In the weeks prior to the Trade Deadline, all eyes were on the Los Angeles Angels to see if they were going to put their two-way mega superstar on the trading block-due to pending free-agency in the off-season. When the decision was set to pull Shohei Ohtani off the market, the stage was set in what became an upgrade race among three AL West teams: The Angels, the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros.

 

The Angels made notice they weren't going to stand down all because they lost superstar OF Mike Trout to an injury and hit a downturn. They got hot at the right time as they believe they can still get into the postseason. They added a starting pitcher in Lucas Giolito, two relievers for the bullpen, and, help in the first base and outfield department from the Colorado Rockies. The Texas Rangers, under threat from the reigning World Champs, added starting pitchers Max Scherzer from the New York Mets and Jordan Montgomery from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Houston Astros were not going to ignore what the Rangers were doing so they brought back a familiar face back to the starting rotation in Justin Verlander, who they lost to the Mets during last off-season. With the final two months set, the race is on to see if the AL West can get three teams into the postseason.

 

EYEING THE DECISION TO SELL OR BUY

Three teams made headlines as all eyes were on to see if they were going to buy or sell. The St Louis Cardinals, having an unexpected bad season, pretty much went on sell mode as they traded away Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Jack Flaherty and Paul DeJong. Another team that was rumored to be on a sell mode was the San Diego Padres. The Padres supposedly had Blake Snell, Josh Hader and Juan Soto (at a certain point). Instead they went on add mode as they traded for the likes of 1B Garrett Cooper and RP Scott Barlow. Bigger than the Cardinals season, the New York Mets were supposed to be aiming for the postseason as their offseason spree continued with the signing of SP Justin Verlander among others. Thanks to not performing to expectations as they were getting surpassed by the surprising Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets parted ways with Verlander, SP Max Scherzer, closer David Robertson, OF Tommy Pham and OF Mark Canha. The Mets were supposed to be a better team this year but that is falling way short of goal.

 

THE FINAL MOVES ARE SET

All the teams ranked in our power rankings at least made one move. The move(s) may prove to be what could lead to the postseason. With no August waiver moves in-play, teams had to make the right moves that may end up determining their season or positioning.