost might be too high. Make a minor bullpen move, pick up a piece to keep those end game arms fresh. The Rangers might actually do it this year, a fall classic in Arlington again.

Steven Cardona

Steven Cardona currently works for the Tampa Bay Rays in their baseball operations department. Much of his past experience focused on player personnel, departmental administration, research and development. Prior to joining the Rays, Steven worked for the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets. The Naples, Florida native graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s of science in Business Management.