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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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 04: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers returns to the dugout after striking out during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on August 4, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 04: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers returns to the dugout after striking out during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on August 4, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

1. Seattle Mariners

Entering the year Seattle was a dark-horse team to make it to the ALCS. Now, Seattle is six games out of first place and just 1.5 away from the Wild Card, all without Cano. This team has seen more activity than almost any other in the last 12 months. All thanks to their clever GM.

One thing holding them back, surprisingly, is pitching. They are 17th in strikeouts, 12th in home runs and 17th in ERA. However, their bullpen has been top-notch as they lead the league in Saves.

Batting in special categories has also been a struggle as they are almost last in doubles, 21st in RBI and 22nd in runs. Interestingly enough, they sit higher in HR than any of those three categories at 16th.

They could use several pieces at starting pitcher, catcher and in the outfield. One of each and they could easily jump their standing.

1. J.T. Realmuto (C): We talked about him with the Marlins already, this guy will step in day one and hit well. He will also be the unquestioned starting catcher, something they have not had in a long time.

2. Nicholas Castellanos (OF): Yes, this is most likely a shocker to Tigers fans, but let’s be honest, he has tremendous value, and is being moved around and wasted on the team. While waiting for the young kids to catch up, he’s crushing it with 15 HR and almost a .290 BA. Also, in the needed categories against all other outfielders, he is second in 2B, 25th in runs, and 20th in RBI. This is a great move for them, if they can make it happen.

3. Jake Odorizzi (SP): Another Twins move, Odorizzi sits third on their rotation, he is 28-years-old and one year left on arbitration. When the time comes for FA, if he is not their leading starting pitcher, he will walk. He is having a down year wit a 4.6 ERA with 120 strikeouts. He is only a few years removed from his hot 2015 season with his 3.35 ERA and 150ks. Odo would fit in quickly and well in a massive pitchers park, in the last three years he has sat 27th, 14th and 16th for home runs allowed among all pitchers. Putting him in a pitcher’s park, could send his stock back to the top-end level.

Next: Every MLB team’s Mount Rushmore

Seattle are No. 1 with a bullet to make moves after the deadline. While the clock is clicking away, and the sands of time are slowly dropping down, they can still make a final push. The team can be set up well for 2019, and that’s what they should be aiming for.

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