Each team’s biggest question after the Trade Deadline

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 regarded to enhance their possibilities 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 workforce 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, notably Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, and this lineup must be extra constant as an entire. 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 harm, there have been no additional additions on offense. A lefty-mashing bench bat would have regarded awfully good in Toronto, however now, they want this to return from inside and that begins with a handful of stars residing 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 employees 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 may very well be an amazing 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 preserve 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 collection 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 collection 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 checklist collectively during the last month-plus, supervisor Alex Cora has performed a pleasant job piecing the employees 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 may very well be again by Aug. 11. Houck and Whitlock may come every week or so later. This last stretch with out them may go a good distance in the direction of figuring out if the Sox — a workforce 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 competition. — 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 basic supervisor Brian Cashman, who’s now difficult his roster to reverse what has been a disappointing marketing campaign up to now. 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 straightforward reality is that this workforce 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 alter the story, however it’s operating out. — Bryan Hoch

Guardians: Are they nonetheless contenders?
At the time the Guardians traded their hottest starter, Aaron Civale, on Monday, the workforce sat only a half-game behind the first-place Twins within the AL Central. No matter what their document is, they’re nonetheless effectively inside placing distance of reclaiming the division title. But can they nonetheless try this with out one in every of their major starters and after additionally buying and selling Amed Rosario and Josh Bell for no fast offensive assist? That could also be onerous to do. The Guardians are hoping that with extra alternatives for youthful gamers, they’ll have the ability to stroll the superb line of creating and profitable like they did final 12 months. But with so many accidents to their beginning rotation, it might be troublesome 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 grow to be 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 continues to be in pre-arbitration, however didn’t get the supply they preferred. They additionally explored a deal for veteran catcher Salvador Perez but additionally didn’t really feel like they have been going to get the return they needed for his or her captain and All-Star. These conversations might be revisited this offseason. How the Royals use them to enhance their workforce stays to be seen. — Anne Rogers

Tigers: What’s subsequent with Eduardo Rodriguez?
Rodriguez’s determination 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 probably powerful spot. Rodriguez can decide out of the remaining three years and $49 million of that contract at season’s finish and grow to be a free agent. Because the Red Sox prolonged Rodriguez a qualifying supply two years in the past earlier than he signed with Detroit, he can’t be provided 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 simply make an enormous mistake?
In each 2021 and ’22, the Twins went into the season with expectations of competing and turned in vastly disappointing outcomes. Will their full lack of exercise at this Trade Deadline ship them to a fair more durable collapse? The solely commerce they made was a minor reliever swap of Dylan Floro for Jorge López, as they in the end 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 12 months of disappointment. That may waste their finest pitching employees in latest reminiscence and maybe fall brief within the least aggressive division but. — Do-Hyoung Park

White Sox: What route is the workforce going?
Rumors ran rampant Tuesday a few potential Dylan Cease commerce, which might have been a sign the White Sox may be headed towards one more rebuild, particularly for the reason that membership has contractual management over the right-handed ace by means of 2025. But Cease stayed put, and if he begins subsequent 12 months with the White Sox, what does that point out within the workforce’s larger image? After buying and selling away six pitchers, the White Sox might want to add arms on the very least. Both basic supervisor Rick Hahn and supervisor Pedro Grifol acknowledged these strikes made the group stronger total, 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 have 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 thing doable to make it to the postseason within the final 12 months 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 adequate. 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 may get common enjoying 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 courting again to final offseason, when Seattle’s offensive additions have been Teoscar Hernández, Kolten Wong, AJ Pollock, Tommy La Stella and Cooper Hummel. Only Hernández was on the massive league roster after the Deadline, and the others are gone for an absence of manufacturing. Couple these misses with a really skinny marketplace for bats, and a Mariners offense that has been principally middling might be on the hook for locating a groove over these last eight weeks, or Seattle will retain its standing on the surface wanting in come October. — Daniel Kramer

Rangers: Should they’ve gotten one other bat?
As basic supervisor Chris Young says, you’ll be able to by no means have an excessive amount of pitching. The Rangers’ solely Trade Deadline acquisitions have been two beginning pitchers, a reliever and a defense-first catcher. That will little question revamp the banged-up pitching employees, 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 stated 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 obtainable beginning pitcher and determined to cross on gaining some insurance coverage. Bryce Elder’s previous two begins enhanced hope the Braves can rely on a minimum of 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 situation, 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 achieve 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 just lately returned from the injured checklist. Is that sufficient to enhance the pitching employees? 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 basic supervisor Billy Eppler nonetheless intends to construct a stable roster by means of free company this winter. What that appears like (and the way costly it will get) are questions for one more day. For now, a very powerful factor the Mets should do is decide which gamers might be a part of their short-term future. It’s an open query that features first baseman Pete Alonso, who is barely below workforce management by means of subsequent season. — Anthony DiComo

Nationals: Which younger abilities will contribute this season?
After the Nationals traded veteran Jeimer Candelario to the Cubs of their solely transfer on the Trade Deadline, they referred to as up their No. 27 prospect Jake Alu to see common enjoying 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 type of alternative. — Jessica Camerato

Phillies: Will they hit?
Ask any Phillies fan and they’re going to inform you 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 area, 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 certainly assist, it was not the massive splash many followers have been hoping for. Trouble is, there weren’t many — or any — splashy bats on this 12 months’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 once they have 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 — below 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 effectively, they could improve their commerce worth and produce again higher pitching in a deal. — John Denton

Cubs: Can Marcus Stroman rapidly 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 checklist Wednesday with proper hip irritation. It has been a tricky displaying that dates again to Stroman’s early exit in his London Series begin on June 25 resulting from a blister on his pitching hand, although Stroman stated Wednesday he thinks the hip situation is behind his latest struggles. Stroman, who expects to solely miss one begin, spun a 2.28 ERA in his first 16 outings and made the All-Star workforce. 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 way in which?
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 stage 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 transferring 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 also 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 some other 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 type of lock-down nearer they’ve been in search of over the previous few years once they acquired Paul Sewald from the Mariners. They additionally added infielder Jace Peterson to present them some depth and outfielder Tommy Pham supplies 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 stepping into the appropriate route? 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 a substitute must depend on their younger hurlers to get the job performed. — 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 an incredibly poor rotation, and so they 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 placing out on Eduardo Rodriguez, who didn’t waive his no-trade clause to return to Los Angeles, and Justin Verlander, the Dodgers are left with plenty 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 take care of 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 stress off a pitching employees that has carried out effectively regardless of commonly 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 workforce 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 grow to be the 2 finest gamers on the commerce market. The actuality of San Diego’s Deadline acquisitions is that they have been principally depth additions, making a skinny roster way more full. The Padres have been already pot-committed this season, and so they pushed just a few extra chips to the center on Tuesday. They’re going to want a playoff berth (a minimum of) 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 a great 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 12 months, Romo just 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