2016 MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: Chapman open to post-trade return to Yankees
The Yankees are the center of attention leading up to the trade deadline. Here is Monday's buzz
By
Mike Axisa
•
4 min read
The 2016 non-waiver trade deadline is exactly two weeks away now. We've already seen a handful of trades go down in recent weeks, most notably involving James Shields and Drew Pomeranz, and you can be sure many more moves are on the way.
To help you keep track of all the rumors and rumblings, we'll log the day's buzz right here, so make sure you check back often for the latest updates.
Chapman open to post-trade return
Update: 10:06 p.m. ET
With the Yankees seemingly inching closer and closer to a seller's mindset at the deadline, reporters have started quizzing players about their reaction to the possibility. This process includes closer Aroldis Chapman, a pending free agent who would seem to be among the Yankees most likely to get dealt. Yet Chapman doesn't seem to take offense to the idea. Rather, Chapman told Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News that he'd be open to returning to the Yankees this winter, even if he was traded. Presumably the Yankees won't be moved either way by this declaration.
Dodgers, Rays discussing trades
Update: 6:56 p.m. ET
Andrew Friedman used to run the Rays, but it appears that he's staying in touch with his old colleagues these days for professional purposes -- more specifically, the Dodgers and Rays are talking trades, per MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. Morosi suggests the Dodgers have interest in Tampa Bay's starting pitchers and second baseman Logan Forsythe, whose defensive versatility makes him an appealing fit for a front office that craves roster flexibility. Morosi also floats the pie-in-the-sky idea of an Evan Longoria trade, though he concedes there's little reason to believe that a trade is likely, or even being discussed in the first place.
Yanks scouting Nats' Triple-A team
Update: 4:02 p.m. ET
The Yankees spent the weekend scouting the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate, reports Barry Svrulga of the Washington Post. New York intends to shift gears and focus on Washington's big league team this week. Coincidentally -- or perhaps not! -- the Nats are calling up prized pitching prospect Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A to make his MLB debut Tuesday. Washington is said to have interest in Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.
Miller is 'probably' top Indians target
Update: 1:31 p.m. ET
Yankees lefty Andrew Miller is "probably" the top trade deadline target for the Indians, reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Cleveland needs a left-handed reliever, and Miller's affordable salary and willingness to accept any role makes him a very desirable trade target. Plus, you know, he's really good. The Indians may be the most well-rounded team in the AL. Their one glaring weakness is a shutdown lefty reliever.
Yankees covet Schwarber
Update: 12:49 p.m. ET
According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Yankees covet injured Cubs masher Kyle Schwarber. "(Yankees GM Brian Cashman) thinks he can hit 50 home runs there," said a source to Passan. The Cubs have reportedly been scouting New York's top relievers, specifically Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, for weeks now, though Schwarber is reportedly off limits. He is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in an outfield collision back in April.
Twins fire GM Terry Ryan
Update: 12:41 p.m. ET
The Twins have fired longtime GM Terry Ryan, the team announced. Assistant GM Rob Antony will take over as interim GM for the time being. The timing is somewhat curious -- the trade deadline is only two weeks away -- but this move is not a total surprise. The Twins are on pace to lose 90-plus games for the fifth time in the last six years. It's time for a new voice.
Marlins expected to make trades
Update: 11:13 a.m. ET
The Marlins are expected to make a trade or two before the deadline, reports MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. One player they're targeting: Phillies righty Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson, 29, has a 4.03 ERA (103 ERA+) in 19 starts and 111 2/3 innings this season. He'll become a free agent after the season and would satisfy Miami's need for rotation help. The Fish are currently tied with the Mets for the second Wild Card spot.
Rays starters getting attention
Update: 10:27 a.m. ET
A throng of scouts were on hand to see Rays lefty Matt Moore and righty Jake Odorizzi over the weekend, report Bill Chastain of MLB.com and Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times. The Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, Pirates, and Nationals scouted Moore on Saturday while the Nationals, Dodgers, and Rangers were among the teams to watch Odorizzi on Sunday. Tampa Bay is in last place at 35-56 and they're expected to look into trading some of their arms for younger assets.
Royals, Yankees talked Beltran
Update: 10:27 a.m. ET
The Royals and Yankees discussed a Carlos Beltran trade earlier this season, reports George King of the New York Post. Luke Hochevar's name came up in talks. Beltran, 39, is hitting .297/.334/.542 (130 OPS+) with 19 home runs this season. He started his career with the Royals and would give them some much needed thump in right field. It's unclear if the two sides are still talking.
Rays say Archer isn't available
Update: 10:27 a.m. ET
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Rays are telling teams ace Chris Archer is not available unless they get blown away with an offer. That's one of those things that applies to pretty much every really good young player. The 27-year-old Archer is having a down year (4.68 ERA and 88 ERA+), but he was a Cy Young candidate last season, and is signed affordably through 2019 with club options for 2020 and 2021.
