Despite the lack of blockbuster moves, the trade deadline raised questions about the preparedness of playoff contenders and the favorites emerging from each league. Experts Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner discuss the teams they believe regret not addressing starting pitching, highlight underappreciated trades, and analyze the pitching staffs best constructed for the postseason among AL division leaders. They also examine the decisions of the Giants and Reds to resist being full-fledged sellers, contrasting their outlooks for the future.
**Kavner:** The list of teams that failed to adequately address their starting pitching is extensive, including the Guardians, Padres, Braves, Brewers, Twins, Yankees, and Mets. With the market lacking in difference-making starting pitchers, the Guardians and Padres made some acquisitions, but the additions were questionable.
**Cleveland:** Alex Cobb, an All-Star last year, is recovering from hip surgery and a shoulder issue and hasn't pitched this season. The club's rotation ranks near the bottom in starters' ERA.
**San Diego:** Martín Pérez is not a major upgrade to a rotation that features Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish. Musgrove and Darvish have shown some uncertainty in the second half.
**New York Yankees:** Brian Cashman's failure to address the rotation remains puzzling. The current 1-2 punch of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón is not intimidating, and questions surround Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Luis Gil's performance in the playoffs. Cashman's decision not to trade for Jack Flaherty could be a significant miss.
**Jazz Chisholm (Yankees):** Despite the doubt surrounding his ability to handle the responsibilities placed on him, Chisholm has been a surprise in his new role at third base. He has showcased power hitting and is navigating the intense New York media scrutiny well.
**Jason Adam (Padres):** Adam has been exceptional this year with a 2.49 ERA in 47 games for the Rays. He is under club control until 2026, providing stability for San Diego's bullpen.
**A.J. Puk (Diamondbacks):** Puk's 4.02 ERA is misleading as most of his struggles came when the Marlins used him as a starter. As a reliever, Puk has a 1.89 ERA.
**Lucas Erceg (Royals):** Drafted as a third baseman, Erceg transitioned to pitching in 2021. At 29, he throws a 98.5 mph fastball and has a slider opponents are hitting .067 against this year.
**NL:** Phillies
**AL:** Orioles
**NL:** Dodgers
**AL:** Mariners
**Astros:** Their pitching staff has postseason experience and has faced adversity. They have a strong schedule in August, which will provide a good test before October.
**Astros:** With Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Josh Hader among others, they have a formidable rotation and bullpen.
**Reds:** A disappointing trade deadline, with only Frankie Montas being traded. They could have traded Nick Martinez and Jonathan India but chose to keep them.
**Giants:** A puzzling decision to hold onto Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, and LaMonte Wade Jr. They traded Jorge Soler but added Mark Canha. The offense is still not strong enough to compete.
**Reds:** The Reds had a great opportunity to trade Jonathan India but failed to capitalize on it. They could have set up a strong future by giving up more of their desirable players.
**Giants:** The Giants' unwillingness to sell may have cost them the chance to improve their farm system. Blake Snell would have likely brought a significant return.
