I don't think that's all that's needed, I think it's all that's available at anything resembling a reasonable price. I'm not willing to throw a gajillion prospects at the Braves for Teheran. I'm staying away from Gray. I don't even think those guys are available. I'd love to add a legitimate ace to this staff. I don't think it can be done and I sure as hell am not making an ace caliber trade for a guy who isn't an ace.
Also consider this. Of the six teams leading their divisions, which one is the worst? By record, they are the Giants, Rangers, Indians, Cubs, Nationals, and Orioles. By run differential, the Cubs are pretty clearly #1.
Is there a pitcher available that can make this team better than the Cubs? I don't think there is. I think that would take an ace and I don't think any of them are available.
But what would it take to make this team better than the Orioles and Blue Jays? I mean, arguably, this team already is better, but if you solidified the back end of the rotation, you'd come close to guaranteeing that the division is in play. That means there's a move worth making.
What can we trade that isn't Kopech and above?
Chavis, Basabe, and Dubon are all quality prospects.Guys like Johnson, Elias, and Owens still have some young guy value.
What if a trade were Basabe, Dubon, and Roniel Raudes for Jeremy Hellickson? That feels like a lot to give up for a guy like Hellickson, but it's always going to feel like a lot to give up no matter what you give up because a guy like Hellickson just isn't that exciting.