Fansided

5 MLB teams who can (and should) still make trade moves

By Geoffrey Godfrey

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 29: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 29, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 29: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 29, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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While the non-waiver deadline has passed, we now await the waiver-trade deadline. Here are the teams that can still change their murky destiny.

We already saw most of the league make moves during the trade deadline, and it was beyond exciting.

Some teams, however, still have some room for improvement. More than a handful of teams sit within one game of the division lead or two games of the wild card. This should be more than enough reason for playoff-hungry teams to make a move.

We are going to take a look at several teams who could still make moves, several teams could still skyrocket into the playoffs.

With September call-ups looming overhead for some teams like a giant secret weapon, this could be a death wish for leading teams lacking depth. This could also be a catalyst for lower-end teams to pitch off their aging vets and let the young kids get some at bats.

So, who will change their future before September?

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 12: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies plays third base during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 12: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies plays third base during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

5. Oakland A’s

Oakland is currently five games back from division leader Houston, but firmly in the wild card race. Their farm systems have always housed talent and finally they are finally getting to see it pay off. Guys like Sean Manena and Marcus Semien are now mainstays.

But, they do still have some holes to fill: Starters for 3/4/5 slots, position player depth and left-handed hitting.

Their starters sit at 20th for ERA with a 4.29, 10th in WHIP with a 1.24, and, most importantly, they are dead last in strikeouts with only 437.

For reference, the strikeout leader is their division rivals, Houston with 795 strikeouts with their starters.

As far as depth is concerned the big one is left-handed hitting. They only have three players on the active 25-man roster who hit from the left-side of the plate. Only two of them however, are actually true left-handed hitters. Oakland also has an issue with several starers on the depth chart being listed as back-ups at other positions. Carrying just five outfielders and five infielders, one of is a designated hitter. So, more-or-less four outfielders and five infielders.

Potential targets:

1. Matt Harvey (SP): They could use a solid starter, and while Harvey has never been he same since that blown game in the playoffs, he should slot nicely as the third starting pitcher.

2. Zach Wheeler (SP): Currently sits as third on the Mets depth chart, but has the heart and talent of a fringe first SP. Mets are looking to move him badly, and missed at the deadline, a decent offer from Oakland and this is a win-win.

3. J.P.Crawford (INF): J.P. was once a highly regarded prospect, after some injuries and up-and-down play he now sits in the middle of one of the most crowded infields in baseball. Even when he comes back off the DL, the Mets boast five quality starters between third base, short stop and second base. He is without a home, and can offer a decent bat and some speed. Just a career .202 hitter, he should be cheap and offer fixes for multiple holes. 

The Athletics could make some serious noise with two or three moves and not have to give up a ton of talent to do so. They still have a stacked farm system, and have enough youth in the majors playing well, they can part with some and not risk the future. However, the future is now, so they will have to make a choice very soon.

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