The All-Star Break has officially come and gone, which means all eyes turn to the second half of the season and the official push to the playoffs begins. That being said, a post-All-Star break means it’s time for teams to start buying and selling. With the Trade Deadline only 12 days away it is just a matter of time before GM’s start wheeling and dealing for a push to the postseason. Two highly touted playoff contenders kicked the official start to the trade season off last night.
The first of the two trades come out of the National League, which was finalized last night. This trade would send Orioles superstar Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers for their #4 Prospect, Pitcher, Yunsiel Diaz, along with four other prospects. This trade immensely helps the Dodgers as they get an impressive bat and glove for the rest of the season before Corey Seagers return next season. As for this season, Machado gives the Dodgers legitimate firepower to possibly make another appearance in hopes to raise a World Series Trophy in October.
The second trade came out of the American League, which was finalized this afternoon. This trade would send San Diego Padres closer, Brad Hand, and relief pitcher, Adam Cimber to the Cleveland Indians for their top prospect, catcher, Francisco Mejia. Although this trade bulks an ever-struggling Indians Bullpen up, it will not do much for the Indians in the way of surpassing any of three powerhouses, Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, in the regular season standings. Although it certainly could be a major factor in what is already going to be an exciting postseason in the American League. With stellar pitching being a big factor in recent Postseasons, the Indians back of the bullpen, which would consist of Andrew Miller (when healthy), Cody Allen, Adam Cimber and Brad Hand working the 9th could wreak havoc on AL teams in the postseason. As of right now, it looks like any path you take in the AL Postseason, it is going to be a bloodbath to reach the Fall Classic.
As for whats next, the biggest domino in Manny Machado has fallen giving teams leeway to start wheeling and dealing, so expect a busy lead up to the 2018 MLB Trade Deadline, and an even busier trade deadline day, which is scheduled for July 31st.
