3 key takeaways from the Mariners' trade deadline moves

#3. The Mariners have a real chance to overtake the Astros

With the race to the top of the AL West still razor close, Seattle's moves are even more impressive when compared to what the Astros did. Houston's only move of note was to acquire LHP Yusei Kikuchi for three expensive prospects, a peculiar decision given Kikuchi's status as a true rental starter. The Astros also acquired LHP Caleb Ferguson, a reliever with a 5.13 ERA from the Yankees over 33.1 innings pitched. Neither one of these moves are what they needed to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

While the Mariners managed to bolster the weaker parts of their roster, namely the offense and back of the bullpen, the Astros still have the same problems: a damaged rotation and a lack of effective lefty relievers. They have a combined starter ERA of 4.23, 18th in MLB. Josh Hader has a 4.11 ERA as one of just two lefty relievers, the other being big-league newcomer Bryan King. It would be surprising if Kikuchi and Ferguson were the answers to these problems.

Could this be the year that Seattle wins the division for the first time since 2001? If the trade deadline is any indication, the answer could be yes.