The MLB All Star Break has come and gone, which means the trade rumors will be in full effect.  The July 31st deadline always brings about talk and speculation as teams seeking October baseball attempt to add to their already winning rosters, while teams that have a meek outlook look to sell and start revamping for the following season.  

Here’s a look at five teams who could and should become buyers this month.

1. New York Yankees

The Yankees are in first place of the AL East and have a three and a half game lead.  This division isn’t what it was expected to be before the season, but that’s the great thing about baseball; anything can happen.  

Looking at this roster and the Yankees biggest need, they could use some help in the rotation.  They have a 4.24 ERA amongst their starting staff, and have been inconsistent as a whole.  CC Sabathia is having trouble on the mound, and there continue to be injury concerns with Masahiro Tanaka and Ivan Nova as they have already suffered on the injury front this year.  Michael Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi have done their best to hold it down on the mound, but the Yankees could use an ace in the rotation to make a final push for playoff baseball.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

There were high expectations for the Jays heading into the season due to their impressive lineup, but the pitching staff has always been a concern.  As of now, the Jays are four and a half games out of the AL East as the season winds down.  

Like their division rival Yankees, the Blue Jays could use some starting pitching depth.  They have a 4.46 combined ERA amongst their starting rotation, and against the better teams in the league, that’s just not going to cut it.  In a rotation led by Mark Buehrle, R.A. Dickey, and Drew Hutchinson, none of the three have an ERA below three.  

The Jays are lacking an ace, but well in the running to make a postseason appearance because of their stellar offensive lineup.  

3. Houston Astros

One of the best stories of the 2015 season thus far has been the Houston Astros.  They were in control of the AL West, until recently when the Angels took over first place, but they have played great baseball all season long and are only a half game out of first.  There was anticipation that the Astros would put on a better display this season, but to contend in the tough AL West and be well in the race is a surprise.

Ace Dallas Keuchel was the starting pitcher for the American League in the All Star Game, well representing not only the Astros, but the American League as a whole.

Their pitching has been great, but they could use some depth to keep them in contention and toe-to-toe with the Angels.  

Scott Feldman is expected to rejoin the Astros rotation Saturday, which is great news for this club making their final push, but with the addition of a solid fourth or fifth starter, they could really make a statement.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are in second place of the NL Central, only two and a half games behind the first place St. Louis Cardinals.  

When it comes to the Pirates, their roster is solid and they have a decent offense, but they are still lacking in the infield with production.  There’s been talk about the Pirates seeking help at first base, but some pitching help could also be beneficial as they battle for another playoff appearance.

A.J. Burnett and Francisco Liriano have been great for the Pirates this year, but could use an additional piece to the back of the rotation with a solid fourth or fifth starter.  

This time of the year, pitchers are always wanted to strengthen a roster, and the Pirates may be looking to add another one as well.

5. New York Mets

Like the Astros in the AL, the Mets playing good baseball is a good story out of the National League.  They made some moves this offseason, and got back a few impact players who missed time last season.  

Currently, the Mets are in second place of the AL East, two games behind the first place Washington Nationals, but are well in the Wild Card hunt.  

The Mets pitching has been their strong suit led by Matt Harvey who is an absolute ace, but this New York team needs some offensive reinforcements.

Michael Cuddyer has underperformed given his contract this offseason, and the absence of David Wright in the lineup has affected their offensive production.  

The Mets are in a tough division and a tough league stacked with talent.  They have a solid rotation that can shut down the opposition, but they need to be able to put a decent amount of runs on the board.