MLB trade rumors: 9 teams that could target Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chad Kuhl

The Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are in a similar boat as the Orioles are. The Rangers are just 3.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot as their record is 40-44.

Their starters have an ERA of 4.50, which is 22nd in the sport. Former Rockies starter Jon Gray and Martín Pérez have been their best starters. After those two, the Rangers starters have been below league average and/or currently on the injured list.

The Chicago White Sox

Unlike the previous two teams we talked about, the Chicago White Sox have been an unmitigated disaster. After handily winning the AL Central last year, they are 3.5 games back of the last Wild Card spot. Frankly, they don’t have a prayer to make the playoffs unless they fire manager Tony La Russa.

If they decide that they want to win and move on from him, one area that should be addressed is the starting rotation.

Their rotation has a 4.18 ERA, which is 19th in baseball. Dylan Cease should be an All-Star, Johnny Cueto has been good (2.91 ERA in 11 games, 10 starts) and Michael Kopech has been good too (3.35 ERA in 16 starts).

But Kopech has been handled with kid gloves as he is returning from Tommy John and is averaging less than five innings per start and the other starters, including Lucas Giolito who has received Cy Young Award votes in each of the last three seasons, have an ERA north of 5.00.