There is no shortage of big names on the block as we head toward the 2016 MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1.
As teams prepare for their playoff pushes, they want impact players who can make a difference for the rest of the regular season and beyond. Of course, those stars aren’t going to come cheap. The contending squads will have to give up noteworthy talent in return, which this year also includes high-profile players.
Organizations will continue to negotiate right up until the 4 p.m. ET deadline, but the rumors will likely continue as long as impact players remain available. Here is the latest surrounding some notable talents who could be on the move.
Aroldis Chapman, LHP, New York Yankees
When a player throws 105 mph, there is certain to be a lot of interest from around the league. That is the case with Aroldis Chapman, the New York Yankees closer who is apparently on the trade market this July.
ESPN The Magazine‘s Buster Olney reported the team has been aggressive in trying to move the flamethrower:
While teams also have interest in fellow left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, per Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, it seems the Yankees would rather lose Chapman, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season anyway. With the squad already a long shot to contend this year, it might as well get whatever it can for the talented player.
Olney noted a few teams interested in shoring up their bullpens, but the Washington Nationals might be one of the most aggressive. They have had one of the top teams in the majors over the last few years but don’t have a single playoff series win to show for it, so they believe this is their time to contend.
Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post explained Washington also has the pitching depth to complete a deal with Joe Ross, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez—all high-end starters who can help a team immediately. Lopez made his debut Tuesday and allowed six runs in 4.2 innings, but he also had nine strikeouts and just one walk.
Even after the Nationals sent Lopez back down to the minors after his spot start, per the team’s official Twitter account, it’s clear he could be a valuable commodity on the trade block.
It’s unknown whether the Nationals are willing to part with any of their young pitchers. However, with so many teams involved in the pursuit of Chapman, any deal likely won’t come cheap. With the 28-year-old’s closing experience and game-changing talent out of the bullpen, a blockbuster trade might be worth it.
Jurickson Profar, IF, Texas Rangers
While he was once a can’t-miss prospect who was untouchable on trades, Jurickson Profar could be on the move before the trade deadline.
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported the massive interest in the 23-year-old infielder:
Expect the Rangers’ phones to continue to ring heavily from other teams checking in on Profar‘s availability. Major League sources said the club is getting a ‘ton of calls’ on Profar, with the Rays high among the callers.
He may be the Rangers’ best trade chip now that he is over two years of shoulder problems and flashing the talent that once made him the top Minor League prospect.
Profar hadn’t played since 2013 before this season, and the Rangers have brought him along slowly while they try to figure out a spot for him in the lineup. He has spent time at first base, second base, shortstop and third base already this year and has gotten “a tutorial in outfield work” recently, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
When you have a player like Profar who’s a great athlete with this type of defensive versatility and the upside of an elite hitter, it’s no wonder opposing teams will do whatever they can to steal him in a trade.
The question is whether the Rangers would be willing to give up either Profar or fellow top prospect Joey Gallo in a deal. They are after starting pitching, and a team like the Tampa Bay Rays has multiple targets—Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore—available. If it is the one making the calls, Texas knows it could make a deal.
Although the Rangers organization might not want to part with a still-young prospect for nothing, general manager Jon Daniels explained he would let anyone go for the right price. When asked whether he has any players who are “untouchable,” he told the Ben and Skin show on KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan (via the Dallas Morning News):
I don’t think anybody does. I don’t think there’s a team out there that does, or a player that falls in that category. It’s just the name of the game. The right situation, right deal, any team would have to talk about anybody. That’s just the nature of the beast. Now, are there certain guys that would have to take a really unique circumstance? Of course. But you go 1-30 in every club, there’s going to be certain guys that are going to be harder to talk about than others.
This honest response shows that while he won’t give up Profar for a mid-range pitcher, things could be arranged in the right deal. If the Rangers can get Archer, Sonny Gray or other legitimate front-line starters, the young infielder will be on the next plane out.
Yasiel Puig, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Two years ago, Yasiel Puig was an All-Star and a possible future MVP candidate. Since then, there has been a lot more uncertainty.
The Cuban outfielder hit just .255 in 79 games last year and has been right on that pace in 2016, with even less power. A sub-.700 OPS is not going to get it done at the major league level.
This makes it little surprise the Los Angeles Dodgers are “open to trading” the 25-year-old player, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Why would a team want a struggling outfielder? Puig is still young and has proved he can hit at the major league level when healthy. He had a .319 batting average and 19 home runs during his rookie season at just 22 years old, so he has the ability to succeed. An interested team would have to hope a change of scenery is what is necessary to reignite that spark.
Meanwhile, Puig is also an electric player who has speed, a rocket arm and has improved defensively as of late. Even after a couple of poor seasons, he still has the upside of a superstar. Considering he is under team control through the 2019 season, there is a lot to like in a potential deal.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, though, the outfielder will not come cheap. According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the team isn’t looking for any small moves this summer:
Despite dealing with tons of injuries, especially with the pitching staff, Los Angeles is still in position to make the playoffs if the season ended today. If injured ace Clayton Kershaw and others can return before long, this is a team that can contend for a World Series.
If the Dodgers can get an upgrade by trading away a struggling Puig, they should do it.
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