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Where will teams who missed out on Kimbrel, Keuchel turn next?

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel are both off the market after a lengthy wait in Major League Baseball's unemployment line.

While the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves are delighted to acquire players of their caliber to aid with potential postseason runs, a handful of other teams must shift their sights to new targets.

Here are six teams who missed out on the two All-Stars and what they could do next to make up for it.

Minnesota Twins

While the Twins showed strong interest in both Kimbrel and Keuchel days before the duo agreed to their respective deals, Minnesota still has plenty of options.

The Twins' rotation has been a strength, but finding an upgrade over the injury-prone Michael Pineda could increase their chances of a division crown. Acquiring Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer from the Cleveland Indians doesn't seem plausible, but Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman or Cincinnati Reds starter Tanner Roark could be good fits.

Adding Kimbrel would've been a perfect addition to Minnesota's bullpen, which has produced a 4.59 ERA. Blue Jays closer Ken Giles or San Francisco Giants reliever Will Smith could make up for the loss and be more affordable. - Mcwilliam

Philadelphia Phillies

Where do the Phillies go from here? It's an intriguing question considering where they sit, but also because their need in the outfield might be far more pressing given Andrew McCutchen's season-ending injury and the uncertainty surrounding Odubel Herrera's future with the team. Adding to the bullpen is probably the first order of business on the pitching side, though.

Hector Neris has been great, so a closer probably isn't needed. However, Los Angeles Angels closer Ty Buttrey would fit well in the Phillies' bullpen to take over for the newly injured Seranthony Dominguez. Giants lefty Smith is a pending free agent but could be worth the risk in a trade to try and counter Freddie Freeman down the stretch and, perhaps, Cody Bellinger in the playoffs.

If it's a starter they're after, Philadelphia should call the Blue Jays on Stroman. Toronto is a frequent trading partner, and the right-hander would add a large burst of firepower and playoff experience to the rotation. Alternatively, they have the payroll space to potentially add Zack Greinke in the event the Arizona Diamondbacks are still willing to part with their ace. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

Houston Astros

The Astros comfortably sit atop the AL West with a 44-21 record despite injuries to former MVP Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa. Houston is good enough to return to the World Series, and, as such, aren't in a position to panic.

Still, the Astros would benefit from bolstering the back end of the rotation. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Brad Peacock, and Wade Miley have all handled their workload well, so there's no need for desperation, but the fifth spot is muddier. Collin McHugh struggled, got demoted to the bullpen, and is now on the IL. Rookie Framber Valdez is making his first start on Saturday, but someone with a proven track record would fit in nicely.

Cole is a free agent after the season, so it'd be ideal to get someone who's under team control through at least 2020. Even if they re-sign Cole, another arm would help bridge the gap until Lance McCullers Jr. is 100 percent following Tommy John. Kluber, Bauer, or Stroman will all come with hefty price tags, but the Astros have the prospect capital to pull it off. Even if Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley, and Yordan Alvarez are untouchable, they could part with Corbin Martin or J.B. Bukauskas and still be more than stable. - Wilson

New York Yankees

It's no mystery the Yankees want to add starting pitching.

Luis Severino won't return until after the All-Star break; CC Sabathia is on his last legs and is a frequent visitor to the IL; Domingo German has been great but there's no guarantee the 26-year-old can continue to thrive, and their depth has been fully tapped.

The Yankees were reportedly down to the wire with Keuchel, but wouldn't budge from the prorated offer of around $11-12 million - a damning look considering it only took an extra $1 million for the Braves to land the left-hander.

Instead, they could turn to Giants southpaw Madison Bumgarner, who is available but can reportedly block a trade to New York - and seven other contenders - if he chooses.

The aforementioned Stroman would also be a fit. He knows the AL East well, is a groundball expert - which would play well at homer-friendly Yankee Stadium - and would presumably lay it all on the line for his home state Yankees. Stroman was born in nearby Medford, NY. - Mcwilliam

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays finished second in the Kimbrel sweepstakes, which is wild considering how traditionally frugal Tampa has been. He would have been the perfect fit, solidifying the back end of an already imposing bullpen.

Expect the Rays to be involved in the same market for Giles, Smith, and other closers like Indians left-hander Brad Hand. The team may also target a middle relief option that won't cost as much. A strikeout machine like Miami Marlins right-hander Nick Anderson or Kansas City Royals lefty Jake Diekman fit the bill well. If the Oakland A's can't creep fully back into the race, Joakim Soria or Liam Hendriks are intriguing alternatives.

If the price is right, the Rays could dip into the trade market for a starter as well, but it'd be surprising if they went for one of the front end (see: expensive) options. Bumgarner would be interesting as a rental, but it'd be unprecedented. Someone like Marlins righty Jose Urena, who has several years of control remaining but may be expendable, might be more likely. - Wilson

Atlanta Braves

Landing Keuchel for the balance of 2019 was a great move for the Braves. But the left-hander amounts to a consolation prize given the state of Brian Snitker's bullpen.

Atlanta's relievers have been among the worst in baseball; in the NL, only the Marlins have received less production, per FanGraphs. First-year closer Luke Jackson is racking up the strikeouts but he's far from proven in this position, and that's an issue for a club with pennant aspirations. This team needs relievers.

Giles, who is sure to command a bit of a bidding war, would be a great fit here. The 28-year-old has been one of the best relievers in baseball this season, tallying 42 strikeouts in 25 innings along with a sterling 1.08 ERA. Even further, his 1.3 WAR is tied with Josh Hader for second-best among all relievers. He'd also bring pedigree as the former closer on a World Series champion. Buttrey of the Angels would be another excellent addition for the Braves if the Halos decide to sell. And hey, why not try for both of them? Bullpen depth is sorely needed if the Braves want to keep pace in the NL East. Giles and Buttrey would make Snitker's life a whole lot easier. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

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