3 Surprise AL Teams That Should Buy at the Deadline

There are only a handful of teams in the American League that people believe have a chance when October rolls around. That may be true, but that doesn't mean the rest of the AL should count themselves out. And with the trade deadline not far off, here are three surprise AL teams that should be buyers.

3. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have been bottom dwellers in the league for the past few years, and were not expected to amount to much in 2019. They sit at 31-34, and while they're 12.5 games out of the AL Central lead, they could still make a run at the Wild Card. If the Indians revert to a rebuild, the White Sox could make a big run up the AL standings and make a postseason push. With Lucas Giolito emerging as an ace, the White Sox could pursue another solid arm to add some balance to the rest of their oft-shaky rotation.

2. Oakland Athletics

Last year's 97-win campaign was surely unprecedented, but the A's have underachieved to start 2019, sitting below .500 and 12 games out of the division race. The Wild Card is still wide open for Oakland, and a hot streak is all it would take to get them back in the postseason mix. Adding some talent to the nucleus could help brew a rally for the A's, so perhaps they should look to buy in the offseason.

1. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers came into the 2019 season with little expectation, as they have a new manager in Chris Woodward. The team had its eyes set on the future, however, Woodward has really changed the culture in Arlington and they are above .500, and are on pace to make the postseason via the Wild Card. Maybe the plan wasn't to compete this year, but if they add some starting pitching instead of selling Mike Minor, the Rangers have a real shot at playing ball in October.