Three weeks ago, MLBTR released a preliminary list of the top 50 deadline trade candidates. The top player on that list (Lucas Giolito) has already moved, as has #7 (David Robertson). Another from the top ten, Shane Bieber, suffered an injury that tanks the chances he’ll be dealt.
With a little more than 72 hours before the deadline, we’ll refresh that group. This isn’t a ranking of players’ trade value, nor is it solely about likelihood of being moved. We’re trying to balance both of those things, which inherently involves subjectivity. A player in the top ten might have significantly less appeal than someone at the bottom of the list, but if they’re far more likely to be dealt for a return of note, they’ll be higher on this kind of ranking.
On to the list:
1. Jordan Montgomery, SP, Cardinals
With Giolito off the board, Montgomery is the best impending free agent starter who’s all but assured to move. The southpaw has a career-best 3.42 ERA over 21 starts with average or better strikeout (21.2%), walk (6.9%) and ground-ball (44.4%) marks. The Cardinals are openly turning their attention to 2024 and reportedly haven’t engaged Montgomery’s camp in any extension talks. The Dodgers, Rangers and Rays are among the teams that have been tied to his market, but virtually any contender with a desire to bolster the rotation would make sense. He’s making $10MM in his final arbitration season.
2. Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Nationals
Candelario has rebounded from a bad final season in Detroit to hit .254/.335/.478 with 16 homers in 410 plate appearances for Washington. The rebuilding Nationals have gotten more than they could’ve expected out of a $5MM free agent investment and are now positioned to cash Candelario in for young talent. He’s a switch-hitter with power and a solid plate approach. His third base defense has been up-and-down throughout his career, but he’s rating well there this season.
Playing designated hitter last night, Candelario hurt his left shoulder sliding into second base. The Nats were surely holding their breath, but Candelario said postgame he was unconcerned and would’ve been able to continue playing if his turn in the batting order came back around (via Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com). Assuming that doesn’t prove anything more than a minor scare, he should be on the move. The Marlins and Angels have reportedly had some conversations with Washington.
3. Michael Lorenzen, SP, Tigers
Lorenzen has proven an adept free agent pickup for the Tigers. He’s probably a hair below Montgomery on most teams’ preference lists, but the overall profile is similar. The righty is a rental starter who carries a 3.58 ERA over 105 2/3 innings on a bad Detroit team. His 19.9% strikeout rate is a tick below average, but he’s only walking 6.5% of opponents. A first-time All-Star, Lorenzen is playing on an $8.5MM guarantee. The Orioles, Astros, Rays and Marlins have all reportedly checked in on the Tigers’ asking price.
4. Tommy Pham, OF, Mets
The Robertson trade made clear the Mets were at least open to moving short-term assets. Pham is the most appealing of their remaining rentals. The veteran outfielder has overcome a slow start to hit .265/.347/.460 with nine homers in 259 plate appearances. He has always mashed left-handed pitching (as one would expect for a righty hitter), but he’s producing against pitchers of either handedness in 2023. Pham’s $6MM salary is affordable and he’s one of the better impending free agent hitters available. The Dodgers and Phillies have expressed interest, but any contender with a corner outfield need and/or a desire to add some right-handed pop would fit.
5. Jack Flaherty, SP, Cardinals
6. Jordan Hicks, RP, Cardinals
Montgomery is the most valuable of the Cardinals’ rentals. He’s certainly not the only player St. Louis will move in the next three days, though. Flaherty is also headed to free agency with no sign of an extension. The righty has a 4.43 ERA with average strikeout and grounder rates over 109 2/3 innings. He’s issuing a few too many walks, but he’s a capable back-end starter who has shown more than that in the past. Flaherty acknowledged after Wednesday’s start that he’d be surprised if he makes another appearance as a Cardinal (link via Katie Woo of the Athletic). He’s making $5.4MM in his final arbitration season.
Hicks is one of the sport’s hardest-throwing relievers. He has pitched back into a high-leverage role with a 3.67 ERA and elite strikeout (31.2%) and grounder (58.3%) rates. While the strike-throwing is erratic, few pitchers can match this kind of stuff. Hicks and the Cardinals have talked extension in recent days, but those conversations have reportedly stalled out. Unless the sides rekindle negotiations late, he’ll be moved. Hicks is making just $1.8MM in his final arbitration season and has drawn reported interest from the Yankees, Rangers, Rays and Diamondbacks.
7. Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Tigers
Perhaps no available starter is pitching as well as Rodriguez. The left-hander owns a 2.95 ERA in 88 1/3 innings. He’s striking out more than a quarter of opponents against a 6% walk rate. Rodriguez looks like the #2/3 caliber starter Detroit was targeting when they signed him to a five-year free agent deal two offseasons back.
As had been discussed ad nauseam, the complicating factor is the contract. Rodriguez is playing this season on a $14MM salary — strong value for a club given his production — but can opt out of the final three years and $49MM on the deal at season’s end. He’s likely going to do so, but a second-half injury could change that equation. Detroit has to prepare for the possibility he hits free agency and should be motivated to move him, while potential buyers have to weigh the downside associated with the opt-out clause. Rodriguez seems likely to move but it’s not as straightforward as dealing a true rental.
8. Dylan Carlson, OF, Cardinals
Carlson probably has more trade value than any other Cardinal on this list. The switch-hitting outfielder looked like a potential franchise center fielder a year ago. Yet his offense has stalled out right around league average, as he carries a .235/.333/.352 showing over 228 plate appearances. Carlson has been a good player but not the impact bat St. Louis had been expecting.
St. Louis moved him to the bench when Tyler O’Neill returned from the injured list. With O’Neill, Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker in the outfield, Carlson looks like a change-of-scenery candidate. The Cards have explored offers, with the Yankees among the teams known to have interest. Still 24 and with three and a half seasons of remaining control, Carlson has a lot of appeal, even if it’s not at the same level as it would’ve been a few months ago.
9. Scott Barlow, RP, Royals
There have been surprisingly few ties to Barlow since Kansas City expressed an openness to offers two months ago. That’s presumably more a reflection of Royals’ brass playing things close to the vest than a lack of interest. The 30-year-old righty is an appealing trade target for contenders, even if his 5.50 ERA over 37 2/3 innings wouldn’t suggest as much.
Barlow allowed fewer than 2.50 earned runs per nine in 2021-22. He has seen a worrying spike in walks this year, contributing to the lesser results, but he’s missing bats on a solid 12.7% of his offerings with an above-average 26.2% strikeout rate. Barlow isn’t as valuable a target as he was last summer, and a brutal July in which he’s allowed 10 runs in eight innings isn’t doing the Royals any favors. There’s still value here, though, particularly since he has an additional season of arbitration control and is playing on a fairly modest $5.3MM salary.
10. Mark Canha, OF, Mets
Canha is another short-term veteran for the Mets. The outfielder is making $10.5MM this season. His contract contains an $11.5MM club option for next year. Given his fine but unexceptional performance, it seems that’s trending towards a $2MM buyout. If the Mets aren’t planning to keep Canha around, there’s little reason not to pull the trigger this summer.
The right-handed hitter owns a .239/.338/.375 line with six homers through 296 trips to the plate. He’s drawing plenty of walks and striking out at a career-low 17.2% clip, though he’s not hitting for much power. While Canha isn’t an impact bat, he’s a generally above-average hitter who plays solid corner outfield defense and can handle center in a pinch.
11. Paul DeJong, SS, Cardinals
12. Chris Stratton, RP, Cardinals
The next tier of Cardinal rentals, DeJong and Stratton also seem likely to change uniforms. The former has rebounded from a couple terrible offensive seasons to hit at a league average level (.238/.303/.421). He struggles to get on base against right-handed pitching but mashes lefties and plays plus defense at shortstop. DeJong’s $9MM salary is high but not untenable, especially given an overall down middle infield market. His contract contains a $12.5MM club option that seems likely to be bought out for $2MM.
Stratton is a straightforward middle relief trade candidate. He’s making $2.8MM in his final arbitration season. The right-hander owns a 4.36 ERA with above-average strikeout (26.7%) and walk (7.7%) marks in 53 2/3 innings. It won’t be a franchise-altering return, but he’s the kind of solid bullpen arm contenders always need around the deadline.
13. Paul Sewald, RP, Mariners
Sewald is an impact late-game arm. The righty has a 2.93 ERA through 43 frames while striking out over 35% of batters faced. For the third consecutive season, he’s getting swinging strikes on more than 14% of his offerings. Playing on a $4.1MM salary with another year of arbitration control, he’d draw plenty of interest.
Seattle doesn’t have to deal him. They’re fringe contenders this year and certainly not kicking off a rebuild. Yet they have plenty of bullpen depth and could view Sewald as a somewhat expendable player if they can net a promising hitter with an extended team control window. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last night the M’s were open to offers.
14. Blake Snell, SP, Padres
15. Josh Hader, RP, Padres
Snell and Hader would have the potential to shoot up this list if we had time to reevaluate things on Tuesday. They’d be arguably the top two rentals if the Padres put them on the market. Snell has a 2.61 ERA with a 30.8% strikeout rate over 21 starts. Hader is operating at peak form, allowing fewer than one earned run per nine while punching out upwards of 38% of opponents.
The question, as it has been for months, is whether San Diego would move them. Four days ago, the answer seemed to be a clear no. Jeff Passan of ESPN wrote on Tuesday morning the Friars had rebuffed inquiries from other clubs. Subsequent reports suggested they were a little more open to offers but still preferred to hold the duo and make a playoff push. San Diego is six games out of a Wild Card spot and could take this one right down to the wire.
16. Teoscar Hernández, OF, Mariners
Hernández wouldn’t have the same appeal as Sewald, but the calculus for Seattle is similar. They’re a season-high three games above .500 and 4.5 out of a Wild Card spot with four teams to jump. They’re unlikely to throw in the towel but could look to move short-term pieces, particularly if they can land immediate MLB talent with a longer control window.
It’s hard to consider Hernández’s tenure in Seattle as anything other than a disappointment so far. He’s hitting .236/.287/.410 over 432 trips to the plate. He’s playing better defense than expected but hasn’t come anywhere close to the middle-of-the-order offensive form of his final three seasons in Toronto. Whether Seattle would make him a qualifying offer when he hits free agency next winter now seems a question. Hernández is making $14MM for his final arbitration season.
17. Seth Lugo, SP, Padres
The Padres face a similar question on Lugo as they do with Snell and Hader. The righty has taken well to his return to permanent rotation work, posting a 3.62 ERA with a solid 23.4% strikeout percentage and an excellent 4.6% walk rate. He’s outperforming his $7.5MM salary and looks like a lock (barring injury) to decline a matching player option for next season.
If the Friars concede they’re unlikely to make the playoffs and move Snell and Hader, there’s little reason not to do the same with Lugo. The trade return wouldn’t be as strong for the 33-year-old as it would be with his higher-profile teammates, but he’d quietly be one of the better arms available.
18. Keynan Middleton, RP, White Sox
There’s no suspense with the White Sox’s direction. They’ve already shipped off a handful of relievers and Middleton’s a virtual lock to follow. An offseason minor league signee, the righty has exceeded expectations with a 3.82 ERA and 30.7% strikeout rate over 35 1/3 innings. He’s an affordable middle inning arm headed back to the open market at year’s end. There’s little reason for the Sox not to move him for a mid-tier prospect.
19. Randal Grichuk, OF, Rockies
20. C.J. Cron, 1B, Rockies
21. Brent Suter, RP, Rockies
22. Brad Hand, RP, Rockies
An assortment of impending free agents on a last-place Colorado team, all four of these players look likely to move. Grichuk is a right-handed hitter who can cover all three outfield spots and is destroying left-handed pitching this season. He has dramatic home-road splits but fits as a role player on a contender. Cron had a terrible start to the year while seemingly playing through back discomfort that eventually sent him to the injured list. He’s hitting .308/.338/.569 since coming off the IL and could appeal to a team looking for a right-handed power bat off the bench. The Rockies owe Grichuk $5MM this season, while Cron is making $7.5MM.
Suter is playing on a $3MM arbitration salary. The left-hander has a 2.51 ERA in 46 2/3 innings despite a middling 20.5% strikeout rate. Hand is playing on a $1.5MM salary with a $500K buyout on an option that’d become a mutual provision if he’s traded. His 4.76 ERA isn’t inspiring but he’s striking out more than a quarter of opponents. The Rockies have indicated more of a willingness to trade their rentals than in years past and already shipped Pierce Johnson to Atlanta.
23. Brooks Raley, RP, Mets
Raley is another short-term veteran for the Mets. New York holds a $6.5MM option on his services and could keep him around for another season, though they might view this as a good chance to cash him in. The lefty reliever has a 2.43 ERA over 37 innings. He’s issuing a few too many walks but striking out a quarter of batters faced while making $4.5MM.
24. Tim Anderson, SS, White Sox
Anderson is having a brutal offensive season, putting up just a .239/.282/.279 batting line without a home run in 348 plate appearances. He’d been an All-Star caliber player for a few seasons before this, one of the game’s best contact hitters with plus speed and decent shortstop defense. It’s an inopportune time for the ChiSox to move him, but Anderson has played poorly enough the club no longer seems assured of even exercising his $14MM option for next season. They’re reportedly open to offers on all but a few core players. Anderson, who is making $12.5MM this year, has drawn some reported attention from the Marlins.
25. Giovanny Gallegos, RP, Cardinals
Gallegos is less likely than the Cardinals above him on this list to move. He’s under contract for at least one more season at an affordable $5.5MM rate, while the club holds an option for 2025. With plans to reload in ’24, St. Louis could find it more desirable to hold one of their better relievers. Reports this week indicated the Cards were at least open to offers on Gallegos, though, as he could plausibly land some upper minors starting pitching which the organization desires. The 31-year-old righty owns a 3.77 ERA with a decent 24.1% strikeout rate and excellent 5.2% walk percentage over 43 innings. He has allowed fewer than four earned runs per nine in each of the past five seasons.
26. Paul Blackburn, SP, A’s
Blackburn is one of Oakland’s top starters. The righty battled finger/hand issues early in the season but has returned to pitch 10 times. His 5.06 ERA through 48 innings isn’t eye-catching, but his 22.2% strikeout rate and 8.1% walk percentage are around league average. Blackburn looks like a serviceable #4/5 starter. He’s making only $1.9MM and eligible for arbitration for two seasons beyond this one. The A’s don’t have to move him, but as a 29-year-old back-end starter, he’s likely not viewed as a building block of the ongoing rebuild.
27. Justin Verlander, SP, Mets
28. Max Scherzer, SP, Mets
The future Hall of Fame rotation duo could serve as a litmus test for how the Mets view their chances beyond this season. New York is clearly open to selling impending free agents but will reload for 2024. Do they still envision the pair of veteran star hurlers anchoring their next contending rotation?
Neither Verlander nor Scherzer has pitched at peak levels this season, though they’ve still been above-average MLB starters. They’re tied for the loftiest annual salary in big league history at $43.333MM. Verlander is signed through 2024 with a vesting/player option for ’25; Scherzer has a player option for next season which he seems inclined to exercise. Both have full no-trade protection but may be willing to waive it to facilitate a move to a club with World Series aspirations in 2023. There are a lot of roadblocks to a deal. The Mets would have to pay down some of the money; the players have to agree; the team has to find acceptable young talent. Yet if things all came together on either player, there would probably be no bigger name changing teams.
29. Cody Bellinger, OF, Cubs
30. Marcus Stroman, SP, Cubs
Had we published this list at the start of the week, Bellinger and Stroman would quite likely have placed within the top five. Such is the nature of deadline season, when teams can change their fortunes rapidly. Mike Tauchman’s game-saving catch last night in St. Louis pushed Chicago’s win streak to seven. Suddenly, they’re above .500 and only 3.5 games out of a playoff spot (and 4.5 back in the division).
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and chairman Tom Ricketts have maintained all summer they’d prefer to add if the club played well enough. The team has gotten hot at the last moment and given the front office reason to avoid a sale. Whether they’ll do so remains to be seen — they were reportedly undecided four days ago — but Bellinger and Stroman deals no longer seem assured (or even likely). Jon Heyman of the New York Post unsurprisingly tweeted last night the team’s strong recent play could lead the front office to reconsider trading away veterans.
31. José Cisnero, RP, Tigers
32. Chasen Shreve, RP, Tigers
Cisnero and Shreve are on the opposite end of the spectrum of the players directly above them on the list. Neither Detroit reliever would grab many headlines but they seem very likely to move as impending free agents. Cisnero, a 34-year-old righty, has a 3.86 ERA with above-average strikeout and walk numbers over 39 2/3 innings. He’s making $2.29MM in his final arbitration season. Shreve, a 33-year-old southpaw, carries a middling 4.70 ERA but solid peripherals in 38 1/3 frames. He’s making $1.25MM.
33. Rich Hill, SP, Pirates
Few players are as familiar with trade rumors as Hill. The veteran southpaw looks likely to move again after the Pirates fell out of the mix. He’s not having an exceptional season — 4.82 ERA, 19.1% strikeout rate over 114 innings — but he’s a respected clubhouse presence who could fit as a fifth or sixth starter on a contender seeking rotation depth. Hill is playing on an $8MM salary.
34. José Quintana, SP, Mets
Quintana has found himself in trade rumors all of two starts into his Mets’ tenure. The veteran southpaw required rib surgery in Spring Training that cost him the first half of the season. He has looked good in his two outings — five runs allowed in 11 innings — but would be an unconventional trade candidate given the limited workload. Quintana is making $13MM apiece in 2023-24. The Mets could probably find a taker for the bulk of that money but seem unlikely to get a solid prospect return unless they pay down a notable chunk of the deal. Whether that’s preferable to simply keeping him as part of next year’s rotation is to be determined.
35. Carlos Hernández, RP, Royals
36. Alex Lange, RP, Tigers
37. Kyle Finnegan, RP, Nationals
38. Aaron Bummer, RP, White Sox
This group has extended control windows, but non-competitive teams can be more willing to relinquish a reliever than deal a controllable starter or bat. Hernández has wipeout stuff and has found his stride in the bullpen this season after a rocky career as a starter. He’ll be eligible for arbitration for the first time next winter and is controllable through 2027. Lange blends strong strikeout and grounder rates with well below-average control. He’s more volatile than the average reliever but has consecutive sub-4.00 ERA seasons and has saved 17 games for Detroit. Lange is also controllable for another four and a half years.
Finnegan has two and a half years of arbitration left. He’s making $2.3MM this season. A fastball-heavy righty, he has a 3.12 ERA with average peripherals across 43 1/3 innings. Finnegan has gotten the closer role in Washington with 14 saves but profiles better as a middle reliever for a contender.
Bummer is making $3.75MM this season, $5.5MM next year, and has club options covering 2025-26. The southpaw is allowing nearly seven earned runs per nine but has much stronger peripherals — including a 28.2% strikeout percentage and huge 54.2% grounder rate. Opposing teams will look beyond the ERA and the Sox have shown a willingness to listen on their relievers, dealing Joe Kelly and Kendall Graveman despite controlling both beyond this season. Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggested (on Twitter) this morning that Chicago was more inclined to keep Bummer, but he has reportedly drawn interest from contenders.
39. Carlos Carrasco, SP, Mets
40. Adam Ottavino, RP, Mets
The Mets would presumably be happy to find a taker for Carrasco and/or Ottavino. The former is an impending free agent, while the latter has a $6.75MM player option next season. They might be hard-pressed to find interest, however. Carrasco is making $14MM this year and has a 5.82 ERA with worse than average strikeout and walk marks over 14 starts. Ottavino’s 3.40 ERA and 57.4% grounder rate are each excellent, but his strikeout to walk profile is middling. While he’s a respected high-leverage reliever, the player option saps a decent amount of the appeal.
41. Lane Thomas, OF, Nationals
How to proceed with Thomas is probably the toughest decision the Washington front office faces this summer. He’s having a strong year, hitting .287/.335/.477 with 16 longballs in 445 trips to the dish. The bulk of that production has been platoon-heavy; Thomas is teeing off on lefties (.364/.410/.643) compared to slightly below-average production versus righty pitching (.252/.301/.401).
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic wrote this week that was causing a discrepancy between the Nats and possible suitors on Thomas’ value. Rosenthal indicated the Nats viewed him as a quality regular while the market perceived him as more of a high-end platoon player. If that remains the case, the Nationals would probably hold him. He’s making just $2.2MM and eligible for arbitration through 2025. If the scarcity of productive bats leads other teams to up their offers in the next few days, the Nats could look to move him.
42. Elias DÃaz, C, Rockies
DÃaz would have a decent amount of appeal on a trade market light on catching talent. The All-Star Game MVP has a .270/.328/.419 line with 10 homers across 348 plate appearances. Playing in Coors Field helps — DÃaz’s power numbers are predictably much better at home than on the road — but he’s a solid hitter for a catcher. He’s never gotten good reviews from public pitch framing metrics but has plus arm strength and is adept at blocking balls in the dirt.
Colorado will have a higher ask on DÃaz than on the rentals listed above. He’s making only $5.5MM this season and under contract for $6MM next year.
43. Aaron Civale, SP, Guardians
If the Guardians were to deal from their controllable rotation options for offensive help, Civale is the candidate. Cleveland probably won’t part with any of their rookie hurlers, while injuries to Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill take them out of the equation. The Guardians rolled the dice on Noah Syndergaard a few days ago to help address that injury-plagued starting staff, perhaps easing some concerns about the rotation depth if they listened on Civale.
The right-hander has a 2.54 ERA over 12 starts. His strikeout/walk profile is more akin to that of the solid #3/4 starter he’s been throughout his career as opposed to a budding ace. That’s still plenty valuable, though, particularly since Civale is only making $2.6MM. He’s eligible for arbitration two more times. The Guardians aren’t going to give him away; they’d likely only make a move if it netted them immediate lineup help as they look to track down the Twins in the AL Central.
44. Joey Bart, C, Giants
Bart has seemed an obvious change-of-scenery candidate for a few months. The former #2 overall pick has been passed as San Francisco’s catcher of the future by Patrick Bailey. He’s on optional assignment to Triple-A, hitting .218/.304/.353 in 34 games.
The right-handed hitter has been plagued by swing-and-miss at the big league level. He’s a career .223/.293/.342 hitter in 158 contests, striking out nearly 36% of the time. This is his final minor league option season, so he’s running low on time to establish himself as a regular. The opportunity is probably never coming again in San Francisco, but teams like the Marlins or Yankees could give him a look.
45. Mark Leiter Jr., RP, Cubs
46. Michael Fulmer, RP, Cubs
Leiter and Fulmer are the next tier down of trade candidates if the Cubs did decide to sell. The former has a 3.14 ERA with excellent strikeout (31.4%) and grounder (50.5%) rates in 43 innings. He’s arbitration-eligible through 2026 but would never have more trade appeal than he does now. If the Cubs push in this year, they won’t move him, but if they deal Bellinger/Stroman, selling high on Leiter would be a natural next step. Fulmer has pitched well of late and carries a 4.40 ERA with a 26.4% strikeout rate in 45 frames. He’s playing on a $4MM salary and will head back to the open market at year’s end.
47. Jonathan India, 2B, Reds
India found himself in rumors early this week when MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the Reds were open to moving him for controllable starting pitching. Subsequent reports categorized that more as a matter of due diligence and indicated an offseason deal was more likely. India has a fair bit of trade appeal with three and a half seasons of remaining arbitration control but isn’t likely to fetch an impact starter with multiple control years on his own. He’d started the year strong but slumped of late, leaving him with a league average .251/.336/.409 slash on the season.
48. Adam Duvall, OF, Red Sox
The Red Sox have played their way out of consideration of selling. A five-game win streak pulls them within a game and a half of a Wild Card spot. They’re going to add over the next few days, likely on the pitching side. Still, they could dealing ancillary pieces off the MLB roster — particularly if it nets them pitching help — and Duvall seems the likeliest candidate.
He’d been scorching hot through the season’s first couple weeks but broke his wrist in mid-April. Jarren Duran seized the center field job between Alex Verdugo and Masataka Yoshida in the interim. Duvall hasn’t hit since coming off the IL, posting a .211/.279/.375 line with a 36.4% strikeout rate in 34 games. Still, there could be interest from clubs with a more direct path to outfield playing time; the Phillies and Braves have been speculated as possible fits. Duvall is making $7MM and is an impending free agent.
49. David Bednar, RP, Pirates
50. Mitch Keller, SP, Pirates
Bednar and Keller have come up in loose trade chatter this week. It seems more due diligence than anything else, with multiple reports suggesting a trade of either is unlikely. Bednar is an elite reliever and Pittsburgh native who’s controllable through 2026. Keller, a former top prospect, has developed into an upper mid-rotation arm and is eligible for arbitration for two and a half seasons. There’ll be plenty of interest but huge asking prices on both.
Others To Watch
A’s: Seth Brown, Tony Kemp, Ramón Laureano, Sam Moll
Angels:Â Jo Adell
Astros:Â Jake Meyers
Blue Jays:Â Santiago Espinal
Brewers:Â VÃctor Caratini
Cardinals: Alec Burleson, Ryan Helsley, Iván Herrera
Cubs: Yan Gomes, Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly
Giants:Â Alex Wood
Mariners: Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, Tom Murphy, Bryan Woo
Mets: Omar Narváez, Drew Smith
Nationals:Â Trevor Williams
Padres: Luis Garcia, Nick Martinez
Pirates: Ji Man Choi, Austin Hedges, Colin Holderman
Red Sox:Â Bobby Dalbec
Reds: Kevin Newman, Nick Senzel
Rockies:Â Jurickson Profar
Royals: Matt Duffy, Nicky Lopez, Brady Singer
Tigers: Jason Foley, Tyler Holton
Twins: Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach
White Sox: Yasmani Grandal, Michael Kopech, Gregory Santos
Yankees: Gleyber Torres, Wandy Peralta
Montgomery number 1 on the list I like it. I think he ends up with the Rangers as of today. Teams like the Diamondbacks and Orioles make sense on paper but those teams don’t want to do what it takes to win. I think the Rangers do I think they are ready for another big trade.
According to this list John Mozeliak has more work to do than he’s done in the past 7 off-seasons combined
Yeah we will see Mo better not screw this up. Having lost the last 3 games it shouldn’t be a question if we are sellers or not so it’s just a matter of what we get back. High upside pitching and need some pen help too.
Players the Cardinals will trade
Montgomery
Flaherty
Hicks
Stratton
DeJong
Players they could trade
A catcher
An infielder
Luken Baker
Matz
Players people think they will trade but they won’t trade
An outfielder
I think if there is a shocker from Cards it is trading a closer not a corner infielder or center fielder
Trading a closer wouldn’t be a shocker. It would be a shocker if they didn’t.
Hicks is definitely being traded. My shocker would be Ryan Helsley or Giovanny Gallegos.
I think both Gallegos and Helsleys value is low right now. If either was having a good season sure but I don’t think teams want them too bad. But yes it wouldn’t shock me if Helsley in particular is dealt.
hope they trade T. O.
Terrell Owens… he hasn’t played since Randy Moss took over?
I say lots of Trades tomorrow night.
I say the 31st
Only one game tomorrow night and more on Monday night.
1st most. 31st 2nd most.
Even if Padres think they can make the playoffs. The question should be can you win a world series with the current group + a couple additions, pen help.
If the answer is no or if the answer is yes but we need some serious help thatll further deplete the farm then Padres should be sellers.
They could get a decent return for Snell Hader Lugo and can always looks to resign the trio in free agency, if Lugo opts out of his player option (7.5 he cab mostly likely beat that if he stays healthy and productive).
As things currently stand I don’t think Padres make the playoffs and should look towards 2024. And should be sellers.
QOs for Snell Hader Lugo don’t do much for the current group.
If the Padres are sellers they are counting out 2024 too. Teams don’t trade MLB talent for the rentals you are talking about them trading away.
That’s just false. The padres will be in the same position next year if they trade these guys or not. They are fre agents after the season.
Well that’s false
Almost every deadline someone trades mlb talent for a rental.
Last year syndergaard netted the Angels Micky Moniak who’s been a surprise this year and Quintana fetched the Pirates Johan oviedo who’s been a good #4/#5 for the Pirates. Both mlb talent off top of my head.
2021 Lester netted Lane Thomas and a couple others did as well.
You named two trade where the team traded a minor leaguer for a major league rental. Moniak was not in the majors at the time of the trade and had been for weeks. Neither was Lane Thomas. He hadn’t been since June 20th. The other for a pitcher that was a reliever at that point and who has a 4.60 ERA with the Pirates this season and 4.32 ERA overall with the Pirates. None proves your point.
Padres won’t be doing those things regardless of how the next few games turn out.
Padres will want young, controllable MLB talent in any trades. Its the only way they compete next season.
The criteria was mlb talent.
The criteria wasn’t on mlb rosters at time of trade.
Moniak had already cracked the majors same as Lane Thomas and same as Johan Oviedo.
All 3 have proven to be MLB talents to varying degrees.
If youre gonna try to respond you could at least stay on topic. You clearly did not.
If they are in the minor leagues when traded they are not major league talent by definition. Period. End of conversation.
You really do use this account to post your dumbest takes
AJ Preller has to be in full panic mode right now trying to figure out how exactly he can save his job
If the Padres can play good enough ball to make the playoffs, they have what it takes to win it all. They have to play .650+ baseball and any team that can do that for an extended time has the players to go all the way.
For my Pirates, Keller and Bednar are most likely going nowhere, I can see Hill, Hedges, And Ji Man getting shipped, Holderman is a split.
Dick Mountain will take a hike for sure
Choi SEA. Hill BOS. Hedges TAM. Holderman LA.
Kirby and woo to the cardinals for walker
Nah
Larry Walker in his prime wouldn’t command those 2 young arms, you’re high on your own supply Lil Stevie!
SEA is not dealing Gilbert or Kirby and STL is not dealing Walker or Gorman.
stevie
: WHY would the M’s trade a stud in Kirby and a young Woo(who has had some good starts(ykes, he’s had some stinkers).
Include, Gorman and Donovan and O’neil. AAND it still would be a NO.
Hoof that’s just as dumb as Stevies comment.
Odd that this report doesn’t include Juan Soto, not even as Others To Watch, given that MLBTR posted the other day a rumor about the Padres listening to offers. Click bait defined.
You mean the one titled
“Padres Reportedly Willing To Listen To Offers On Juan Soto; Trade Seen As Unlikely”
You sure there’s nothing in the title that explains why Juan Soto isn’t on this list? Anything at all?
mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/padres-reportedly-willi…
No better way to prove an article is click bait than to reply to it. That really sends the message home…….
A well-connected reporter saying the Padres are willing to listen to offers on Soto is pretty obviously within our wheelhouse. Our post on it went into a bunch of reason why a deal feels very unlikely, which is why he’s not included on our subjective list of players we consider trade candidates.
Kim,Lugo and others.
We need a Blockbuster Trade today that makes MLB Network bring in Amsinger,Reynolds and others in to talk about.
Lugo is on the list. #17
Kim isn’t a free agent until 2025 or 2026.
He has 1 more year at 7 mill and a mutual option for 2025 at 7 mill.
Padres should trade him given his production, defense, and cheap contract.
But he’s definitely not a top trade candidate or someone they’re actively thinking about trading.
If the right offer comes they should take it.
They should have just extended Kim instead of signing bogaerts and made kim the shortstop full time. Then signed a 1B instead of putting cronenworth there.
Kim Will definitely opt out after next season. So he basically in the same spot as Soto now.
No shot of Kim being traded. One of the best players in baseball right now. Padres play in the Korea series to start the MLB season next year.
MUCH better shot that he is extended.
You do a good job on your Cardinals stuff Anthony thank you for that.
The above report doesn’t list deals by their likelihood, the writers state: “This isn’t a ranking of players’ trade value, nor is it solely about likelihood of being moved. We’re trying to balance both of those things, which inherently involves subjectivity.”
If Soto was a trade deadline story two days ago, then why not still a story?
Read that last sentence and you have your answer.
click bit, as evidenced by your interest?
I think everyone knew that the source of the b rumor that the Padres were supposedly listening to offers on Soto was unreliable and not believable.
exactly, but that didnt stop various writers from putting the non story in our faces. here mlbtr chose to drop it rather than perpetuate
Dude MLBTR is a source for TRADE RUMORS. The people here work very hard to get all of us fans exactly that. A rumor is defined as a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth. Absolutely none of this is click bait, these are reporters doing their jobs as reporters to report trade RUMORS. Absolutely nothing about the site says that the rumors here have any truth to them or will turn into anything, just rumors. Its in the name.
Padres:
They have 3 games before the deadline. If they win 2-3, they probably buy or hold steady. If the win 0-1, they probably sell.
You mention RP Luis Garcia as an honorary mention from SD, but I don’t think he has any value.
Catcher Gary Sanchez has done well for SD since late May. I wonder if he has trade value if SD sells?
SD is running out of time, but I am optimistic they can at least stay in the running for the WC into very late September.
Sanchez has no value. He could have been had as FA just about a month ago. Little interest. Now he hasn’t hit since his first week up. C should be top priority for SD. Contreras would be an upgrade.
Gary Sanchez might have low trade value. Or perhaps SD is just better off keeping him because he works well with the pitchers and Campusano.
But it is totally false to say he hasn’t hit since his first week in SD.
In his last 5 games, he is 5 for 14 with 2 walks and a homer. Over the last 14 days he is : .241 .324 .517. His overall numbers are much more than fine for a catcher. His OPS+ is 105. You are wrong.
Sure, any team could have picked him up when SD did, but he has definitely improved his value over the past two months.
It seems that SD is now in full-on MUST WIN mode, which means Sanchez and Campusano playing everyday at C and DH. I wonder how much time Matt Carpenter has in SD. Will he get another PA? In July he has 22 PAs, with a double and 3 walks. He should be released, but who would replace him? He should just go into full-on cheerleader mode and be a cool guy in the clubhouse to keep his spot.
Sanchez has a 105 OPS+ going into tonight’s game and has hit 10 HR. Snell has a 0.78 ERA with him catching. Musgrove has a 1.84 ERA with him behind the plate. Padres wouldn’t trade him unless they are having a fire sale.
under “others to watch”
why would you include: Gilbert, Miller, Woo?? who are young and under team control for several years. All the others are “soon to be FA,, or …
Mariners should trade a starter. Everyone seems to understand that except Mariners fans themselves…..
The M’s can get upgrades where they need them WITHOUT dipping into their studd SP pool.
Good SP are gold. THE M’s have the motherlode(and for several years of control)
I think JD understands what he has. Half the league would want some of what he has.
The Mariners have made 1 playoff appearance in the last 20 years. Stop telling me how smart and great the Mariners are good gosh.
Kirby
Gilbert
Castillo
Miller
Woo
Gonzales
Ray
Are you going with a 6 man rotation next year? And don’t you guys want to make a run at Ohtani???? I believe the Mariners are owned by a Japanese company but I could be wrong. I know it’s long been a desirable destination for Japanese players.
So how does this all play out?
Ray will still be on the mend TJS and you really want to have a reliable #6 on standby
Yeah the Cardinals went with that reliable 6th starter plan for 2023. Paid Dakota Hudson 2.65 million to sit in AAA for much of the year.
How much does Gonzales make? You can assume I looked it up.
Too many starters and an offense that isn’t any good. This is the opposite problem the Caridnals have.
Dakota Hudson is hardly the main issue with the Cardinals and you know it.
The main issue with the Cardinals is not making trades they should have made in the offseason. Too many players for not enough positions.
K O C. Exactly right. The Cardinals remind me of the White Sox when they were trying to play 4 1B and Jimenez into the same lineup. Didn’t work for them and won’t work for the Cards. Bad roster construction. If they had all these great 3B why did they get Arenado? I mean I get the Rockies basically gave him away, Said he cost too much, And then signed KB for ridiculous money. he’s played like 40 games in 2 years? Smooth move.
Completely agree Mike. Jordan Walker is our Andrew Vaughn.
King
Ms are not getting Ohtani. They have done fine just Asterisks have been better.
The only young pitcher I could see them trading is Woo. And it would take an established position player.
Woo is from the area I think he’s a good fit where he is. Miller I think they could deal but trading established position players for unestablished pitching is not a risk all teams will want to take on.
And I think they have to at least try to sign Ohtani.
You are wrong on the ownership…they are no longer owned by japanese company since 2016. Bur yes there is a draw for japanese here with population in Seattle area and Vancouver Canada.
sorry, Your wrong.
Its a NO on Ohtani. JD’s not commiting a hugh part of payroll to 1. Based on his talent: $40-50m/yr?? and worth it. But not JD’s -MO
and John Stanton is the majority owner, with Jr. as a minority. This is 2023 not 1999.
Back in 1999 the Mariners were really good.
I guess things change.
You do agree that back in 1999 that was a really exciting Mariners team correct?
If SEA is grading a SP it’s not someone in their rotation right now. Maybe it’s Hancock, but it’s unlikely one of the three listed, as they have no imminent replacements.
What value do you think Hancock has?
Again what about Ohtani? Mariners really not gonna try and sign him???.
What about Ohtani? It’s July. Maybe they sign him, but why trade away SP because you MAY sign a SP months from now. Any Mariners SP move happens after the season, IMO.
Yes the ideas I have trading with the Mariners are all basically offseason moves.
I don’t know what the Mariners are doing in 2023. Are they buyers or sellers? I don’t know.
Forget about Ohtani. He’ll resign with the Angels. Trout and Ohtani fill any stadium. Then you take the Beer sales the Food Sales, The Jersey sales, The parking and no matter what you pay them AT THE END you still have more money than you spent. Why would they leave? Beautiful City, Good Fans and maybe they figure out how to get them some help. Don’t believe all that bunk about them needing to play for a winner or they’re not happy. They’ll be fine.
did you get banned again
Essentially based on this Ken Rosenthal report that they’re open to moving one of those guys if it gets them an impact controllable bat. Tough to pull off, and it doesn’t seem Seattle’s actively shopping any of them, but it’s an interesting storyline to follow.
theathletic.com/4727653/2023/07/27/mlb-trade-rumor…
I’ve been preaching the Giants should go get Jeimar Candelario for a few weeks.
Now? Not so sure. Don’t know if one bat will make a difference. They’re bad right now. Everybody except Wilmer looks awful. They don’t look like a playoff team.
So why spend prospect capital on a rental bat/arm? Well, the 2010 team’s offense didn’t look that great either. So I guess, roll the dice, make some deals and see what happens.
davemlaw;
It’s a funny thing about todays MLB…..
We know the 2 Central divisions are not terribly good. But the NL West?
o The Rockies are like the Rays and Angels in that a good portion of each home games crowd are fans that moved to the area from the opposing teams market. The owner appears to be making good money and is happy.
o The Padres are a marketing thing – look great on paper, but unfortunately the game is played on a field.
o The young Dbacks look very promising again, but every time they build team like this people think – “give them a year” – but the year comes and goes along with unforeseen issues that take place.
o The Giants are a large market team that plays like the Rays – their FO and manager are going to outthink the opponents each game. This team should be able to afford 4-5 big-name, high-salary impact players – but they can’t seem to develop any, don’t have the players to trade for any, and they can’t seem to sign any.
o The Dodgers pitching is looking like the Rays pitching (where POBO Friedman came from) with the manager and coaching staff egging them on to throw ever harder and and get more RPM’s on their spin rate – resulting in major injuries to enough of their key pitchers to hold the team back.
–
Most of MLB is watered down due to expansion and the intense way each game is played today. There are 2 great organizations that have been pushing out high-quality teams for the last 5-7 years – the Astros and Braves….both of whom are smart but don’t try to outthink the opposition, stay with most of their players year-after-year, and play primarily set-lineups along with strong fundamental baseball.
There appear to be 2 organizations on the come – the Orioles that built from within and the Rangers that built some from within but primarily bought contention. A few such as the Red Sox, Phillies, Reds, and Marlins have something going if they can add to it. The rest get a lot of pub and their fans have hope.
Marlins make sooooo much sense for Candelario and no reason why they shouldn’t complete a trade for him.
I think the Marlins need a shortstop more than a 3b.
Both! 🙂 DeJong would be a solid acquistion for Miami, also.
I was thinking DeJong and Canha would be a perfect pair for Fish
What do the Marlins have to trade? Their top 30 prospects isn’t very impressive. Its good they want to buy. I just doubt they have the capital.
I want Max Meyer or Trevor Rogers. DeJong would be basically a salary dump he isn’t worth all that much. I would give up Herrera for Max Meyer. Marlins need a catcher Cardinals need a pitcher with upside.
Ivan Herrera and DeJong for Max Meyer. Might be a win-win. Max has greater risk and greater upside than Ivan so it sounds fair to me.
Yeah losing Herrera would hurt but the Cardinals just signed Contreras right or wrong. Meyer is exciting but the Marlins are loaded with pitching they could afford to lose him.
Agree. Had Trevor Rogers been healthy sooner, he would have been trade bait, but I think he stays until off-season.
In the offseason I was pushing a Rogers for Donovan deal but obviously that looks bad now. The Marlins signed Segura and then Rogers got hurt. And Donovan is even better than last year.
The team that needs to conduct a fire sale more than any other is the least likely to trade anyone, and I’m talking about the Rockies of course. Everyone knows this, so I doubt too many buyers are even checking in with them.
The Rockies are like that Beatles song. You say yes. I say no. You say stop. I say go go go.
Whatever makes sense they will do the opposite. I live in Denver from St Louis but live here now. These guys are clueless here.
Cron was beginning to heat up, Rockies either need to sign him to a one year deal for 2024 or trade him. And Grichuk should definitely be traded.
5 year extension for Cron
Book it
#51. The rest of the Chicago White Sox.
The Cubs winning streak came against bad teams and now they’re going to add, And then go play the Reds and Braves. Bellinger should stay no matter what but now Hendricks and Stroman have to also. I called for between 85-90 wins before the season and see no reason to change. Maybe they can deal Smyly and if they could get a guy like Bednar or Barlow to shore up the back end it would probably go a long way. Still don’t know if they win the division but any Playoff experience is good for the young guys. Mancini I thought was a professional bat but has been a huge disappointment so maybe they can get a better RH bat. Let Morel play 3rd and see what happens. I thought Merryweather was awful in the beginning but he’s made a big improvement. A good LH in the pen would also be nice. as long as it doesn’t cost high end prospects. Should be fun anyway.
This is a very very very weak hitting group available this deadline.
There are some decent pitchers out there. Though probably not enough to go around considering the number of buyers.
I’d the padres truly decided to sell big and trade hader, snell, lugo, Soto and Kim they would get a massive number of prospects back.
I don’t think they will trade Kim but man they would clean up if they did trade them all.
Could get something like 6-7 top 100 prospects and some others. To go with the 4 they currently have.
My guess is they trade hader, snell and lugo. Then again I wouldn’t be surprised if they traded Merrill for a premium player.
“I’d the padres truly decided to sell big and trade hader, snell, lugo, Soto and Kim they would get a massive number of prospects back.”
Simm;
LOL
True enough.
The problem is that when Preller gets a bunch of prospects together he packages up numbers of them for individual veterans. I know the man’s been in circles for 8-9 years now. But lets not give away the obvious.
That would be most likely but there is a chance that they start letting some of the farm come up and contribute.
Perhaps this season not going well changes his plans some. Plus I think he will be all in on Ohtani next year. Certainly doesn’t mean he will get him but I think they will try hard.
So if they traded all these guys then added Ohtani they really could be in a great spot. Perhaps they even turn and resign hader.
Who knows but the padre do dream big.
LOL
Sure they’ll be in on Ohtani.
But IF he leaves the Angels (which I have major doubts about) it’ll be to get on a team that he can win on for many years. The Padres are hardly that team.
Surprised there is no mention of Mike Clevinger in this article. I don’t know why CWS would be motivated to keep him unless they just need him to fill out the rotation the rest of the year.
Probably wants to see how he comes back in tonight’s game. Hasn’t pitched since June 14. Hasn’t won since May 17th.
After all the nonsense posts about the cards trading Arenado, you don’t even put him on the list?
That rumor was a rather recent one. And it’s a bit of a long shot. I am ok with an Arenado deal if it brings back some good talent but I doubt it happens.
KOC, I agree. I don’t see an Arenado to LA trade happening. But I could see a trade between the two teams that would involve Montgomery or Flaherty. The Dodgers have a few pitchers in the lower minors that StL could take a flyer on.
Flaherty and Stratton(he’s better than you think) for Buehler.
I don’t want the Dodgers overrated 24 and 25 year old prospects I want legit top of the rotation upside.
Buehler, May and Bruns. Those are the guys I like from the Dodgers.
I think you could get Dustin May from Dodgers, but Buehler is not going anywhere.
May is cool. I would take either one for Flaherty and Stratton. May has an extra year of control so I like that.
I would be very surprised, and disappointed, if LA traded any off those players you mentioned for Flaherty and Stratton.
Dude I looked at the Dodgers pitching this year. I can’t believe they are thos good with such a terrible rotation I really can’t.
Nobody wants guys like Stone or Pepiot they are overrated. Sheehan too those are just guys Cardinals have plenty of those kind of guys.
Sheehan, Miller have electric stuff. They just need to learn how to pitch at the MLB level. I remember Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddox all had ERA’s over 5.00 after their first season in the league. I am not saying the Dodger’s pitchers are going to be HOFers, but I do think that it is way too early to judge them.
I think you might be over valuing Flaherty just a bit. He’s not the Jack F;laherty from Pre-Covid years.
I like Miller I just assume he’s not available.
Flaherty has a lot of potential he’s just been a little off all year. He’s close. Look at Flahertys ERA after April it’s really pretty good.
I want Buehler, May or Bruns. I don’t want the other guys they are overrated.
Got it. As a result, I think the Cardinals will need to look elsewhere for a Flaherty suitor.
Dude the Dodgers just traded for Lance Lynn and his ERA over 6. I wouldn’t get so flippant about all this.
I really don’t want to deal with the Dodgers unless it’s Arenado and the Cardinals get both Buehler and May back in return. I think many of the Dodgers prospects are overrated can’t say that enough. No clue why a guy like Pepiot is still considered top 100
And they didn’t trade either May, Buehler, or Bruns to get him. They traded two future bullpen pieces. For the record, I don’t like that trade.
Sorry if I come off flippant. That’s not my intention, its just that if Buehler comes back this year, the Dodgers plan to use him in October. He is one of the best postseason pitchers in history. They aren’t trading him.
Dustin May is probably done as a starter (my own opinion).When he gets back next year, he is probably going to be the closer of the future or a high leverage set up guy who is under team control for 3 more years
. I don’t see LA trading either of them for a rental that hardly moves the needle.
.Because Pepiot has the 2nd best rated change up in all of the minor leagues. He has a sub 4 era in his limited time in the majors (9 appearances, 7 starts). If he hadn’t got hurt in ST, he would have been up on the big squad before either of Stone, Miller, or Sheehan. His rehab is about 2 weeks away from being complete.
It’s all good man I wasn’t saying you were being flippant towards me just about the overall situation. It seems like the Dodgers should be making some legit moves not what they have done so far. I don’t like them as a trade partner for the Cardinals for numerous reasons but I do think they need to make some legit moves before Tuesday is over.
The cards have one of the best offenses in baseball. They shouldn’t mess with it. Trading arenado would be an awful idea, though I appreciate that they have 3 good 3Bs now. I don’t get the sense they are trying to make any big moves like that…instead just trying to get some value for expiring contracts and excess OFs and Yepez. Maybe they’ll trade for a catcher so they can carry 4 on their roster…
I think one of Arenado, Donovan and Gorman need to go.
Dealing Donovan probably makes the most sense. Gorman that doesn’t make any sense to me. You deal Arenado and spend the savings on other areas of need that would be fine. I think Arenado is headed downhill.
The entire credibility of this list went out the window at #4… Tommy Pham, seriously?
What do you say Red Sox fans, would you rather bring back the #4 best prize acquisition in superstar Tommy Pham, or one of those lower #28/29 “kinda decent career” pitchers like Scherzer or Verlander for the potential playoff run?
Some guys were lower on the list because they are less likely to be traded. Pretty easy to understand.
The intro to the article explains it pretty well. Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you’s.
Now that the White Sox have sold almost everyone available, Cardinals are the next big seller. Next 3 days should be interesting.
Eloy to the Brewers. Book it.
Trade for Uribe straight up
Pitching returns have been interesting so far. Interested to see what the Tigers and St Louis can get for their starters.
Yeah I am ready for some trades for sure. My guess is Sunday and Monday will get really exciting.
Could the Marlins sell a prospect to the Mets?
Max Meyer, Sixto Sanchez and Avisail Garcia, in return for Mark Canha (and salary relief from Avi)?
Not sure what it would look like but a Jo Adell to the pirates would be great.
Adell is in Clint Frazier/Jared Kelenic territory.
I mean the Cubs have a ton of questions that need to be answered in the next few days. If they add what do they add? If they add who goes? They have a bunch of marginal guys playing big roles right now. If Boxberger comes back who goes? They need another LH to go with Kay. They have two good ones at Iowa. Little and Horn. Problem is neither is on the 40 man so if you add one of them who goes? If you platoon Mastro and Morel at 3B what do you do with Madrigal? If you eat Mancini’s money who platoons with Belli at 1B? Wisdom? New guy? You’d prefer a RH. Does Mancini wake up? Do you dump Smyly and insert Wesneski or Brown? By the time the Playoffs roll around how many innings are on Steele’s arm? Is he OK? Does Stroman turn it around or do you flip him because you’re going to lose him? I mean you could send Amaya down for a week to get him some AB’s but Ross is going to want him back. I’m glad I’m not Jed and Carter right now. I’m getting dizzy.
I think the Cubs have to go for it. The division is up for grabs and they really aren’t that far out of the wild card either. Pythagorean says the Cubs are the best team in the division. Cubs got a gift win on Thursday and made a great play to win last night. They have won 7 in a row. They gotta go for it.
I used to legit hate the Cubs but lately I don’t mind them as much. Cheap teams that don’t spend those are teams I don’t like. Cubs have good fans and they try.
I think this is the first time in recent years that there isn’t at least one player who you could say that the braves were clearly pursuing and were likely to obtain.
Atlanta certainly has a great team, but it is apparent they could use improvements in starting pitching, the bullpen and left field. BUT how to go about doing so, and what price to pay is much surrounded by mists.
AA often keeps things concealed until the last possible moment.
Prices too high for Braves. They will let other teams address their needs and come in and grab what’s left with less competition.
Angels to add Verlander and Scherzer!!!
Ohtani, Scherzer, Verlander, Giolito, Detmers, Canning!!
Let’s fuqing Go!!
If you weren’t sure St. Louis were the big sellers, fully half of the top 12 are Cardinals…. Gonna be a completely different team on Tuesday.
Os Mountcastle should at least be considered an honorable mention? Struggling then diagnosed with vertigo, sent to the DL.
Whatever the strategy employed to not just to continue playing ball but enjoying a normal life journey seems to be working! Since back from DL, the dude looks like his old self to me.
Os did well using several player options at 1st base while he was on DL, so tradable?
Sorry if it’s already been mentioned but Bobby Witt Jr., is missing from this list. He’s on a one-year contract with KC as afar as I can tell and should be available.
Huh? Bobby Witt is like arbitration eligible for the next 4 years or so I think I could be wrong. But this comment makes zero sense.
Yup, I guess I don’t understand the trade thing well at all.
He won’t be a free agent until like 2027. He got arbitration years to go. The contract he signed was a pre arb deal. Unless a major deal comes in he will be in KC for a while and honestly I see him being like Alex Gordon and being there for life.
That’s presumably more a reflection of Royals’ brass playing things close to the vest than a lack of interest. The 30-year-old righty is an appealing trade target for contenders,
============================
Over his last 15 appearances, going back to June 10, Barlow’s ERA is 8.59 with a 12/11 K/W. He could always revert, but he has to be close to the worst pitcher in the majors right now.
And the writers really should’ve considered Matz as a target.
Man, Detroit always has a bunch of players performing well above expectations but never seems to be competitive. They need somebody new in charge of drafting.
case- News Flash from last year. Detroit hired Scott Harris as president and GM last off season. So they already granted your fondest wish. He already hired new people to do that. Unlike the Geenie in the bottle, You only get one wish. Signed, Santa.
We’ll see Santa, we’ll see.
Santa corrected you about Harris’ and his team being no board now 😉 They just had a great draft to restock their minor league system. What the Tigers need to do now is maximize the value they get back from their pitchers at the deadline. It sounds like they are having conversations with the right teams. Hopefully Harris is able to trade pitching for prospects with good bats who are close to the majors, like he did with the Jimenez for Malloy swap. They need at least one good MLB ready 2B or 3B like Justin Foscue (which may no longer be an option after the Scherzer trade). The rest can be guys to develop for the future.
I’d like to see the Phillies make a move with the Cubs, Chicago would get RHP Mick Abel,2B Hao Yu Lee, cF Simon Muzziotti, William Rimcones, Bailey Falter & Joey Rickards &Conor Brogdon for Marcus Stroman & Cody Bellinger.
I don’t know if that’s too much or not enough, but I’d do it from both sides.
gww- Other than all of those guys being completely useless to the Cubs, It sounds like a great trade. For the Phillies. Keep digging. Besides, Bellinger isn’t going anywhere this season. But for a ton of money and a draft pick you can submit your bid to Scott Boras when FA opens.
Do you think the Cubs would like to have those prospects now instead of nothing, which is what Bellinger & Stroman are to the Cubs now?
The Cubs could have had 3 high end prospects and 3 more mid-level prospects, and could have signed Bellinger or Stroman to a long term deal now as well. Wasted opportunity.
How would obtaining those players be useless to the Cubs? I’m fairly certain the Cubs aren’t going to the WS, most likely not even the playoffs. They would have received a 23 year old top 35 prospect SP who is on the fringe of getting promoted, as well as a CF prospect who is ready now, and a high end 2N prospect .not to mention young rotation depth
Because, We already have all of those things that’s why. But like I said keep playing.
I am a little surprised we are two days before the trade deadline and more free agents to be haven’t been moved, especially pitchers.
The Yankees and Red Sox not making any big moves tells me they don’t believe they are making a run. The Red Sox have been making nibbling, depth moves. Nothing that will improve their rotation, bullpen or SS/2B situation.
The last two big trades by both clubs occurred on 7/29 and 8/1.
The dates of trades is meaningless.
Come on Farhan, make a move..
Just got done checking out Carlos Hernandez of the Royals. This dude would be a perfect addition to the Orioles struggling bull pen. His stuff is nasty and he has pretty good control.