Nightengale
Maybe they'll have no choice.
4. Washington Nationals
They had a 19-31 record on May 23, and the only question was who would still be left standing once all of their top assets were sold off. Well, a funny thing happened. They started living up to their potential, going on a 37-18 run.
Now, suddenly, they may be the most feared threat standing in the way of the Dodgers' third consecutive visit to the World Series. You want to face the three-headed pitching monster of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin?
Their biggest problem is getting to the postseason dance. They need bullpen help in the worst way, with their 5.99 ERA. They badly could use two late-inning relievers. At a minimum, they have to get one. No matter what the cost.
It doesn't matter if they soar past the luxury tax, give up some of their top prospects or mortgage the future.
It's a national embarrassment this team has never won a playoff series with this collection of talent.
5. Cleveland Indians
They blew it during the winter when they went cheap and didn't bring back outfielder Michael Brantley. They then saved more money by trading catcher Yan Gomes to the Nationals. They even listened on trade offers for co-aces Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer.
Well, if the Indians want to reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, they need to add someone before their contention window closes.
Maybe they would love to trade Trevor Bauer after his latest antics Sunday infuriated manager Terry Francona, but can they really afford to do that and still stay in contention for the AL Central title? Don't they need to find another outfielder? Another reliever? They are a major-league best 33-14 since June 4. This is not a time for ownership to be cheap, or the front office to be passive. The time to win is now.
6. Chicago Cubs
Team president Theo Epstein, wondering just how long the Cubs' window will remain open, is willing to do just about anything to give this year's edition a legitimate shot at the World Series.
The Cubs already spent $42 million this summer on closer Craig Kimbrel after they were financially tapped out during the winter. They tried to get leadoff help with Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals and Eric Sogard of the Toronto Blue Jays (traded to the Tampa Bay Rays). They are willing to part with players on their major-league roster to get another power bat or more pitching.
It's unknown just what Epstein will pull off, but a bold move should be made.