Identifying buyers, sellers from AL West ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

There was a shocking, clubhouse-shifting trade completed between two American League West clubs on Tuesday night. How much more movement will come out of this division prior to Friday’s MLB trade deadline? Here is how each team is approaching the next couple of days

Seattle Mariners

Buyers?

One night after having their game of the year in which they overcame a seven-run deficit to defeat the Astros, the Mariners sent their closer, Kendall Graveman, to Houston. That move, unsurprisingly, did not go over well in the Mariners’ clubhouse. To make matters even stranger, one of the players Seattle picked up in the trade, third baseman Abraham Toro, homered for the Mariners one night after going deep against them for the ‘Stros. You can’t make this stuff up.

Anyway, the acquisition of starting pitcher Tyler Anderson has probably helped calm some nerves in Seattle, and although the Mariners have a -51 run differential and an expected record of 46-56, you should still expect them to add more than subtract between now and Friday afternoon. Another dip into the starting pitcher pool may be what’s best.

Houston Astros

Buyers

The Astros addressed their biggest need when they acquired Graveman, who has a 0.82 ERA this season. They then doubled down by reportedly getting reliever Yimi Garcia from the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon. Those additions fortify Houston’s so-so bullpen in front of closer Ryan Pressly. Maybe the Astros will try to upgrade at center fielder before the deadline, but it’s likely that their most impactful moves have already occurred.

Los Angeles Angels

Buyers?

Here’s another AL West club that could go either way. The Angels are just five games out of a playoff spot, and there is a possibility that Shohei Ohtani, the soon-returning Mike Trout and the rest of that lineup could get that team on a hot streak in the final months. However, the pitching staff remains a huge liability, and if the front office doesn’t want to bet on such a streak happening, it should look to move closer Raisel Iglesias to an actual contender.

Oakland Athletics

Buyers

The Athletics reportedly pulled off a big trade Wednesday, obtaining outfielder Starling Marte from the Marlins for former top prospect Jesus Luzardo. Marte should upgrade the A’s both offensively and defensively, but he shouldn’t be the last notable name acquired by Oakland. As always, there are a bevy of relievers up for sale, and the Athletics could use reinforcements at the back end to help out Lou Trivino and Jake Diekman.

Texas Rangers

Sellers

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Rangers haven’t sold off any of their most sought-after trade pieces — outfielder Joey Gallo, starting pitcher Kyle Gibson and closer Ian Kennedy. But they can’t just stand pat. They are trying to work out a long-term deal with Gallo, but it’s possible that a suitor (the Yankees?) bowls them over with an incredible offer. Gibson and Kennedy have had pretty productive years, and it’s a must that the Rangers capitalize on their value before the deadline.