If the playoffs started today, the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, and Houston Astros would win the division. The Astros are the only ones that are currently running away with their division, but the team could still use an upgrade somewhere if a World Series is on their minds. These are three impactful trades that these teams need to make to hold on to their division crowns.
Yankees trade for Yu Darvish
The Yankees have a 38-25 record and a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees pitching staff has been inconsistent, especially with 22-million dollar Japanese pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, so why not bring another Japanese All-Star pitcher to New York?
The Yankees have an abundance of riches right now to afford Darvish, and we are not talking about the money.
Darvish is going to be a free agent after this season, but if he pitched well in New York, could resign. The chemistry that Darvish could potentially bring with Tanaka could also be a clubhouse boost. The craziest thought about this is that New York could afford him.
New York has six prospects in MLB.com's 2017 Top 100 Prospects. The No. 2 ranked prospect, Gleyber Torres, might be off limits, but New York also has the No. 18, No. 32, No. 39, No. 67, and No. 99 ranked prospects. Darvish might not resign with Texas, so if the Rangers don't want to leave empty handed with Darvish, this trade would benefit both sides.
Twins trade for Jason Vargas
If the Royals are out of contention, Vargas should be on the market. Vargas is in the last year of his contract and is his value is high. Vargas is 9-3 with a 2.10 earned run average.
The Twins can't ride Ervin Santana's 2.20 ERA for all season long. If the Twins want to hold off the Indians and put up a fight in the playoffs, a starter could really bolster the Twin's chances.
The Twins only have one prospect in the Top 100, and that is shortstop Nick Gordon.
The Twins just drafted a shortstop with the number one draft pick last week, and the Royals are unsure if third baseman Mike Moustakas will resign. This could be a win-win deal for both teams moving forward.
Astros trade for Chris Archer
Archer is under control until 2021 and will command a steep price from the Rays, but if anyone can afford the trade, it is the Astros.
The Astros have six prospects in the Top 100, and four of them are pitchers. If the Astros wanted to get Archer, it would have to be a similar trade to what the Red Sox gave up for Chris Sale, which were two top fifteen prospects.
The Astros have the No. 15, No. 29, No. 46, No. 72, No. 73, and No. 95 ranked prospects. The Rays would most likely want the No. 15 ranked prospect, pitcher Francis Martes, and the No. 29 ranked prospect, outfielder Kyle Tucker. They would also want a couple of other pieces as well.
The Astros would jump to World Series contender. The Chicago Cubs proved last season that pitching depth can get you far in the postseason. The Astros already have the best lineup in baseball. A pitching rotation with Dallas Keuchel, Archer, and Lance McCullers Jr. would make them a juggernaut in the playoffs.