MLB Rumors: World Series contenders that need to buy at trade deadline

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 4: Three of the San Francisco Giants World Series trophies sit on display during a retirement ceremony for pitcher Jeremy Affeldt #41 before a game against the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park on October 4, 2015 in San Francisco, California, during the final day of the regular season. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 11: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with teammates Fernando Tatis Jr. #23, Trent Grisham #2 and Jurickson Profar #10 (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

3.. player. Scouting Report. NL. West. San Diego Padres. Pick Analysis. 127

Many expected the San Diego Padres to break out this season, but we didn’t think they’d be this good and this successful! The Padres are a fun team to watch, given their propensity for hitting grand slams, much to their opponents’ dismay. Fernando Tatis Jr. is lighting up the league as arguably it’s best hitter.

Even though the Padres are exceeding expectations, they still sit a handful of games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. If San Diego wants to ensure they get a spot in the playoffs, they need to address their starting pitching.

Dinelson Lamet (2-1, 2.35 ERA) and Zach Davies (4-2, 3.03 ERA) have been impressive in the starting rotation. Many believed that Chris Paddack would lead the way, but he’s struggled thus far, as evidenced by his 5.15 ERA and 34 total strikeouts over 36.2 innings pitched. That should wake up the Padres front office, who need to ensure they have a dominant pitching rotation for the playoffs. The Washington Nationals proved last year how pivotal it is to have quality starters take the mound.

Make some calls and bring in a top-tier pitcher!

Home/MLB