A good trade deadline can be the difference between winning and losing the World Series. Just ask the Houston Astros. They acquired Justin Verlander at this time last year and he went 4-1 in the postseason with a 2.21 ERA. Alex Bregman was the World Series MVP, but Justin Verlander was the team’s MVP. So which teams got closer to winning the World Series with the moves they made before the trade deadline?
The Los Angeles Dodgers take another step in the right direction
The Dodgers are craving a World Series title. Last year, they were one step away from the promise land. Adding Manny Machado and Brian Dozier might just get them over the hump. Even better, L.A. did it at the cost of a single valuable prospect – Yusniel Diaz. Machado was the best player to switch teams overall, while Dozier hasn’t had a great season, but has caught fire in the second halves in the past two MLB campaigns. Not only are they two strong, power-hitting infielders, but they also provide an insurance policy in case Justin Turner, who has struggled with injuries all season, is unable to fully recover. The Los Angeles Dodgers are by far and away the biggest winners of a relatively quiet trade deadline.
The New York Yankees improve slightly
The Yankees didn’t make a splash signing but did improve somewhat by acquiring J.A. Happ, Lance Lynn and Zach Britton. Britton was one of the best closers in the league before injuries forced him to spend a lot of time on the disabled list over the past couple of seasons. New York brought him with the sole purpose of exploiting their arch rival’s weakness. The lefty’s power sinker could be problematic for a Boston Red Sox lineup that has been weaker against southpaws.
Atlanta Braves make two sneaky good additions
The Braves were near a deal for Rangers’ Adrian Beltre. If they had been able to bring him to Atlanta then we would be talking about a much more successful deadline. Nevertheless, the team improved its rotation with Kevin Gausman, the Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher whose 4.43 ERA is deceiving. A few adjustments here and there and he could turn out to be a steal as the Braves control him for two more seasons after this one. He also gives Atlanta a third hard-throwing weapon behind Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb. Getting Adam Duvall is another sneaky move. The left-handed outfielder will never hit for average, but his power bat could be very beneficial for a team in need of some pop.
Chicago Cubs go all-in on Cole Hamels
The Chicago Cubs pitching staff have not been very good this year. Yu Darvish is on the DL, Jon Lester had a 6.31 ERA in July and Jose Quintana has not been effective. That’s why the addition of Cole Hamels is so significant. The veteran had a 4.72 ERA with the Rangers, yet is capable of heating up at any given time. The Cubs will be hoping that time is the postseason.
Keeping Bryce Harper a small consolation prize for Washington Nationals
Keeping Bryce Harper is a big win for the Washington Nationals, but overall, their lack of activity might signal the end of his Nationals career. Why? Because Harper’s contract with the club ends at the end of this season, so unless the Nats can convince him to stay with a deep playoff run, the outfielder will decide to chase a World Series ring with someone else.
Colorado Rockies fail to invest
The Colorado Rockies are one game behind Arizona and L.A. in the standings. Their pitching staff has been surprisingly good, but that might not last for much longer. A couple of new names should’ve been brought. Because that didn’t happen, this team could be out of the playoff picture come October.
