MLB Power Rankings: Every team’s plan of attack before the trade deadline

2. Houston Astros, 62-37, 1st in the AL West (ranked 2nd last week)

The Astros are another team searching for starters, but with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole on the roster, Houston’s general manager Jeff Luhnow is likely trying to add more depth to their rotation. Brad Peacock is expected back from his shoulder injury by the start of August, so if the Astros were to roll with just Peacock and he suffers another setback they’re stuck with what they have.

Houston could play with the idea of trading Kyle Tucker or possibly Josh James, who’s been regulated to a reliever role at the moment. Maybe even top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley, who’s been so-so this season in the Minors, could be moved in a package for a starter like Mike Minor or Marcus Stroman.

Houston has the assets to go after almost anyone they want at the deadline, so it’s just a matter of whether or not Luhnow wants to part with his homegrown talent to add a top arm on the market. Peacock’s progress is key, but expect a move regardless before the July 31 deadline.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers, 65-35, 1st in the NL West (ranked 1st last week)

The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, but are also one of the best groups at adding something extra to the team at the end of each deadline. Whether that’s a key bench bat, a lefty reliever, or in this year’s case a player like Tigers’ Shane Greene. According to Jon Morosi, the Dodgers have shown a “continued interest” in the 30-year-old closer.

Adding someone like Greene helps the Dodgers get the ball to current closer Kenley Jansen while also giving the group another reliable arm to pair with Jansen and Pedro Baez. They have plenty of pitching depth and can use guys like Ross Stripling and Julio Urias as middle relief arms that bridge to Greene and Baez before Jansen.

But with Joe Kelly’s questionable 2019 output and his lack of command in moments, Greene seems like the exact piece the Dodgers need to complete their team. The only question is how much the Dodgers want him, because Greene is one of the most available arms on the market and plenty of other teams can make the case they need him more. The price point is key, but if the Dodgers can add Greene they’ll strengthen the one area that could maybe be called a weakness.