MLB Predictions: Yankees Get Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner To Astros, Red Sox Trade With Mets

We could have a ton of action before the 2019 MLB trade deadline. The top contenders, particularly in the American League, are all reportedly searching for starting pitching.

The New York Yankees have been at the center of trade rumors for weeks, linked to starters that appear likely to be dealt. The Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins are considering upgrading their respective rotations as they chase New York for the AL’s best record. The Boston Red Sox could be hard-pressed to make the playoffs without an improvement to their rotation.

Madison Bumgarner is expected to be traded by July 31. The same goes for Marcus Stroman. The New York Mets could become sellers with a rotation full of trade candidates. Trevor Bauer might be available at the right price. The Detroit Tigers could listen to offers for Matthew Boyd.

What pitchers will end up on playoff teams within the next few weeks? Here are a few predictions for the trade deadline:

Marcus Stroman to the New York Yankees

The Yankees are going to get someone. It just depends on the price they are willing to pay. There have been reports that New York has mixed feelings on Bumgarner, who is having the worst season of his career before hitting free agency. The Yankees reportedly like Mets’ starter Zack Wheeler, but the free-agent-to-be has a high ERA for the Bronx Bombers’ cross-town rivals.

Stroman makes sense for New York because he’s signed beyond this season and has the best ERA of all the trade candidates. Bauer might be the better pitcher, but the Cleveland Indians’ latest surge could prevent them from making a deal. The Yankees acquired J.A. Happ in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, and New York has the assets necessary to make another deal work with their AL East rivals this year.

Madison Bumgarner to the Houston Astros

The Astros are one of several teams that have been linked to Bumgarner. Houston knows as well as anyone what trading for a veteran with a track record of postseason success can mean. The Astros wouldn't have won the 2017 World Series without acquiring Justin Verlander, and it won’t come as a surprise if they send several prospects to the San Francisco Giants for Bumgarner.

Smaller market teams like the Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers might not be as likely to give up prospects for an aging pitcher. Don’t expect the Atlanta Braves to get Bumgarner after signing Dallas Keuchel. Houston might have the AL’s best roster, in search of their third straight 100-plus win season, and Bumgarner could put them over the top.

Zack Wheeler to the Boston Red Sox

The Mets are going to have to realize that their dreams in the spring of making the playoffs are long gone. That means getting something in return for Wheeler, who could walk as a free agent this winter. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have spoken with the Mets about the right-hander, according to SNY You can be sure that the Mets would much rather ship him to Boston than to another borough in New York City.

Wheeler is a logical acquisition for a Boston team that has the sport’s highest payroll and was unwilling to spend big money in the offseason. The Red Sox would only have to pay a small portion of Wheeler’s $5.975 million salary. Despite posting a high 4.69 ERA in the first half, Wheeler’s other numbers suggest that he could be a quality starter down the stretch.