Things are getting complicated in the National League West and the trade market might soon feel the effects.
With San Francisco's 11-8 win over the Rockies on Wednesday, the Giants swept a four-game series over Colorado and are now a half-game up on the Rockies for third in the West.
Even more complicated, San Francisco is 2 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot in the NL, and if it really wanted to, it could consider buying and getting into the race in Farhan Zaidi's first year running the organization.
That probably won't happen. The Giants have some talent and have had some good performances this year, but their starting lineup averaged 29.2 years of age on opening day, Madison Bumgarner is likely to leave in free agency and Jeff Samardzija has just one year left on his deal. It's time to rebuild and the Giants know it.
But, here's the thing, because the Giants dominated the Rockies so thoroughly, Colorado is starting to consider making some moves. General manager Jeff Bridich said as much. And if Colorado decides to sell, the trade market changes massively. Jon Gray and Scott Oberg could become available, Daniel Murphy could be on the move and maybe even Jake McGee could be considered as a chip.
Murphy could fetch a hefty price on the market and might just be the best bat available, McGee would possibly be the best non-closer lefty out there and Gray is a former top-3 pick. The Rockies could get huge returns on their investments if they decide to sell and teams could get some really valuable pieces.
The Giants didn't just sweep the Rockies, they may have changed the landscape of the deadline.
Studs of the Night
Amed Rosario went 4 for 4 with a home run, triple, two singles, three RBIs and a walk in the Mets' 14-4 win over the Twins.
Jurickson Profar went 2 for 3 with two home runs and four RBIs in the Athletics' 10-2 win over the Mariners.
Dud of the Night
Jesse Chavez gave up seven earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in the Rangers' loss to the Diamondbacks.
Highlight
Justin Smoak really shouldn't have run to second base on this long single to center in the Blue Jays' loss to the Red Sox.
Don't run on Jackie. pic.twitter.com/Z0Wu1bhpze
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 18, 2019
What's Next
Tigers (29-62) at Indians (54-40) 7:10 p.m. ET — The Indians are within four games of the Twins. They could get to within three on Thursday and they have Trevor Bauer (8-7, 3.65 ERA) on the mound. The issue for Cleveland is Matthew Boyd (6-7, 3.95) is on the mound for the Tigers. He's a hot commodity on the market, as well. There are a lot of interesting storylines surrounding this game.