The White Sox are rumored to be considering trading their best position player and pitcher, while the Yankees are faced with a decision regarding their top prospect Jasson Domínguez. The Red Sox are in the race for a wild-card spot, while the Mariners have established a lead in the AL West. Teams like Texas and Arizona, who were in the World Series last year, have not performed well, along with the Cubs and Cardinals. A roundtable discussion between FOX Sports MLB experts Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner covers these topics and more.
The debate over whether the Cardinals or Cubs are the more legitimate playoff contenders leans towards the Cardinals, as they have a history of expecting playoff baseball every year. The presence of Nolan Arenado, a player focused on winning, adds to their determination. On the other hand, the Cubs rely on their starting pitching and may need additional support to make a playoff run. Thosar also suggests considering the Reds as a potential contender.
Regarding Jasson Domínguez, both Thosar and Kavner agree that the Yankees are handling his return correctly, allowing him to play in Triple-A for further development. Thosar suggests bringing him up to the major league roster around the All-Star break to give him opportunities to contribute. Kavner acknowledges that Domínguez needs playing time and patience before making an impact on the team.
The discussion then moves to the Red Sox and their approach to the trade deadline. Thosar believes it is a challenging decision with their prospects in consideration, suggesting a balance between improving the team for the present and securing the future. Kavner suggests letting the season play out, considering their current circumstances and injuries. He predicts that the Red Sox may not make significant moves at the deadline.
The disappointing performances of the Rangers and Diamondbacks following their World Series meeting last year are analyzed. Kavner leans towards the Rangers as potentially getting back to the playoffs due to their pitching strength and expected reinforcements. Thosar agrees, emphasizing the Rangers’ resilience and potential impact of key players like Adolis García. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, have struggled with starting pitching issues that need to be addressed for their success.
The Mariners’ strong position in the AL West is discussed, with Thosar viewing them as a serious contender if they continue to capitalize on their pitching strength and improve their offense. Kavner acknowledges their elite starting pitching and predicts a strong second half for Julio Rodríguez. While not considering them top contenders, he places them in a significant tier below top teams like the Orioles and Yankees.
Lastly, the experts suggest potential trade scenarios for the White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet. Kavner proposes the Phillies as a good fit for Robert due to their position in the division, while Thosar suggests the Orioles as a bold move for Robert. For Crochet, Kavner highlights the Brewers as needing additional pitching strength, while Thosar suggests the Braves as a potential suitor. This roundtable discussion provides insights into various teams’ strategies and prospects for the upcoming season.
