
The trade deadline has come and gone, and now we gear up for the stretch drive to the 2022 MLB Playoffs. Make sure you check out our best betting sites for baseball.
Record: 70-33
Previous ranking: 1
After a disappointing Soto attempt, the Dodgers took a chance on Joey Gallo. They also made modest improvements to their bullpen in Chris Martin but didn’t add a starter, as outsiders pointed out was their greatest need. The Dodgers took a more conservative approach to the deadline than they have become accustomed to. This is largely because outsiders identified their most significant need as a starting pitcher. Dustin May is almost 15 months away from Tommy John surgery. He has been looking great in his rehab and could make a big difference in a rotation that leads the majors for ERA. Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol and Danny Duffy could soon be back to strengthen the bullpen. Walker Buehler is a major wildcard. In other words, the Dodgers think they have enough money to win it all.
Record: 68-38
Previous ranking: 3
Justin Verlander’s remarkable comeback from Tommy John surgery is sure to make his surgeon, Dr Keith Meister, an industry star. Verlander has had a lot to do with his recovery. He has returned to his former level of play at 39 years old. Verlander was 14-3 on Thursday with a 1.81 ERA. His win and ERA totals are at the top of the American League. Verlander is currently in a three-pitcher race to win AL Cy Young honors. He joins Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan and Chicago’s Dylan Cease. The impressive Shohei Ohtani may also be in this conversation. Verlander winning it will be the ultimate declaration that he is back. In 2019, Verlander won the Cy Young, the year before he was hurt. He then played in only one game between 2020 and 2021. It’s remarkable.
Record: 70-36
Previous ranking: 2
The Yankees made several moves at the deadline to strengthen their roster, including adding Frankie Montas as a pitcher and strengthening the outfield with Harrison Bader and Andrew Benintendi. The team traded Gallo to the Dodgers and Jordan Montgomery to the Cardinals. They will no longer rely on Aaron Hicks to provide as much offensive production. New York could use extra help after struggling through July when it went 13-13. — Lee
Record: 65-38
Previous ranking: 4
The Mets only added around the edges, upsetting many of their fans with a platoon-DH in Darin Ru (.886 OPS against lefties) and a reliever Mychal Givens (2.466 ERA with Cubs). They had purchased outfielder Tyler Naquin and DH Dan Vogelbach earlier. Although it’s not apparent, a Vogelbach/Ruf platoon could give the Mets one of the best DH options in the National League after they had minimal production for most of the season. We will see if they regret adding a lefty reliever. They also had Jacob deGrom back Tuesday. He hit 102 mph in five innings and allowed one run over six innings against a Triple-A Nationals lineup.
Record: 63-42
Previous ranking: 5
At the deadline, the Braves made yet another flurry of trades. They acquired Jake Odorizzi from Houston (for Will Smith), Raisel Iglesias (for pitchers Tucker Davidson & Jesse Chavez), Robbie Grossman (from the Tigers), and Ehire Adrianza (from the Nationals). However, the most important news was that the Braves extended their 10-year contract to Austin Riley for $212 million.
Riley stated, “It’s my goal to be here my entire career.” “It’s extraordinary to have the opportunity to work with Chipper Jones and Hank Aaron, who are great examples of men like me,” Riley said.
Record: 60-46
Previous ranking: 7
Juan Soto is headed to San Diego in one of the biggest MLB trades in recent history.
I’m not sure if you heard it, but the Padres did quite well at the trade deadline. They were able to compete on the strength of their pitching staff and have now added Soto, Josh Bell, and Brandon Drury to an already potent lineup. This will be further bolstered by the arrival of Fernando Tatis Jr. Although the Dodgers may have a significant advantage in the NL West, they are still in good shape to make the playoffs.
Record: 58-46
Previous ranking: 6
The Blue Jays are now second in the American League East standings. Jose Berrios is a critical player in the team’s future. He has a 4.96 ERA. But Berrios is a reason to be optimistic, however. The righty posted a 3.00 ERA in 36 innings during July and struck out 42 batters. This was his highest-ever total for any month this season. — Lee
Record: 57-46
Previous ranking: 8
The Brewers are a team to be admired. The Brewers are willing to do what it takes to win and keep their contention window open as long as possible. This trade ofJosh Hader was intended for that purpose. It isn’t easy to stay one step ahead while trying to win. But Milwaukee may not have lost much in pen. Hader had some recent cracks in his armor, so the Brewers were hoping to be able to replace Hader now. Given his increasing salary, they would probably have done so shortly.
Record: 57-49
Previous ranking: 12
Although the Mariners were able to surprise everyone by acquiring Castillo, it cost them three top prospects, including Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo. Castillo is now under team control and will be available to them as a top-of-the-rotation starter. This could help limit the innings of George Kirby or Logan Gilbert. The Mariners will enter 2023 with six great starting pitcher options. The offense didn’t get any new players, but they did add Julio Rodriguez to their lineup for another week. They will soon have Mitch Haniger to their side, but he will be required to make a significant impact.
Record: 55-48
Previous ranking: 9
The Cards didn’t get Montas- or Luis Castillo starters before the deadline, but they made moves around the edges that could propel them to first place. Jose Quintana and Jordan Montgomery fill the back-end, while Chris Stratton serves the middle. Is it enough?
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