With the non-waiver deadline a week from today, here’s a look at some of the talk pertaining to the top names available on the pitching market…
- MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand writes that the Mariners could be considering a run at Sonny Gray. Though intradivision trades are rare, GM Jerry Dipoto has already made multiple trades within the division (including the Danny Valencia trade with Gray’s Athletics), Feinsand observes. (Additionally, A’s president Billy Beane has also dealt with division rivals more frequently than most presidents/GMs). One obstacle, of course, would be the Mariners’ farm system. Seattle has already dealt Tyler O’Neill to the Cardinals for Marco Gonzales, and the M’s acquired David Phelps for a four-prospect package headlined by well-regarded young outfielder Brayan Hernandez as well. Feinsand notes that Gray would very likely require the Mariners to part with top prospect Kyle Lewis, though there’d need to be additional prospects in any package, and it’s not clear if Seattle could cobble together a bid that would top the rest of the field.
- The Tigers are “aggressively shopping” Justin Verlander, Feinsand hears, but Detroit also “doesn’t appear willing to eat much” of Verlander’s remaining contract to facilitate a deal. Feinsand spoke to one American League GM that termed most of the talks regarding Verlander as “idle conversation,” though that GM also predicted that the former Cy Young winner will be moved by next Monday’s deadline.
- The Dodgers were interested in Rangers ace Yu Darvish even before Clayton Kershaw’s back injury, writes Jon Morosi of MLB.com. The timetable for Kershaw’s return, once determined, will further impact their level of interest in Darvish and other arms on the market. Morosi hears that among Dodgers’ top prospects, the team is most attached to right-hander Walker Buehler, who has already ascended to Triple-A and could conceivably help the club in 2017. Texas, meanwhile, would likely target two of the Dodgers’ top four prospects (Buehler, Yadier Alvarez, Alex Verdugo and Willie Calhoun), per Morosi, which is a steep but largely unsurprising ask with the Rangers seemingly on the fence about whether to move Darvish at all.
- The Marlins are missing an important opportunity to try to convince a team to overpay for right-hander Dan Straily, opines Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Teams like the Cubs, Twins, Brewers and Mariners are all on the hunt for controllable arms, and Straily is controlled through 2020 with very solid numbers dating back to Opening Day 2016. The paucity of quality arms available could allow the Fish to accelerate their rebuild by cashing in on Straily, but the Marlins are instead shopping only their relievers and “perhaps Dee Gordon,” according to Sherman.
24TheKid
I don’t want this to happen but I think a package of, Lewis, Neidert, Povse, Gonzalez and Viera could get it done.
greenarrow1150
They aren’t good enough. I still see the brewers trading for Gray, and getting Brinson. Gray may be the only real game changing pitcher on the market, and Seattle can’t risk getting rid of their tiny farm system. That would be dumb.
24TheKid
I don’t see how Brinson is any better than Lewis at all. I don’t think Lewis is way better, by they seem like similar players and Lewis is a year younger.
A'sfaninUK
Brinson is categorically a better player than Lewis.
Lewis has 200 total PA as a pro in the lower minors, Brinson has 2500 PA across all levels.
REALLY silly to comp the 2 right now. In 2 years you might have a point but right now, Brinson has the value and the numbers to back himself up, Lewis doesn’t have anything other than his draft position (and even Brinson was a 1st rounder too).
A'sfaninUK
Saw that bit about how the Brewers are going to put Brinson on the table if Sonny is still available on deadline day. If that happens, I’m guessing Gray is going to be a Brewer. Would hope Phillips is in the deal too. Brinson, Phillips and one more from outside the top 30 for Gray is about market value – or at least what Beane is shooting for in a return.
greenarrow1150
agreed
greenarrow1150
Seeing as the Cubs put the pressure on with the Quintana trade, the brewers have to answer knowing the standing currently. That is the only trade that makes mutual sense, a intradivisional trade won’t happen. Oakland has offically started rebuild phase, which has never truly been done since the 80s, and Kaval is a president wanting players to stay once they get a new stadium. Smart way to make money, and put fans in the seats. I see Gray/Jed for Brinson and prospects. No other team can match the offer. Oakland is loaded on IF prospects and pitching. All that is left is OF depth for the long haul, and build that stadium.
greenarrow1150
also seeing as Sonny looking at AL Player of the Month. his value price will be very high.
stymeedone
You only list Brinson and then say no one can top it?
Acecaron
The Mariners should be aggresivley seeking Miguel Cabrera. Wild Card a real possibility and Miggy’s bat would be fantastic protecting Nelson Cruz. Raisel Iglesias another great piece.
Sodo Mojo lets go Mariners bring Miggy Cabrera in and run for October
madmanTX
The Rangers will take all 4 of those guys…and whatever else you have to give, Dodgers.
underdog
For a rental? Their 4 top prospects? Yeah, no, not happening. Darvish is great, but for two months the LA front office is not giving up 4 top prospects. I’d say Calhoun and Alvarez could be possible though.
theroyal19
Yeah. I don’t see Buehler going anywhere and I don’t see Verdugo going for a rental. Alvarez and Calhoun? I’m okay giving them up, Calhoun is better suited for the AL anyways.
A'sfaninUK
With the exception of Lewis, the Mariners top 4 prospects are barely in a good farms top 20. Seattle has a terrible farm, and not enough to get Gray or Darvish.
Now if Seattle want to show some balls, put Haniger on the table for Gray and you’ll catch Beane’s ear. Haniger, Lewis and one more for Gray is about what a cost-controlled Gray is worth, if you chose to believe the market over prospect hounds that is.
24TheKid
I’d put Haniger in a deal for Gray any day, but I still don’t want them to trade Lewis. And Neidert is now a top 100 prospect, just not on MLB.com because it hasn’t updated yet.
mrmariner
Lewis Neidert White Carlson… Not a bad top 4 and all could at the very least get top 100 consideration. Saying they eouldnt be in the top 20 is ridiculous
RMenzel
Verlander and J Wilson to the Dodgers for Verdugo, Alvarez, Calhoun and 2 minor league relief pitchers. Tigers kick in 25 million!!
BuddyBoy
I wouldn’t want to trade any of our ML outfielders for Gray and certainly not Haniger. You have to give up something to get something so I would lean towards Heredia if I had to trade one. I would trade Neidert but not Lewis in the deal. We have guys that could put this deal together although some would be lower level guys. I could see the A’s taking a flyer on DJ Peterson or Vogelbach since they will have a hole there next season.
mlbleaguer
Kershaw(back healthy) and Verlander with J Wilson to join k Jensen in the pen equals WORLD SERIES champs! You need to make the trade for each team. For the Dodgers– you need to go for it!
frankiegxiii
Good one
Michael Chaney
This guy consistently overvalues Rangers prospects on here
mannyl101
Haha! No way!
mrmariner
Possibly, don’t want to see it either. Won’t catch Astros this year or next. So why throw away our future for a WC spot… Starting to strongly dislike dipoto
BuddyBoy
You’ve lost your mind! That is a massive overpay for Gray. I could see a deal including one of Lewis/Neidert, I wouldn’t trade Lewis, and couple other guys. They are not trading four pitchers to include their Top 2 prospects.
arc89
That is why they will not get Gray. A team will over pay since he is the best starter on the trading block. M’s will probably end up with a rental at the trading deadline keeping their best prospects. Some innings eater starter.
BuddyBoy
I’m not trading Lewis in any deal if I’m Dipoto so no Gray is fine with me. M’s would be 2nd WC, best case, even if they made the trade.
Pilzbrydroboy
Hey guys i live stream BOX BREAKS!!! On FB…Heres a link to the group if you want to watch. Join the group if your interested in winning signed Jerseys and baseballs. m.facebook.com/groups/485685825116580?ref=bookmark… Check it out. I think alot of you guys will like it.
Pilzbrydroboy
Considering the available pitchers on the market. Gray will get a haul similar to Quintana
sufferforsnakes
DiPoto depleted the Angels system, and they are suffering because of it. Now he’s doing the same in Seattle.
YankeeMan3099
Seattle doesn’t have enough pieces to get a deal done for Gray they only have one good outfield prospect and even him alone won’t be enough to land Gray they could have maybe got Gray if they didn’t trade those prospects to the Marlins for Phelps and if they didn’t do that trade with the Cards.
YankeeMan3099
Lol I’d love to know who put a thumbs down on my post about Seattle not having enough to get Gray, sorry that the truth hurts who else are they going to trade aside from their 1 good outfield prospect ? Name some guys so I could get a good laugh.
24TheKid
Maybe Dipoto has secretly worked for the Astros the last 5 or so years.
ryanmesick
except that the A’s and Rangers have had the most success in the AL West the last 5 years.
🙂
tsolid 2
Angels NEVER had much to deplete. When you’re in a BIG market you don’t need to keep mediocre prospects around. Unless you name someone they got rid of that became an everyday ML player
tim815
Justin Bour? (CHC)
donniebaseball
Bour has had literally one above replacement level season. I would say jean segura is a big one that dipoto traded away, but he did that under ownership orders, and wouldn’t have done it otherwise.
donniebaseball
I personally think Dipoto is a great GM. Zduriencik was a pretty terrible drafter, and I’m not surprised that Dipoto didn’t keep many of his prospects. I actually think it was smart to try to get what you could for them. Sure, one or two may pan out, but the majority of his draftees failed hard.
angelsfan4life
tsolid Jean Segura. There I just named you one.
tsolid 2
Good Job. So One guy depleted the system? You kinda made point about how bear the angels system has been for awhile, though.
Des71
No, the Angels are suffering because their meddlesome owner went against Dipoto’s wishes and signed Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, which cost the Angels their first round picks in 2012 and 2013, and $365 Million.
Philliesfan4life
Atleast pujols is productive , and hamilton did nothing
CursedRangers
I love this time of the year in baseball. Wish my team was in a better situation, but the trade deadline is fun to keep up with.
hozie007
Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Dodgers go after Verlander with Kershaw going on DL with what appears to be a chronic lower back problem. They are one of few teams that can afford his salary …..plus it puts him closer to Kate and the LA limelight.
Jmpshorty
If they do though it comes down to salary. If the Tigers won’t eat most of his salary then they won’t get fantastic prospects. The better the prospects means they need to eat more money. I could see the Dodgers giving up two lower level pitchers for Verlander though assuming the Tigers don’t eat any salary.
Coast1
That’d seem to benefit Verlander but not the Dodgers. Verlander is having a down year and there’s no indication he’ll turn it around immediately. He might help the Dodgers. He might not. If you’re giving up prospects and paying a guy $28 million you don’t want one that might not help you.
TraderRyan9
Verlander has been great the past 4 starts. You’re clueless. Guy throws 100mph and still.has the same stuff. Dodgers would be better off getting him than Darvish, who is a rental and injury prone
Aril
Verlander has some injury or being in the dl this year?
donniebaseball
@TraderRyan9 I’m a tigers fan, and Verlander hasn’t thrown 100 mph since 2015. fangraphs.com/pitchfx.aspx?playerid=8700&posi…
His high was 99 in 2016 and 98 this year. He still can throw heat and in fact, has had an extremely significant increase this year, when you compare his average velocity this year to his average velocity from the last two years (average of 95.1 this year, compared to 94.2 in 2016 and 93.5 in 2015).
Point is he’s good, and his stuff has been even better this year, but I think to imply that Verlander will ever hit 100mph “regularly” again is misleading.
TraderRyan9
That’s wrong. Ive seen him throw 100mph this year. Anyways 98-99 is still way above average. No.point in arguing over 1-2mph. If verlander wanted to beef up his speed 1-2mph he is fully capable and 98-99mph is very, very good.
Foolish people around here. Verlander will.be a dodger, unless cubs or stros increase offer
RMenzel
Verlander has not pitched that bad at all. His ERA is more elevated because of poor managing by Ausmus. He has been forced to pitch later in games because the bullpen has been bad.
RMenzel
It is so funny that people think Verlander has lost his stuff. He averages over 95.1 mph. His last 4 outings he is averaging over 8 strikeouts. Yeah he is horrible, lol
Tahoe725
Ridiculous! Any poor games he has had isn’t Ausmus’ fault. It’s on JV. He hasn’t gone very deep. Just had to throw Brad under bus at the most inappropriate time. Learn bball before commenting
BlueSkyLA
Exactly. The only available starters who help where the Dodgers actually need it are Darvish and Gray.
TraderRyan9
Your clueless it seems and youre going to be disappointed at first, but then when verlander is pitching great in a dodgers uniform youll be happy.
BlueSkyLA
Beginning to suspect that someone is paying you to be a tout.
donniebaseball
I honestly don’t think the dodgers need a starter. They have been extremely quick to put their pitchers on the DL, rather than to have them pitch through minor discomfort unlike other teams in the league. Personally, I think they are taking advantage of the 10-day DL rule to keep their guys fresh. It’s genius really, They have a huge lead right now, and they can always recall McCarthy or bring up a young triple-a starter if they are actually in need of a starter.
Sibert18
Lol thats some wishful thinking
RMenzel
The Dodgers have they attitude of not giving up prospects. they are always overvalued. They maybe change their tune when they lose out again and not make it to the World Series.. Sorry after Kershaw (now hurt) Wood (limited innings) they could be in trouble in a short series. How well has Kershaw pitched in the post season??? Oh yeah not very well!!
ahtigers
Actually has the second most quality starts in the playoffs among active pitchers behind bumgarner
ahtigers
The guy has a 2.7 career era in the second half. He’s always been a second half pitcher and is pretty good in the playoffs too
frankiegxiii
I have a strong feeling Verlander is going to stay in Detroit. Since going to the Dodgers, Andrew Friedman hasn’t signed a player for more than 16m a year save for Kenley Jansen, he also drew the line for Greinke at around 31m annually and Greinke was coming off a year where he arguably should have won the CYA, age was a big factor(Greinke was 32) in Friedman not wanting to agree to a 6yr deal. JV is 34, not doing so great this year (last year was great tho), owed almost 67m for the next 2.5 years with a 2020 22m team option I believe, I just don’t see Friedman going after him if Detroit is only willing to pay off the rest of this seasons salary. That’s just my take on it, and I could be wrong, the non waiver deadline is almost here, here’s to hoping for some great trade action this week!
Voice of Reason
I don’t see the Dodgers trading for verlander. If they owe $60 over the next 3 years for him then double that amount as the Dodgers are over the luxury cap.
All of a sudden they’re paying verlander $40 million a year the next 3 years? Don’t think so.
Tim Garrow
Brewers need to make a move that helps short term and long term. Could use a pitcher that is considered a 1 or 2 type and controllable for the next 2 and half years or more . The only way they will
Match up against the Dodgers( Kershaw), Nationals (Scherzer) and Cubs(Quintana) . Pitching is what WINS the Big one and they quite don’t have it . Bring in that (Horse) and help that rebuild!!!!
A'sfaninUK
Absolutely no reason to trade Gray to Seattle, who have a far inferior farm and just traded the one guy the A’s would want the most in O’Neill. A’s far better off keeping him and trying again in the offseason or next deadline.
pdubs2907
Lewis is probably the one they’d want the most but yes, Seattle’s farm is trash.
tsolid 2
Yea…..Keep that ticking time bomb for another season and keep your fingers crossed that he doesn’t get hurt again. I don’t think so.
A'sfaninUK
Except he literally has never been hurt before last season in his entire career, so you can go ahead and throw that “Gray is fragile” narrative in the trash where it belongs. A’s have no fear he’ll be hurt again – you are confusing Gray with Doolittle.
YankeeMan3099
SOUNDS LIKE A DEAL COULD BE CLOSE
nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2017/07/mlb_trade_rumors_…
READ IT AND WEEP YOU YANKEE HATERS LOL I LOVE IT. THE REST OF THE LEAGUE HAS HAD THEIR FUN NOW ITS TIME TO THE LEAGUE BACK WHERE IT BELONGS IN THE BRONX.
mrnatewalter
Dude, turn your caps lock off.
arc89
I can name 3 teams that want Gray that have a lot more to offer than what the M’s could offer. They would probably need to add Gamel to the package to even come close to a offer. that means breaking up part of their outfield now.
bobbleheadguru
Tigers need to chip in $20MM for JV and then consider the best offer with 5 minutes left in the trading deadline. Be willing to walk away from any deal. JV can me moved in the offseason and his 2nd half is likely trending up which would boost his value if a deal is not there.
The only tricky issue is getting JV’s approval, which cannot happen with minutes left to the deadline.. Get pre-approval for the Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers and Astros and have them bid against each other.
Sign all the Cubans
Okay, Sborz and Rhame for Verlander and $20 million. Take it or leave it.
TraderRyan9
That’s not the deal I’m hearing. Ruiz, calhoun, beuhler, alvarez, diaz, are names I’ve heard in the verlander to dodgers deal. Likely some money but didn’t hear how much
Takachulo
That’s incredibly stupid. When trolling it’s important to stay somewhat plausible, otherwise you’re just making a fool of yourself rather than those who take the bait.
The only reason it’s somewhat plausible the Dodgers might trade for Verlander is that his huge contract means they won’t have to part with top prospects, and current management has always valued prospects higher than money.
If Detroit are asking for any of the names you mention the Dodgers would simply move on to Gray, Darvish etc. that might cost the same but don’t have the burdensome contract.
TraderRyan9
Uh, as I said, tigers include cash. Darvish is a rental. Total waste for dodgers. Sonny gray will cost beuhler, which dodgers won’t give up. No deal getting done there.
Verlander to dodgers. Watch it happen. If it doesnt, cubs or stros increased offer and beat dodgers offer
RMenzel
rather see him traded to the Nationals and have them match Scherzer, Strasburg, and verlander againg the Dodgers and see them get beat because they are a cheap organization with their prospects. Keep stockpiling those prospects, lol.
stymeedone
Verlander is the face of the franchise. At least one top prospect will need to be in the deal for the Tiger’s to justify the move to their fans. You can call the contract burdensome. I prefer to say he is a pitcher who comes with 2.5 years of control. That beats a rental.
TraderRyan9
That deal is laughable. Dodgers fans are delusional it appears
TrueBlue44
Would Calhoun, Stewart and Ruiz get the deal done for Darvish? I do not want to see Verdugo, Buehler or Alvarez in a trade.
Takachulo
Ruiz should be untouchable. Just turned 19 and is killing the Cal league, as well as being a terrific defensive catcher.
RMenzel
Apparently you dont want to see them in the World Series either. Have to give up something in order to get something.
Sam.rhodes16
Alvarez and Calhoun. Alvarez is far away (unlike Beuhler), and Calhoun doesn’t have a position
stymeedone
Thanks for pointing out why those two have less value in a trade.
walls17
seriously dont think the M’s have a prospect package that can compete with one from the Dodgers, Yanks, Brewers or Astros.
TraderRyan9
Sources close to me hear that Verlander is a Dodger. Deal will be announced sometime before the deadline. Didn’t hear what Tigers got back in return.
BlueSkyLA
The voices in your head don’t count.
TraderRyan9
Well, I’m hearing the cubs stepped up a little, but don’t appear to have the deal to top dodgers offer.
mnsports
yeah I heard to dodgers are giving up bellinger, puig, and Kershaw for him
mnsports
yeah dodgers are offering bellinger Kershaw urias and Jansen for verlander
amjr
Lol
morebreakdowns
I dont understand the constant Dee Gordon vitriol
thegreatcerealfamine
You get that when you’re talking about a cheat.
CursedRangers
Dodgers just announced that Kershaw is out 4-6 weeks.
Pilzbrydroboy
Could be worse
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Why did the cubs trade Dan Straily in the first place? If he’s controllable arm?
Phillies2017
They got Dexter Fowler for him
The Astros shuttled him back and forth from AAA until he ran out of minor league options, traded him to San Diego in exchange for Erik Kratz and he was subsequently DFA’d and claimed by the Reds right around Opening Day.
Nobody knew that Straily would become a solid #3. Even if you look at his peripherals from his days in Oakland, Houston and even Cincinnati, they weren’t very good and didn’t indicate any major improvements- that’s probably why Cincy was so quick to trade him in the offseason- yea a 3.76 ERA is very good, but with a 4.88 FIP, they probably expected some regression,
Bottom line, you can’t really fault the Cubs for dumping Straily when he posted an 11.85 era and a 4.38 FIP in his brief time there
Pilzbrydroboy
Hey guys i live stream BOX BREAKS! On FB…Heres a link to the group if you want to watch. Join the group if your interested in winning signed Jerseys and baseballs. m.facebook.com/groups/485685825116580?ref=bookmark… Check it out. I think alot of you guys will like it.