4 World Series contenders that need to buy at the trade deadline

With the trade deadline approaching, these four teams need to buy to fulfill their World Series hopes

There’s approximately one month remaining of the MLB regular season before the postseason kicks off in a bubble format. Teams have a choice to make in relatively short order, as the trade deadline is this upcoming Monday, Aug. 30.

With only a 60-game season, the playoff picture is pretty crowded. So teams have a choice to make. Do they push all the chips to the center of the table for a chance at a playoff berth? Or do they opt to stand pat and keep the roster as is? These are four World Series contenders that need to get gutsy and become buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.

Despite the trials and tribulations that this organization has endured this calendar year, the Houston Astros are in prime position to clinch a playoff spot. That’s mostly due to the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels sitting well behind them in the AL Central standings. Even so, the Astros are still a flawed team that was severely hindered by injuries.

The team lost ace Justin Verlander to a forearm injury shortly after the team’s season opener against the Mariners. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is done for the year after undergoing knee surgery. Closer Roberto Osuna is not expected to return after being placed on the 45-day injured list for elbow soreness.

With all the venom and vitriol sent their way, do you seriously think the Astros are going to not make a push for the World Series? Of course not! The Astros should be looking for a quality starting pitcher and a power bat to give them a shot in the playoffs. If not, Houston’s facing an early playoff exit.