MLB Power Rankings of the biggest trade deadline need for every team over .500. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
MLB Power Rankings of the biggest need each club over .500 will need to win a World Series.
If your team made this week’s MLB Power Rankings, it’s a good sign. Unlike last week when the teams below .500 were profiled, this week puts a focus on those with a winning record and what their biggest trade deadline need currently is.
As it turns out, many of the best teams in baseball have the same roster hole(s). It could make for a fascinating trade deadline as they try to outbid each other from the clubs who’ve already decided to wave the white flag.
What could your winning ball club use most?
14) MLB Power Rankings: Toronto Blue Jays need starting pitcher reinforcements
The Toronto Blue Jays may forever be one of those ball clubs that always looks good on paper, performs well in the regular season, and fails to get it done in the playoffs. The current group and the previous one headlined by Jose Bautista a few years ago never could quite make it far enough. Their needs aren’t plentiful. What they could definitely use is another starting pitcher.
The poor performance and subsequent demotion of Alek Manoah has taken away what was believed to be a potential ace of this year’s staff. They still have Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt. Their biggest trade deadline need isn’t incredibly pressing compared to some others. They do have three pitchers earning the trust of the fans this year. Other than simply adding a better player anywhere, there isn’t a whole lot more for them to do.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays need high-leverage bullpen arms
As dominant as they’ve been, the Tampa Bay Rays could use some bullpen arms. It’s hard to really understand how this roster is built and be able to predict how things will go. Closer Jason Adam has pitched well in relief. So have a few other arms. Unfortunately, the constant moving of arms up and down from the minor leagues hasn’t worked out with guys like Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson struggling.
The Rays should do things a little more traditionally as the trade deadline approaches. Relying on the mystery of what a pitcher who has been at Triple-A for a few weeks can give them down the stretch comes with a risk. The Rays should be in the market to improve the one weakness they have: the bullpen. Bet on them making a couple of savvy and smart moves. It’s what they do.