We are just one day away from the 2019 MLB trade deadline. We've seen a handful of smaller deals go down (you can follow along with our trade tracker), and Sunday brought the biggest trade thus far with the Mets acquiring right-hander Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays in exchange for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson.
We'll be here each day to roundup the latest on the rumor mill. We also took a look at the 50 best trade candidates, including the top 10 pitchers and top 10 hitters on the market. If you're interested in which prospects could be switching systems before July 31, we have you covered there as well.
Where will some of the biggest names on the trading block end up? Our experts at Sportsline have the odds on who Noah Syndergaard, Trevor Bauer and more will be playing for on Aug. 1.
Here are the latest trade rumors as the July 31 deadline approaches:
Astros in on Bumgarner and Bauer
The Giants by most accounts aren't going to move ace/franchise legend Madison Bumgarner before Wednesday's deadline, but perhaps the situation is more fluid than believed? Here's Yahoo's Tim Brown:
Source says Giants and Astros "engaged" on Bumgarner. Amount of traction unclear.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 30, 2019
The Astros have a clear need for another starting pitcher. The question is whether the Giants would be willing to move Mad Bum given their recent surge in the standings. They don't project well moving forward, and it's not too much to call them playoff longshots. However, dealing Bumgarner with playoff position in range surely wouldn't go over well with the fan base or in the clubhouse. Whether Bumgarner stays or goes is one of the most compelling subplots as we barrel toward the deadline.
Bumgarner is not the only big-name arm the Astros are interested in ahead of Wednesday. The team is also being linked to Indians' righty Trevor Bauer, according to Andy Martino.
Hearing Astros more on Bauer than Bumgarner
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 30, 2019
Thor may stay put, scheduled to pitch Tuesday
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard may stay put with the Mets, since many teams aren't engaging in trade talks for the ace because of the high asking price. Here's Passan with more:
While the market for Mets starter Noah Syndergaard should theoretically be bustling, given the paucity of frontline starting pitchers available, a number of teams in need of an arm are either balking at the price to acquire the right-hander or don't believe they have the necessary talent to fulfill Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen's desired return.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman adds that the Mets are still engaged on Syndergaard, who has now been linked to the Padres, Astros, Yankees, Athletics and Twins.
Mets still engaged on Syndergaard (who’s been linked to SD, Hou, NYY, Oak and Minn) but still seem much more likely to deal Wheeler. Makes sense. Stroman trade highlighted Mets interest in 2020; Noah under control thru 2021, Wheeler a FA after year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
Syndergaard is scheduled to pitch for the Mets on Tuesday night against the White Sox in Chicago. The organization did make a eyebrow-raising move by scratching Ervin Santana from his Triple-A start on Tuesday. However, Syndergaard was still the Mets' scheduled starter as of 4 p.m. ET, and the Mets might be bringing Santana to Chicago in case they deal Zack Wheeler (who's scheduled to pitch Thursday).
Everything is fluid, of course, but as of now Syndergaard still scheduled to start tonight in Chicago. As @Ken_Rosenthal noted Ervin Santana was pulled from AAA start. But more likely in case starter needed Thurs for Wheeler
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2019
Syndergaard, 26, is not a free agent until after the 2021 season. While he's not putting up the best numbers this season, he's still got dominating stuff and if he's placed with a contending team in the right situation, he could certainly help a team with a playoff run.
And here's a little more on the Mets' current deadline status:
More evidence #Mets do not intend to take step back: Sources say team is asking for major-league or major-league ready pieces for Syndergaard, even from clubs with top farm systems.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
Given the recent addition of Stroman, the Mets should indeed focus on fortifying the current roster.
But the Padres are still interested
Speaking of Syndergaard, the Padres have for a long been mentioned in connection with the hard-throwing right-hander, and if he gets moved then they seem like the favorite. The Padres are indeed trying to get something done, as Jon Heyman reports:
Have heard Padres made offer of multiple Major-League players for Syndergaard. No evidence the sides are close however.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
Presumably, the Mets are looking for young, controllable talent that's ready to contribute at the highest level right now. Not many organizations have that to spare, but the Padres certainly do. They may be the only team that can meet the asking price for Thor.
Astros going after Wheeler
The Houston Astros are working hard to try to acquire Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler, but a deal does not appear to be close, reports The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. The Athletics, Rays and Braves have also shown interest in Wheeler, Rosenthal adds. Wheeler, 29, will depart for free agency at the conclusion of this season. Here's more from Rosenthal:
There is a benefit to acquiring a rental such as Wheeler — it would come at a lower acquisition cost. The Astros' farm system ranks seventh in the majors, according to Baseball America, but several of its top pitching prospects experienced injury and/or regression this season, reducing general manager Jeff Luhnow's trade leverage.
There have been reports of the Mets being interested in extending Wheeler, but nothing has come from that yet. Wheeler bounced back after a stint on the injured list with shoulder fatigue, with a solid start on Friday against the Pirates.
Astros remain interested in Boyd
Even with the Astros after Wheeler, they still remain interested in Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi. But Morosi notes that in past discussions, Detroit has asked for Houston's No. 1 prospect, outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Astros have reportedly been reluctant to trade Tucker.
Source: #Astros showing continued interest in #Tigers LHP Matthew Boyd. Detroit has asked for Kyle Tucker in the past. Acquisition cost on #Mets RHP Zack Wheeler would be lower for Houston, and there is substance to those HOU/NYM talks, as @Ken_Rosenthal has reported. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2019
Boyd, 28, is under team control through 2022. He's making $2.6 million this season and has three more years of arbitration eligibility.
Indians want bats
The Indians right now are squarely in contention despite an offense that ranks 10th in the AL in both OPS and runs scored. The ongoing return to form of Jose Ramirez will help matters, but the front office will also need to look outside the organization for help. Speaking of that, Jon Morosi reports that Nick Castellanos of the Tigers is one possibility, and Jon Heyman adds the name of Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak. Ken Rosenthal adds Domingo Santana of the Mariners to the mix. Likely, the Indians would be focused on upgrading the DH position, at least for starters. Here's one other possible target ...
Rangers' Pence drawing interest
Hunter Pence in his age-36 campaign has enjoyed a nice renaissance with the Rangers. Right now, he's got a slash line of .290/.344/.558 (125 OPS+) through 65 games. If the market is any guide, some teams believe he's capable of continuing to produce, at least for the balance of 2019. Jon Heyman:
Hunter Pence and his great comeback story are drawing interest. Cubs, Rays, Braves, maybe Indians are among logical possibilities
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
All of those teams could use help on offense. The Braves have a particular need following the injury to Nick Markakis, and the Indians' current straits are noted above. Pence is on a one-year contract, so he'd carry no obligation beyond the current season.
Will Angels sell?
From Ken Rosenthal:
#Angels drawing trade interest in Jonathan Lucroy as well as Brian Goodwin, source tells The Athletic. Lucroy playing last rehab game tonight, expected to be activated tomorrow. Dustin Garneau, Kevan Smith LAA’s current catchers. Interest in Goodwin first noted by @Buster_ESPN.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
The most interesting takeaway from this as that it raises the possibility that the Angels might be "soft sellers" on Wednesday. Right now, Mike Trout's squad is two games above .500, but they're also 5 1/2 games out of second wild-card position in the AL and behind three teams. That translates to long playoff odds. That's why you might see them flip a couple of guys who aren't essential to their mid- to long-term aims.
O's getting calls on Mancini
Orioles OF/1B Trey Mancini is having a strong age-27 campaign, as he presently boasts a 128 OPS+ with 49 extra-base hits in 100 games. The O's, deep in the rebuilding process, are reportedly willing to deal him. Now Jon Morosi reports that Mancini is indeed drawing interest -- from the Astros, Rangers, and Rays in particular. The right-handed-hitting Mancini actually has reverse platoon splits for his career, and that likely adds to his appeal. He's not eligible for free agency until after the 2022 season.
Mets asking price for Diaz is high
The asking price for Mets closer Edwin Diaz is set high, but according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, many MLB executives believe that the ask is reasonable. However, many don't think the Mets will gain back all of the prospect value they initially gave up to acquire Diaz from the Mariners this past offseason. Here's Passan with more:
Despite his struggles this season, a number of scouts who have seen Diaz in recent weeks believe the raw ability that led him to a standout 2018 season remains and that he could well be the prize of the 2019 trade deadline. ...It's unreasonable to think they can recoup all of the prospect value lost in the deal. A good portion of it, though? That, executives say, is realistic.
ESPN's Buster Olney adds that the Rays have been doing background work on Diaz, who could be a short-term fit for the team during this season and next. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Dodgers, Red Sox, Rays, Braves and Padres are among the teams showing interest in Diaz, though the Red Sox might turn their interest to relievers with a smaller price tag. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Boston is unlikely to trade for Diaz, Tigers' Shane Greene or the Reds' Raisel Iglesias. Rosenthal reports that Boston is focused on lesser names for bullpen help. Speaking of which...
Dodgers remain engaged with Vazquez
The Dodgers and Pirates are still having trade discussions about reliever Felipe Vazquez, but Pittsburgh's high price is delaying any chance of a deal getting done by Wednesday. Here's The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal with more:
For all the talk of the Pirates trading Vázquez, the team shows little appetite for actually making such a move, sources say.
The way club officials see it, the team's collapse and last-place standing in the NL Central stem in part from injuries at various points to starting pitchers Jameson Taillon and Trevor Williams, catcher Francisco Cervelli and right fielder Gregory Polanco. Other clubs do not hold the same view, believing the Pirates essentially are fooling themselves, and should move Vázquez at a time when his value is soaring.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi adds that the Dodgers are likely to add a reliever by Wednesday, having also had discussion with Tigers reliever Shane Greene, among others.
Vazquez, 28, will earn $12.5 million combined in 2020 and 2021, and he has $10 million club options for 2022 and 2023.
Reds are selling, Roark expected to be dealt
The Cincinnati Reds (49-55) will be selling at this year's trade deadline. The team is 6 1/2 games behind the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers in the National League Central, and they've fallen back from getting a potential NL wild card spot. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that starting pitcher Tanner Roark is a Reds trade chip that is expected to be dealt before Wednesday. Roark, 32, is set to hit free agency after this season, and he's currently making $10 million for the 2019 season. Jon Heyman adds that the Braves and Yankees each have interest in Roark.
Passan also adds that closer Raisel Iglesias is also generating interest, and rival clubs believe that he will move. Iglesias is under contract for two more seasons after 2019. The Reds could also send starter Alex Wood off to another team, but it's likely that the Reds just trade one of their starters (Roark or Wood), according to Passan. If the Reds don't find a suitable deal by the deadline, Passan reports that Wood could be a candidate for a qualifying offer over the winter.
Giles' elbow troubles hurt his trade value
Blue Jays closer Ken Giles has been fighting elbow inflammation, and ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the injury is severely limiting his trade value. The likelihood has grown that Giles will remain with Toronto into the winter.
Giles was unavailable to pitch during for the second game in a row Monday due to the elbow inflammation. It's unclear whether Giles will be available to pitch on Tuesday. Passan adds that Toronto is still continuing to pursue potential deals for right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson, who will be a free agent this offseason. Giles, 28, is currently making $6.3 million this season.
Mariners could deal Leake
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that there is a 50/50 chance Seattle deals starting pitcher Mike Leake before his scheduled start Tuesday against the Rangers. The Mariners are in all-out rebuild mode plus it's a pitching-hungry market, so moving the 31-year-old right-hander may prove to happen by Wednesday.
Leake is 2-1 with a 2.59 ERA in four July starts, including a 5-3 victory against the Rangers last Wednesday in which he went seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Leake will earn about $19 million over the next two seasons. Leake has $4 million left in his $16 million salary this season and is owed $15 million next season with his former team, the Cardinals, picking up $4 million in 2020. There is also a $5 million buyout for a 2021 option. He has a full no-trade clause, but has said that he would waive it for the right situation.
Nats want relievers
From Jon Heyman:
Nats looking to add not one but two pen guys if they can, preferably 1 being lefthanded. They look like a threat ... especially if they can tighten up the pen.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
That certainly passes the smell test, as the Nationals have clawed their way back into contention despite one of the worst bullpens in MLB. Here's Jon Morosi with a specific potential target:
Sources: #SFGiants, #Nats have discussed Drew Pomeranz, who has thrown 4-1/3 scoreless IP since moving to the bullpen. @Ken_Rosenthal was first to report trade activity on Pomeranz yesterday. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2019
The Nats, obviously, would need to be confident that Pomeranz's stuff has played up in a sustainable fashion since his move to the bullpen.
