The Mariners and Cubs have had recent trade talks, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter), though he’s yet to ascertain which specific players were involved. The conversations didn’t center around Starlin Castro, Crasnick continues. Clearly, there could be a wide range of targets at play here, though the Cubs have been connected to pitching upgrades in both the rotation and the bullpen.
Some more trade notes from a couple of ESPN’s top reporters…
- In today’s Rumor Roundup over at ESPN, Jayson Stark writes that other teams view Tyson Ross as the Cubs’ top trade target. Chicago likes Andrew Cashner but considers him a fallback option, should the price for Ross become too steep. Both Castro and Javier Baez have previously been of interest to the Padres, although Castro’s stock is way down. Stark also reported today that the Cubs are now “aggressively” shopping Castro.
- From that same piece, Stark adds that other clubs believe Justin Upton, Cashner and Joaquin Benoit are the most likely players to be traded by the Padres, and one particular executive to whom Stark spoke feels it’s “likely” that Craig Kimbrel will be traded as well. In a followup tweet, Stark adds that the number of people who feel Kimbrel will end up with the Yankees is “amazing.” New York already possesses a dominant late-inning duo in the form of Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances. Adding Kimbrel to the mix would give them a trio to rival the three-headed bullpen monster (Greg Holland, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera) that the Royals rode to the World Series in 2014. The Astros, too, like Kimbrel, according to Stark. However, Houston wouldn’t want to take on all of the money he’s owed.
- Stark also tweets that the Reds are still discussing Aroldis Chapman with teams, but the price remains very high. At this time, the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Giants and Astros are all in the mix for Chapman, who is earning $8.05MM in 2015 and is controlled via the arbitration process for the 2016 season.
Maybe the Tigers can get into the Kimbrel trade mix and offer Jacoby Jones lol!
The Giants and Dodgers should kick tires on Kimbrel
Phillyphantics- yeah kick tires on one of the most dominant closers in the game in Craig Kimberl……cause he’s washed up and hasn’t been dominant this year again…..oh wait. I assume kick the tires means offer up a hefty package for Kimberl and cash?
You kick the tires on a guy like Shawn Kelly who’s also a FA at seasons ends and an ok bullpen option.
Kick tires means check in on what it would take, you dolt
Would “due diligence” have pleased you more mr sarcasm??
Giants need to figure out a way to get a package of Chapman and Leake. Any 4 players the Reds want not on the 25 man.
So weird the Padres have been filled with rumors and yet to make a deal.. not even a sure fire rental has been traded yet. Makes me wonder if they are wanting too much or if some big deal is brewing.
If Preller keeps waiting, he’ll have the only guys left…maybe that’s his plan?
No- kick the tires means you have some interest but aren’t willing part with anything substantial. Kick the tires refers to players who a team should take a chance/flyer on in hopes you get unexpected production. You don’t really know what kick the tires means do you?
A better phrase would have been” they should inquire on the Padres asking price for Kimbrel” or ” they should try to work a trade out” or ” they should offer x y z players for Kimbrel” those would have been better.