I’m not that concerned about the ALC. But looking at the likely AL playoff teams, there wasn’t enough trades to be made now to catch up to them.
Best to look for maybe breaking the playoff losing streak and prepare for 2024.
Whilst we smack our gobs, let me try a small oracular guess: going to 12 pitchers now is in preparation for trading one of the position players and then activating Keuchel as the 6th starter next week.
But, you can make trades and get the likes of Sam Dyson, or even Matt Capps. Which might be okay, if the cost is manageable. Either way, it’s a roll of the dice, and a natural 1 is as probable as a natural 20.
I’m of this mindset as well. The players returning from the IL are likely better than what would come in any lower cost trade. I’m pretty okay standing pat.