ARLINGTON, Tex. — As Friday’s nonwaiver trading deadline draws near, teams with championship ambitions — especially in the American League — have been busy adding pieces they hope will be difference makers in October.
The Kansas City Royals, who understand how thin the margin can be, having come so close to winning the World Series last year, picked up Johnny Cueto, the ace pitcher they lacked, and Ben Zobrist, a jack-of-all trades who could plug holes at second base or in the outfield.
The Houston Astros bolstered their rotation with Scott Kazmir and could be in the hunt for Cole Hamels while their top competitor in the West, the Los Angeles Angels, snatched up outfielders Shane Victorino, David DeJesus and David Murphy.