The Trade Deadline is now behind us and the baseball panorama has modified as we head into the stretch run of the common season with an eye fixed towards October. Following all of the wheeling and dealing as groups seemed to enhance their probabilities of reaching and succeeding within the postseason, what’s every membership’s largest query now that the mud has settled?
With the assistance of every MLB.com beat author, this is a take a look at what each group is asking post-Deadline:
Blue Jays: Is the offense sufficient?
On paper, completely, however that’s not the place the sport is performed. The Blue Jays want extra out of their stars, significantly Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, and this lineup must be extra constant as a complete. The Blue Jays have struggled with situational hitting, however outdoors of the addition of Paul DeJong to cowl them at shortstop whereas Bo Bichette offers with a knee damage, there have been no additional additions on offense. A lefty-mashing bench bat would have seemed awfully good in Toronto, however now, they want this to come back from inside and that begins with a handful of stars dwelling as much as their potential. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: Did they add sufficient pitching?
It was no secret Baltimore was going to focus on pitching assist, and it bolstered its workers with the additions of right-handed starter Jack Flaherty and righty reliever Shintaro Fujinami. Over the previous two weeks, Fujinami has already confirmed to be a high-leverage possibility out of the bullpen, and Flaherty could possibly be an incredible match within the rotation over the following two-plus months. But do the Orioles have the pitching to make a deep October run? They’ll additionally must attempt to hold their arms recent, with an assortment of pitchers already approaching their career-high innings totals. — Jake Rill
Rays: Can they catch the Orioles?
The Rays held a 6 1/2-game division lead on the finish of June, solely to search out themselves 1 1/2 video games behind Baltimore a month later after their bats went chilly all through a brutal July. But Tampa Bay has its sights set on the AL East title after including starter Aaron Civale from Cleveland on Monday. The Rays appear to have hit their stride once more with a pair of sequence wins in Houston and the Bronx, however can they shut the hole the following two months? It might come right down to a four-game sequence at Camden Yards in late September. — Adam Berry
Red Sox: Can they bridge the hole till Sale, others return?
With Chris Sale, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock all on the injured record collectively during the last month-plus, supervisor Alex Cora has achieved a pleasant job piecing the workers along with bullpen video games and bulk-inning performances. You marvel if the bullpen will finally put on down with a lot requested of it. Sale could possibly be again by Aug. 11. Houck and Whitlock may come per week or so later. This last stretch with out them may go a great distance in the direction of figuring out if the Sox — a group that chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom labeled an underdog whereas not making a big transfer main as much as the Trade Deadline — can keep in rivalry. — Ian Browne
Yankees: Can they modify the storyline?
Reggie Jackson used to say that “as long as you hold a bat in your hands, you can change the story.” That’s a phrase favored by common supervisor Brian Cashman, who’s now difficult his roster to reverse what has been a disappointing marketing campaign to date. Caught in between shopping for and promoting on the Trade Deadline, the Yanks basically did neither, including solely a few bullpen arms. That hardly solves their season-long offensive points, and whereas Aaron Judge’s return makes the lineup extra formidable, the easy reality is that this group goes nowhere until DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton can hit to the backs of their baseball playing cards. There’s nonetheless time to vary the story, but it surely’s operating out. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: Are they nonetheless contenders?
At the time the Guardians traded their hottest starter, Aaron Civale, on Monday, the group sat only a half-game behind the first-place Twins within the AL Central. No matter what their file is, they’re nonetheless nicely inside putting distance of reclaiming the division title. But can they nonetheless try this with out one among their major starters and after additionally buying and selling Amed Rosario and Josh Bell for no rapid offensive assist? That could also be arduous to do. The Guardians are hoping that with extra alternatives for youthful gamers, they’ll be capable of stroll the wonderful line of creating and profitable like they did final yr. But with so many accidents to their beginning rotation, it might be tough to repeat the feat. — Mandy Bell
Royals: How does this set the stage for the offseason?
The Royals have loads of areas they should enhance to change into aggressive once more, and a method to do this is buying and selling away just a few stars whereas getting a return that doesn’t transfer the Major League membership backward. Kansas City explored a deal involving reliever Carlos Hernández, a 26-year-old who remains to be in pre-arbitration, however didn’t get the provide they appreciated. They additionally explored a deal for veteran catcher Salvador Perez but in addition didn’t really feel like they had been going to get the return they needed for his or her captain and All-Star. These conversations can be revisited this offseason. How the Royals use them to enhance their group stays to be seen. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: What’s subsequent with Eduardo Rodriguez?
Rodriguez’s choice to not approve a commerce to the Dodgers, a proper negotiated into the contract he signed to affix the Tigers as a free agent two years in the past, places president of baseball operations Scott Harris in a doubtlessly powerful spot. Rodriguez can decide out of the remaining three years and $49 million of that contract at season’s finish and change into a free agent. Because the Red Sox prolonged Rodriguez a qualifying provide two years in the past earlier than he signed with Detroit, he can’t be supplied one other, so the Tigers wouldn’t get a Draft decide as compensation if he indicators elsewhere. So Harris’ solely possibility is to attempt to negotiate a contract extension, assuming Rodriguez opts out. Rodriguez has made it clear he loves Detroit, in order that helps. — Jason Beck
Twins: Did they only make an enormous mistake?
In each 2021 and ’22, the Twins went into the season with expectations of competing and turned in massively disappointing outcomes. Will their full lack of exercise at this Trade Deadline ship them to an excellent harder collapse? The solely commerce they made was a minor reliever swap of Dylan Floro for Jorge López, as they finally didn’t discover a deal that cleared their bar and held pat. But if issues go awry down the stretch — accidents or continued lack of offensive consistency — they may face the notion of a 3rd straight yr of disappointment. That may waste their greatest pitching workers in current reminiscence and maybe fall quick within the least aggressive division but. — Do-Hyoung Park
White Sox: What path is the group going?
Rumors ran rampant Tuesday a couple of potential Dylan Cease commerce, which might have been a sign the White Sox could be headed towards one more rebuild, particularly for the reason that membership has contractual management over the right-handed ace via 2025. But Cease stayed put, and if he begins subsequent yr with the White Sox, what does that point out within the group’s greater image? After buying and selling away six pitchers, the White Sox might want to add arms on the very least. Both common supervisor Rick Hahn and supervisor Pedro Grifol acknowledged these strikes made the group stronger general, however added that the main focus is simply as a lot for ’24 as it’s for ’25 and ’26. — Scott Merkin
Angels: Did they do sufficient to make the postseason?
The Angels had been as aggressive as anybody main as much as the Trade Deadline, buying infielders Eduardo Escobar, Mike Moustakas and C.J. Cron; relievers Reynaldo López and Dominic Leone; outfielder Randal Grichuk and starter Lucas Giolito by way of trades. They made these strikes regardless of being three video games out of the AL Wild Card chase, however they’re doing every part doable to make it to the postseason within the final yr of Shohei Ohtani’s contract. The Angels are all in on 2023 in an try and make the playoffs for the primary time in 9 years, and it’ll be fascinating to see the way it pans out. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: Is reuniting with Verlander and Graveman sufficient for a repeat?
The Astros addressed their two largest wants on the Trade Deadline by buying a back-end reliever in Kendall Graveman from the White Sox, and a starter in Justin Verlander from the Mets. Both are acquainted faces who’ve had previous success in Houston. Sure, the Astros may have used a left-handed bat, however when the lineup is at full energy, it’s ok. Now the query turns into whether or not the additions of Verlander and Graveman strengthened their pitching sufficient to get them again to the World Series and make a run at a repeat championship. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: Can the younger gamers set up themselves as large leaguers?
With Jace Peterson’s commerce to the D-backs creating a gap at third base, the chance is there for 22-year-old rookie Jordan Diaz to cement himself because the on a regular basis participant on the sizzling nook. Tyler Soderstrom (Oakland’s No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline) and Zack Gelof (No. 3), each of whom are seen as potential franchise cornerstones, are additionally now within the large leagues and will get common taking part in time over the ultimate two months of the season. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: Will they remorse not including extra?
This may simply as simply be a wider query relationship again to final offseason, when Seattle’s offensive additions had been Teoscar Hernández, Kolten Wong, AJ Pollock, Tommy La Stella and Cooper Hummel. Only Hernández was on the large league roster after the Deadline, and the others are gone for a scarcity of manufacturing. Couple these misses with a really skinny marketplace for bats, and a Mariners offense that has been principally middling can be on the hook for locating a groove over these last eight weeks, or Seattle will retain its standing on the skin trying in come October. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: Should they’ve gotten one other bat?
As common supervisor Chris Young says, you may by no means have an excessive amount of pitching. The Rangers’ solely Trade Deadline acquisitions had been two beginning pitchers, a reliever and a defense-first catcher. That will little question revamp the banged-up pitching workers, however amid a battle with the Astros within the AL West, did they want one other bat for the stretch run? Will the DH rotation of Mitch Garver, Robbie Grossman and Brad Miller be sufficient to maintain Texas afloat? Young mentioned on the Deadline that he’s assured with the depth and flexibility of the lineup because it stands. That’ll be put to the take a look at down the stretch. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: Should they’ve added a beginning pitcher?
President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos checked in on each accessible beginning pitcher and determined to cross on gaining some insurance coverage. Bryce Elder’s previous two begins enhanced hope the Braves can depend on no less than 4 of their rotation spots. They can combine and match with AJ Smith-Shawver, Michael Soroka and others within the fifth spot. If Max Fried’s left forearm doesn’t show to be a lingering difficulty, the postseason rotation must be robust. But if the fourth and fifth rotation spots are problematic down the stretch, the bullpen may enter October fatigued. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: Did they do sufficient to succeed in the postseason?
In a large open NL Wild Card race, Miami added 36 homers and 100 RBIs to one of many lowest-scoring lineups by buying Jake Burger and Josh Bell. Plus, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Avisaíl García lately returned from the injured record. Is that sufficient to enhance the pitching workers? And regardless of David Robertson blowing a save on Tuesday, he and Jorge López’s insertion into the bullpen must be thought of upgrades. — Christina De Nicola
Mets: Can they be aggressive in 2024?
In buying and selling each Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander previous to the Deadline, the Mets shifted their best window from the current day to 2025 and past. But common supervisor Billy Eppler nonetheless intends to construct a strong roster via free company this winter. What that appears like (and the way costly it will get) are questions for one more day. For now, an important factor the Mets should do is decide which gamers can be a part of their short-term future. It’s an open query that features first baseman Pete Alonso, who is simply underneath group management via subsequent season. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: Which younger skills will contribute this season?
After the Nationals traded veteran Jeimer Candelario to the Cubs of their solely transfer on the Trade Deadline, they known as up their No. 27 prospect Jake Alu to see common taking part in time at third base. Manager Dave Martinez defined: “The opportunity to give another young kid a chance to play is what we’re looking for right now.” Now it stays to be seen which different prospects will get the identical sort of alternative. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: Will they hit?
Ask any Phillies fan and they’re going to let you know they needed the Phillies to amass an enormous bat earlier than the Trade Deadline as a result of the offense has been inconsistent for a lot of the season. They didn’t, buying solely utility infielder Rodolfo Castro from the Pirates. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is banking on the superstars in his lineup — Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber — discovering their groove within the season’s last two months. — Todd Zolecki
Brewers: Did they do sufficient to bolster the offense?
The Brewers are final within the NL in OPS at first base and proper subject, so GM Matt Arnold did one thing about it with out emptying the system of prospects. In Carlos Santana, the Brewers even improved the protection whereas getting a switch-hitter with some energy for first base. In Mark Canha, they acquired a slightly-above-average hitter (102 OPS+) whose historical past and sub-.300 batting common on balls in play counsel he has upside over the following two months. But whereas these two veterans can absolutely assist, it was not the large splash many followers had been hoping for. Trouble is, there weren’t many — or any — splashy bats on this yr’s market. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: What can they do now so as to add beginning pitching in 2024?
As if the Cardinals didn’t have already got a busy offseason forward of them, the diploma of issue ramped up after they had been unable to land an MLB-ready starter earlier than Tuesday’s Trade Deadline. The Cards have simply two established starters — Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz — underneath contract for 2024 after dealing away Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery. Their 5 offers earlier than Tuesday netted them 10 gamers (seven pitchers) however just one with MLB expertise (John King). To land pitching, the Cards must be aggressive in free company and the commerce market. If Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, Lars Nootbaar and Tommy Edman can play nicely, they could improve their commerce worth and convey again higher pitching in a deal. — John Denton
Cubs: Can Marcus Stroman shortly get again on observe?
Over his final seven outings for the Cubs, Stroman has logged a 9.00 ERA, permitting 30 earned runs in 30 innings throughout that stretch earlier than being positioned on the 15-day injured record Wednesday with proper hip irritation. It has been a troublesome displaying that dates again to Stroman’s early exit in his London Series begin on June 25 attributable to a blister on his pitching hand, although Stroman mentioned Wednesday he thinks the hip difficulty is behind his current struggles. Stroman, who expects to solely miss one begin, spun a 2.28 ERA in his first 16 outings and made the All-Star group. That is the pitcher the North Siders want once more for the stretch run. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: How does the beginning rotation cowl innings the remainder of the best way?
Entering Spring Training, the Pirates had eight starters on their 40-man roster who projected to toss Major League innings. Of these eight, three had season-ending surgical procedure (JT Brubaker, Mike Burrows and Vince Velasquez) and one was traded (Rich Hill). Additionally, Roansy Contreras is with the Rookie degree FCL Pirates after struggling for weeks, and Luis Ortiz is struggling in Triple-A. Newly acquired Bailey Falter ought to contribute innings, however the Pirates must work out who covers innings shifting ahead. — Justice delos Santos
Reds: Can the rotation get them into the playoffs?
They might have been consumers searching for rotation and bullpen assist, however the Reds got here away from the Trade Deadline with solely lefty reliever Sam Moll arriving from Oakland. Cincinnati starters entered Wednesday ranked twenty eighth in ERA, however have carried out considerably higher for the reason that All-Star break. The membership can be banking on Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo each getting back from accidents earlier than the tip of August. Without an enormous addition, the Reds must hope that Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, Greene, Lodolo and another arm they use is sufficient to get them into October. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: Did they do sufficient?
The D-backs imagine they acquired the sort of lock-down nearer they’ve been on the lookout for over the previous few years after they acquired Paul Sewald from the Mariners. They additionally added infielder Jace Peterson to present them some depth and outfielder Tommy Pham offers an influence right-handed bat for a left-handed-heavy outfield. They additionally picked up Peter Strzelecki for some bullpen depth. But will that be sufficient to assist get them moving into the appropriate path? Arizona was 8-16 in July, falling from first place within the NL West to 3rd. They weren’t in a position so as to add a beginning pitcher and can as an alternative need to depend on their younger hurlers to get the job achieved. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: Will the beginning pitching maintain up?
The Dodgers went into the Trade Deadline needing a pair of high quality starters to assist a surprisingly poor rotation, they usually did near nothing to fill that want. Los Angeles acquired Lance Lynn from the White Sox, and he’s anticipated to be an enormous assist. But after putting out on Eduardo Rodriguez, who didn’t waive his no-trade clause to come back to Los Angeles, and Justin Verlander, the Dodgers are left with a variety of questions on a rotation that posted a 6.18 ERA in July. — Juan Toribio
Giants: Will the veteran bats decide it up down the stretch?
Despite rating thirtieth within the Majors in just about each offensive class in July, the Giants made just one transfer on the Trade Deadline, buying outfielder AJ Pollock in a minor cope with the Mariners. Without making any important upgrades to their slumping lineup, the Giants will want regulars like Michael Conforto, Joc Pederson, Brandon Crawford, J.D. Davis and LaMonte Wade Jr. to ship regular manufacturing over the ultimate two months and take some strain off a pitching workers that has carried out nicely regardless of frequently utilizing openers to fill three of their 5 rotation spots. — Maria Guardado
Padres: Can they flip their season round and make this all value it?
Other groups made bolder strikes on the Trade Deadline. But there might have been no bolder group on the Deadline than the Padres, who — regardless of sitting 5 video games out of a playoff spot, needing to leap three groups in entrance of them — determined so as to add to their roster in three separate trades. Meanwhile, they hung onto Blake Snell and Josh Hader, who would possibly’ve change into the 2 greatest gamers on the commerce market. The actuality of San Diego’s Deadline acquisitions is that they had been principally depth additions, making a skinny roster way more full. The Padres had been already pot-committed this season, they usually pushed just a few extra chips to the center on Tuesday. They’re going to want a playoff berth (no less than) to make all of it value it. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: Who is subsequent?
Trades that moved veterans out of Denver imply that, for many video games, rookies Ezequiel Tovar (who has been within the lineup since Opening Day), Nolan Jones, Brenton Doyle and Michael Toglia, in addition to second-year man Elehuris Montero have an excellent shot to be within the beginning lineup. Will there be extra prospects coming to Denver? Catcher Drew Romo (Rockies’ No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline) and catcher/utilityman Hunter Goodman (No. 13) are amongst touted prospects which have been at Double-A Hartford all season and offering energy — Goodman all yr, Romo lately. Outfielders Yanquiel Fernandez (No. 87 within the MLB Pipeline Top 100, No. 3 for the Rockies) and Jordan Beck (No. 98 and No. 4) moved up from High-A Spokane to Hartford, and are clearly on the radar. — Thomas Harding
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