MLB Power Rankings: 1 biggest trade deadline need for every team over .500
By Tim Boyle
12) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves need a middle of the rotation starter or better
Starting pitching is always a need at the trade deadline, ain’t it? The Atlanta Braves could definitely use at least one arm for the middle of the rotation. Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder have been trustworthy. With Max Fried and Kyle Wright on the 60-day IL and Mike Soroka struggling in his pair of starts, the Atlanta rotation is up in the air.
As they always seem to do, the Braves have been trying out new arms as well. Jared Shuster hasn’t proven himself just yet. A middle of the rotation starter or better is something fans would like to see to give them a little more faith this won’t be another year of getting bounced out in the first playoff series they play.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros need a first base upgrade
How big of a first base upgrade will the Houston Astros make? For sure, they can’t continue with Jose Abreu, right? His increasingly declining bat has been a real drag on the offense. He’s definitely the biggest hole, especially when we consider the position he plays and how much production is expected from the average player at this position.
The Astros would benefit most from maybe adding a player capable of doing more than first base. Abreu isn’t getting cut loose just yet, but moving him into a platoon could be something to consider. Other than Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez, this is a team without any other lefties. Houston might want to get creative to tackle this trade deadline need of theirs.