MLBTR Originals

Here’s a recap of the original analysis MLBTR offered this week:

• Steve Adams highlighted the 10 best minor league signings of 2016. Pirates outfielder Matt Joyce, Mariners first baseman Dae-ho Lee and Padres left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter are among those who have made notable impacts this year despite initially having to claw for major league roster spots.
• This week’s installment of Jason Martinez’s “Knocking Down the Door” series features a few well-known prospects who are trying to force their way into the majors. Astros infielder Alex Bregman and Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi are two names from an excellent group.
• With the first half of the season in the books, Jeff Todd polled readers on which low-cost offseason acquisition has panned out the best so far. One of the choices, left-hander Drew Pomeranz, went from the Athletics to the Padres by way of a trade that Oakland surely wants back. After stealing Pomeranz from the A’s over the winter, the rebuilding Padres sold high on the 27-year-old earlier this week, sending him to the Red Sox for top-tier pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza.
• Deadline season is in full swing, so Steve analyzed the trade market for catchers. Brewers backstop Jonathan Lucroy is far and away the premier option for teams on the hunt for help at the position.
• Similarly, Jeff examined the selection of starting pitchers whom teams could shop over the next two weeks. Athletics southpaw Rich Hill will likely end up as the most appealing rental available, while there are several intriguing younger starters with club control remaining who could switch uniforms.
• Teams that are competing for playoff berths will need to figure out which areas on their rosters to address around the deadline. With that in mind, Jason pinpointed all the contending clubs’ main needs (AL, NL).