The Toronto Blue Jays have offense, coming off their series in Oakland where Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Russel Martin, and Edwin Encarnacion all showed off their power, some more than once. What the Blue Jays are missing is a dominant starter and some real strength in the bullpen. Look for them to target pitchers like Cueto and Hamels, but cost and no trade clauses will become a factor. I think they will have better luck acquiring a top closer such as Jonathan Papelbon from the bottom of the league Phillies. If the Blue Jays were able to pick up a starter, look for them to have a conversation with the Marlins for Dan Haren or Matt Latos. Those starters wont be so much of a cost problem and will be easier to resign. The Blue Jays are currently sitting 5.5 games behind the Yankees and will need their offense to stay strong and healthy along with help out on the mound.
The Chicago Cubs are having their first successful season in a good while and though they sit in third in their division behind the top two records in the NL, the playoffs are not out of their reach as they currently lead the Giants by a half game for the second wildcard seat. With Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo leading the offense, the Cubs can afford to send a bat off in a deal. With Addison Russell added to the team last season, Starlin Castro is a hot commodity for other teams. The San Diego Padres recently announced they will be selling, so look to the Cubs to try to acquire James Shields or Tyson Ross to strengthen their rotation. The Cubs will also be looking to Detroit and their ace David Price. I am not sure if the Tigers are fully ready to part with Price, but if they decide to sell, as they currently are looking up in standings at the Twins and Royals, Price would be one of the big names they send off at the deadline.
The reigning AL champs recently lost their big name left fielder Alex Gordon, but they are in the market for pitching as well. The Cincinnati Reds have had an off season, so I expect those two teams to be chatting. Johnny Cueto and Marlon Byrd are the answer to the Royals issues and would help them lock up the AL Central they currently lead by 6.5 games. The Royals currently have the best record in the AL as they look to get another shot at the World Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had plenty of amazing pitching recently from Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw, but they only lead their division by three games over the San Francisco Giants who they have not had much luck against this season. The Dodgers will be agressive and go after Samardzija, Price, Cueto, and really any other starter they can get their hands on. They will get at least one big name guy to slide into the number three spot in the rotation. However, the Dodgers real problem has been their bullpen. Though they have added former closers such as Chris Perez and JP Howell in recent years, they have not had much success with them on the mound. So the Dodgers will be targeting high heater Arolidis Chapman. The Dodgers have won the NL West the last two seasons, but have always been eliminated in the playoffs due to a poor bullpen. Look to the Dodgers to do everything they can to make sure that doesn't happen again.
The New York Mets currently sit three games behind the injured Nationals with one obvious problem, they need more help on offense. With David Wright still out they have had a hard time putting runs together besides when they use the longball, which isn't easy at Citi Field. Look for the Mets to dish one of their many young talented starters for a big bat. They look to pick up Ben Zobrist from the Oakland A's, but I expect them to do more in their effort to prove they are not a fluke. Maybe a deal with the Padres for Justin Upton, or with the Red Sox for Hanley Ramirez, or even grab Tulowitzki from the Rockies. Their bullpen isn't fully set, but a bat is the first thing on their list. I expect them to be very busy over the next couple days.
The Minnesota Twins have been a pleasant surprise this season, as they sit second in the AL Central and currently hold a wildcard seat. Look to the Twins to try and beef up the lineup with the addition of an outfielder. My guess would be Carlos Gomez from Milwaukee or Yoenis Cespedes from the Tigers. With some more power added on with Dozier, Hunter, and Mauer, look for the Twins to hold on and become a strong threat.
Adam Jones has stated his unhappiness with the offensive production from his team. Questions were risen about the Orioles plans to either buy or sell come the trade deadline, but they look to add on and make a run for the playoffs though they currently sit fourth in their division. Like the Twins, the Orioles need an outfielder, Gomez and Cespedes could be on their watch as well, but I expect them to look at Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies. A lead off batter with some pop could help them try to catch up to the Yankees at top the AL East.
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