It’s the end of June, which means the All Star break, and halfway point in the season, is vastly approaching and so is the trade deadline.  The competition will heat up fast, and there are some teams that need to add players to strengthen their teams and make a run for October baseball.  Here’s five teams that should make a trade before the July 31st deadline.

5.  Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are in third place in the National League Central and are three and a half games behind the division leading St. Louis Cardinals.  There’s a three team race for that division and the Reds could make some improvements in their bullpen.  Their once dominating bullpen has been struggling this season, and could use some reinforcements as the season progresses. 

4.  Atlanta Braves

The Braves currently have a five game advantage as they sit in first place of the National League East.  They’re sitting pretty in their division, but as the season goes on, their bullpen could use some help.  Eric O’Flaherty and Jonny Venters are both done for the season and they could use a setup man for one of the leagues best in Craig Kimbrel. 

3.  Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have apparently been searching for pitching and have been aggressive about it.  Their rotation could use some improvement.  It’s been said that they would like to add a starter and a bullpen pitcher.  The Orioles surprised a lot of people last year when they won a wild card spot, but this season it’ll be more difficult for them.  They are in the very difficult AL East and are currently tied for second with the New York Yankees and stand three and a half games back.  Every team in the East has a winning record and it’ll be a battle for the division til the end of the season. 

2. San Francisco Giants

The defending World Series Champs aren’t doing so well this year.  They’re in fourth place of the NL West and three and a half games behind the division leading Arizona Diamondbacks.  They have faced a lot of injuries this season, the latest being outfielder, Angel Pagan; but one of the main concerns has been the starting pitching.  Last year their pitching was pretty dominant, this year that’s not the case.  Look for the Giants to add a starting pitcher to their rotation.  If they want to continue to contend and get over the .500 mark, they’ll have to make some improvements, starting with the pitching staff.

1.  Detroit Tigers

Last season the Tigers won the AL Central and went to the World Series as the American League Champions, only to be swept by the San Francisco Giants.  Even last season they had bullpen trouble, and this season it has been worse.  Right now the Tigers are in first place in the Central with a two and a half game lead.  Look for the Tigers to make a trade for a closer before the deadline.  They designated Jose Valverde for assignment, but still need a good closer.  A veteran closer would greatly help that bullpen and their chances for the postseason.