The 2016 non-waiver trade deadline falls on August 1 this year, meaning it's less than a week away now. We've already seen a handful of trades go down the last few days, some of which involved big names like Aroldis Chapman.
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. Here's a look back at Thursday's trade chatter.
Rangers considering Lucroy?
Update: 12:45 a.m. ET
With talks surrounding some starting pitchers (though not all, as you'll see below) fizzling, the Rangers have internally discussed improving their pitching staff through other means. According to Evan Grant, that means considering a run at Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, whose work behind the plate is well regarded. Grant notes that the Brewers had a scout at Friday night's Rangers game -- which is apparently rare for the Brewers organization. The takeaway here is that the Rangers seem dead-set on improving their pitching one way or the other.
Teams scouting Guerra
Update: 11:24 p.m. ET
Junior Guerra has been one of the best stories of the season, and it seems like the rest of the league is taking notice. Several teams were reportedly scouting Guerra on Friday night, according to Tom Haudricourt. Guerra delivered, allowing one run and four hits over 8 2/3 innings against the Pirates. If teams are convinced Guerra is anywhere near legit, or even just an average-ish starter, then his cheap cost and handful of years of control make him an appealing addition.
Rangers closing in on Velasquez?
Update: 10:55 p.m. ET
Earlier tonight, we asked whether the Rangers would be able to get the Phillies to consider trading Vincent Velasquez. The answer is evidently yes. CSN Philly is reporting the two sides are "deep" in talks involving the 24-year-old right-hander. Obviously that guarantees nothing -- teams get deep into talks without reaching agreements all the time -- but it looks like one unexpected name could be on the move in the coming days.
Dodgers trying to unload Puig?
Update: 9:45 p.m. ET
We've already heard murmurs that the Dodgers are interested in Jay Bruce -- and could well be dreaming up a three-team trade to acquire his services -- and it seems like that means the end is near for Yasiel Puig's Dodgers career. According to Jayson Stark, the Dodgers have been trying to attach Puig to many of their proposals.
That doesn't necessarily signal Puig is going to get traded, but where there's a will there's a way -- and it seems like the Dodgers have the will to find a way. Jeff Passan notes that three-way talks involving Puig and Bruce failed to materialize in a trade. Jon Morosi identifies the Rays as a team who was involved in those talks. Morosi adds that the Dodgers are indeed trying to trade Puig in Bruce discussions, but the Reds prefer to add prospects.
Braves nearing Jim Johnson trade
Update: 7:59 p.m. ET
For the second straight deadline, it appears the Braves will be trading reliever Jim Johnson. Chris Cotillo reports the Braves have been closing in a deal for days, and names both the Mets and Blue Jays as potential suitors. Johnson has pitched well since returning from the disabled list in June, and could help a contender in a middle-relief role.
Dodgers working toward three-way deal for Bruce?
Update: 7:31 p.m. ET
Jayson Stark tweets that he's heard "rumblings" of a three-team trade between the Dodgers, Reds, and a mystery team that would net the Dodgers Jay Bruce. As we noted earlier, the Dodgers would seemingly prefer a right-handed hitter, yet Bruce's power and additional year of team control might win out. There's no telling just who the third team might be at this point, so ahead and make your best guess.
Mets working multiple fronts
Update: 7:15 p.m. ET
According to Joel Sherman, the Mets continue to sniff around Jonathan Lucroy, with the hope that the Brewers will accept catcher Travis d'Arnaud as the main part of a deal. Sherman adds that the Mets have talked to the Reds about Jay Bruce, and that they've even talked to the Brewers about a package deal that would net New York Lucroy in addition to a reliever -- likely Jeremy Jeffress or Will Smith. The Brewers are disinclined to make such a move, however.
Dodgers, others jockeying for Bruce
Update: 7:05 p.m. ET
The Dodgers are among the teams who like Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, per Jon Heyman. Heyman reports that the Dodgers would probably prefer a right-handed hitter, likely to balance their lineup. Still, Bruce is going to get moved to a contender due to his left-handed pop and additional year of team control. Heyman lists the Orioles, Nationals, Mariners, and Mets as other teams in the Bruce derby.
Mets considering Smith
Update: 6:55 p.m. ET
The Mets and Angels have "gone back and forth on a deal" for reliever Joe Smith, according to Marc Carig. Smith, of course, was originally a Mets draft pick who spent the 2007-08 seasons in New York. He's a free agent at season's end, and would seem to be in position to cash in on years of reliable late-inning work ... except his strikeout rate has dipped and he's been more susceptible against left-handed hitters, suggesting his days as a top-flight setup man are over or nearing their end. Carig also notes that Huston Street could be in play, but that Smith has been the focus.
Rangers "all over" Velasquez
Update: 5:40 p.m. ET
The Rangers continue to do their homework on Phillies right-hander Vincent Velasquez, according to Ken Rosenthal. While Rosenthal notes that a deal is unlikely -- the Rangers are said to be investigating numerous cost-controlled starters -- it does present us with a fun question: should the Phillies consider trading Velasquez? You can make a case -- perhaps not a convincing one -- based on the ideas that the Phillies are a year or two away from contention, that Velasquez's value will never be higher, and that his past injury issues make him a attrition risk. Of course, that's probably not convincing enough, but maybe the Rangers will put together a package so good that the Phillies have to think about it before saying no.
Santana unlikely to be dealt?
Update: 4:51 p.m. ET
The Twins would have to be overwhelmed to trade veteran righty Ervin Santana, reports Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball. Minnesota does figure to trade relievers such as Fernando Abad and Brandon Kintzler, however. Santana has a 3.78 ERA (112 ERA+) in 114 1/3 innings this season, and he's owed a reasonable $27 million from 2017-18 with a $14 million club option for 2019. The price of pitching is so high right now that the Twins figure to get some tempting offers.
M's inquired about Cozart
Update: 4:45 p.m. ET
The Mariners have inquired about the availability of Reds shortstop Zack Cozart, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. Cozart is not considered a great fit though because Seattle has young Ketel Marte due to return from mono soon. The 30-year-old Cozart is hitting .266/.318/.463 (106 OPS+) with a career high 15 home runs this year. He will remain under team control as an arbitration-eligible player next season.
LA, A's have talked Reddick, Hill
Update: 4:38 p.m. ET
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Dodgers and Athletics have discussed a package deal that would send outfielder Josh Reddick and lefty Rich Hill to Los Angeles. It should be noted Hill was just scratched from Sunday's scheduled start due to an ongoing blister issue. He's thrown 12 innings total since May 29 due to the blister and an earlier groin injury. Hill has pitched well this season, but scouts haven't seen much of him at all.
'Real possibility' Robertson is traded
Update: 4:31 p.m. ET
There is a "real possibility" the White Sox will trade closer David Robertson prior to Monday's trade deadline, reports Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. There is certainly no shortage of contenders in need of bullpen help. Robertson, 31, is having a down year (4.35 ERA and 1.43 WHIP) and he's owed $25 million from 2017-18, which means he's should come cheaper than other big name relievers on the trade market.
Texas still after Sale
Update: 3:31 p.m. ET
The Rangers continue to be the most aggressive team in pursuit of White Sox ace Chris Sale, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The ChiSox want Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo from Texas in any Sale trade. That's not an unreasonable request. The question is what other pieces does Chicago want as well?
Many teams in on Melancon
Update: 3:27 p.m. ET
Many teams have interest in Pirates closer Mark Melancon according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, including the Indians, Giants, and Nationals. Pittsburgh seeks a setup reliever and prospects in return. That follows the Aroldis Chapman blueprint. Chapman was traded for a big league reliever (Adam Warren) and three prospects. Both Melancon and Chapman will be free agents this offseason.
Nats willing to deal Giolito for Miller?
Update: 3:23 p.m. ET
The Nationals are reportedly willing to trade top prospect Lucas Giolito to the Yankees for Andrew Miller, straight up. We buy this rumor, with a caveat. Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Yankees have not yet been broached with such an offer, and even if they were, they wouldn't do a one-for-one swap.
Eight teams on Lucroy's no-trade list
Update: 1:27 p.m. ET
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, there are eight teams on Jonathan Lucroy's no-trade list. The eight teams: Angels, Athletics, Indians, Mariners, Nationals, Padres, Tigers, and Twins. The Tigers and especially the Indians have been connected to Lucroy in recent days. Detroit's interest was shot down earlier Friday though (scroll down and see 11:56 a.m. ET update).
Moore, Pearce likeliest to be moved
Update: 12:00 p.m. ET
Rays lefty Matt Moore is the most likeliest trade candidate for Tampa Bay, at least among their starting pitchers, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. Utility man Steve Pearce will be traded as well. ESPN's Jayson Stark hears that prior to acquiring Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea on Friday, the Marlins discussed Moore and Jake Odorizzi with the Rays. Tampa asked for Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto in return and that was that.
Detroit not targeting Lucroy
Update: 11:56 a.m. ET
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Tigers are "not involved" in the bidding for Jonathan Lucroy. Detroit was connected to the All-Star catcher earlier this week, though it's tough to see how they could get a deal done considering the reported asking price and their farm system.
Nats in on Melancon, Davis
Update: 11:54 a.m. ET
The Nationals are talking to the Pirates about Mark Melancon and the Royals about Wade Davis, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Multiple teams are in on Melancon. Jonathan Papelbon has allowed eight runs and put 11 men on base in his last three appearances, totaling just one inning. That has heightened Washington's need for bullpen help.
O's have talked to TB about Ramirez
Update: 11:40 a.m. ET
The Orioles have talked to the Rays about right-hander Erasmo Ramirez, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The two AL East rivals have only made three trades with each other, all minor swaps. Ramirez, 26, has a 3.90 ERA (105 ERA+) in 60 innings as something of a multi-inning setup man. He has starter experience and could be stretched out easily enough.
SF focused on adding pitching
Update: 11:18 a.m. ET
The Giants acquired Eduardo Nunez from the Twins to improve their bench late Thursday night, but they're not done shopping. According to Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area, GM Bobby Evans said the Giants are still focused on adding pitching before Monday's trade deadline. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick says San Francisco is out scouting everyone. "Name a park, and there's a Giants scout there," said a rival official to Crasnick.
Miami lands Cashner, Rea
Update: 10:56 a.m. ET
The Marlins have been looking to add rotation help, and according to multiple reports, they are set to add two starting pitchers in a trade with the Padres. Miami is set to acquire right-handers Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea, plus prospect Tayron Guerrero from San Diego for righties Jarred Cosart and Carter Capps, plus prospects Josh Naylor and Luis Castillo are heading to San Diego. Neither team has officially announced the trade yet.
