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It’s the Chris Sale show during this wild MLB trade rumors season. 

Sale might dominate the headlines right now because he took scissors to throwback jerseys and got sent home (no joke), according to Tommy Stokke of FanRag Sports, but more importantly, he’s one of the biggest names on the market. 

With sellers hoping to improve for the future and contenders looking to take a more narrow focus and fight for a title now, Sale is one piece of a wide-reaching puzzle.  

Here are a few players and teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches.

Chris Sale Watch

The Sale saga didn’t need much more in the way of interest before he allegedly decided to chop up some jerseys.

In fact, the odd turn of events helped overshadow quite the report from Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, who broke down the Chicago White Sox’s asking price and reasoning:

Word going around is that the Chisox are seeking ‘five top prospects’ for Sale. While that sounds like a lot in an era where teams are reluctant to surrender any prospects, Sale is not only acknowledged as one of the very best pitchers in baseball, but he has a very reasonable contract and is only 27 years old with no hint of arm issues.

Not only is Sale worth every bit of the asking price, but the White Sox will probably get it.

Recent incident or not, Sale is only 27 years old and boasts a 14-3 record with a 3.18 ERA. He’s struck out 129 batters, so he’s well on his way to a fourth consecutive season with 208 or more fanned batters.

Not only does Heyman mention the Boston Red Sox as a team to watch in regard to Sale, but MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan brought up the Texas Rangers:

Both teams offer potential deals to watch ahead of the deadline. When it comes to the asking price, both franchises stick out because they boast strong farm systems and have enough to pry the affordable Sale away from the White Sox.

That would explain why the two have already had apparent talks with Chicago. Now it’s a matter of seeing if either franchise will gut the systems to acquire him.

Rangers-Rays Dance

Speaking of the Rangers, Heyman also brought them up recently when providing details about a potential deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

From the sound of it, the Rays don’t mind dealing some starting pitching to the Rangers, but only if the team gets back infielder Jurickson Profar in a deal.

No dice. Here’s MLB Network’s Jon Morosi:

A staring contest works. So does tug of war.

To be fair, Profar is worth the debate. He’s only 23 years old and sitting on a .290/.344/.414 slash line. Those are the best numbers of his career, and he also has four homers and 14 RBI.

The Rays don’t sound like they’re being cooperative here if they hope to land such a high-upside guy. They should be willing to surrender Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore, who have posted 4.10 and 4.31 ERA numbers, respectively, over 20 or more starts.

Moore and Odorizzi seem like major targets for the Rangers, should the asking price for Sale or Andrew Cashner go too high, per Sullivan:

Chris Archer is the biggest name, though, with his 4.60 ERA and league-leading 147 strikeouts. But it seems clear the asking price would be too much for the strikeout machine if the Rays want Profar back in a deal for guys with perceived lesser trade value.

Texas has more options, so it will be interesting to see which side, if any, blinks and gets something done here.

Andrew Cashner‘s Market

Cashner came up for a reason. 

He’s rivaling Sale in the rumors market right now, and the Rangers aren’t the only team with interest in the San Diego Padres star.

According to Heyman, the San Francisco Giants took the temperature:

Add the Los Angeles Dodgers to the list of teams in on Sale, by the way.

But this is about Cashner. He’s 29 years old with a 4.79 ERA and 61 strikeouts. He can act as a quality second or third starter on a contender. The Giants might have more of a need in the bullpen, but grabbing Cashner in a deal wouldn’t hurt.

The same goes for the Miami Marlins, who also sound in on Cashner, according to Morosi:

Miami is the major team to watch here when it comes to potential deals. The Marlins’ ability to add a quality starter behind Jose Fernandez would work wonders for their title chances, which means giving up the haul the Padres desire isn’t out of the question.

In fact, based on such logic, this deal seems a matter of when, not if. The Marlins are 4.5 games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East, and striking such a deal would go a long way toward helping them steal the slot.

Other teams might kick the tires, but the Padres-Marlins dance is the one to put under the microscope.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.

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With time running out until MLB‘s non-waiver trade deadline, nearly half of the league is sandwiched together atop the standings.

Fourteen teams have accumulated at least 50 victories. Shortly before the non-waiver trade window shuts on Aug. 1, a clear line divides the contenders and pretenders. Given the parity at the top, every playoff hopeful can convince itself that one or two shrewd moves will catalyze a championship run.

Such a climate could create chaos over the next 10 days. Some of the most popular trade candidates remain on the rumor mill, even if all of them aren’t veterans on expiring contracts.

Their availability might be only for show, but let’s examine the latest buzz on some of baseball’s best players on the market.

Chris Archer

If there’s a player a small-market seller shouldn’t shop, it’s a 27-year-old ace, especially not when he’s on the books for a team-friendly contract through 2021. And especially not during a down year.

A year after registering a 3.23 ERA and 252 strikeouts for the Tampa Bay Rays, Chris Archer has posted an inflated 4.60 ERA in 2016. He’s on the hook for an MLB-worst 13 losses, only two of which qualified as quality starts.

It’s a poor time for Tampa Bay to move a struggling franchise centerpiece, but an anonymous team executive expressed confidence that the Los Angeles Dodgers would land him, per ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:

Even if the Rays deal Archer, don’t expect them to sell low. Stark clarified their high asking price, which makes a move feel less certain than the previous source suggested:

Will the Dodgers pay up? Per Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, an executive said they “have almost no choice but to overpay for a controllable starter such as Archer or [Chris] Sale,” with ace Clayton Kershaw possibly needing surgery. Another source previously told Rosenthal the Chicago White Sox turned down a “king’s ransom” for their rotation anchor.

If motivated to stay in playoff contention without Kershaw, the Dodgers have a deep enough farm system for an aggressive move. Top pitching prospects Jose De Leon, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas could grab Tampa Bay’s attention. The crown jewel of their young talent, 19-year-old Julio Urias, would especially force the Rays to consider a blockbuster move.

Despite his 2016 struggles, Archer remains a top-shelf arm who has punched out 147 batters over 123.1 innings. Unless the Dodgers make a Godfather offer, he’ll stay put, with Matt Moore or Jake Odorizzi potentially moving instead.

Jonathan Lucroy

Milwaukee Brewers teammate Ryan Braun is a flashier household name, but Jonathan Lucroy stirs more excitement among contenders. The 30-year-old catcher is hitting .301/.357/.484 during a bounce-back year, and few peers garner more respect for their defensive work.

A $5.25 million club option for 2017—chump change for an elite two-way catcher—fortifies his trade value but allows Milwaukee the flexibility to stand pat if no offer whets its whistle. As a cheap upgrade for every team besides the San Francisco Giants, he’ll draw plenty of eager admirers before Aug. 1.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the Cleveland Indians are one such suitor:

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel‘s Tom Haudricourt added that the two sides will expand those negotiations to include relievers: 

Contrary to Olney‘s tweet, Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes reported Michael Brantley’s latest setback won’t intensify Cleveland’s pursuit of offensive help. Yet it’s reasonable to expect the American League Central leaders to address the worst catching production in baseball. 

Yet Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball dampened the likelihood of a transaction. 

“While an Indians person confirmed they talked about Lucroy, that possibility was downplayed, which makes sense since the Indians probably want to save their bullets for pitching,” Heyman wrote.

The Indians boast one of baseball’s premier rotations, but their bullpen is a sore spot, aside from Dan Otero and closer Cody Allen. Baseball Prospectus gives them an 97.3 percent chance of making the playoffs, so they should give serious thought to obtaining Lucroy and bullpen help from Milwaukee.

Jay Bruce and Josh Reddick

Not every maneuver needs to set the baseball community ablaze. For teams needing an offensive boost in a corner-outfield slot, Jay Bruce and Josh Reddick represent sensible choices who shouldn’t command top-flight prospects in return.

Since they fit the same role, it’s natural for their markets to intertwine. According to Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi, a few teams are eyeing both sluggers:

Boasting a .528 slugging percentage and 19 homers, Bruce represents the grander offensive upgrade. A $13 million club option for next year also tacks on more future worth than Reddick‘s expiring contract. Yet any buyer must consider the defensive repercussions.

Because of his minus-12.3 ultimate zone rating, the worst mark of any outfielder, Bruce grades out as a replacement-level player despite his demonstrative power. The Dodgers might be desperate enough for the power, and the Cubs could mask his shortcomings with baseball’s best defense. Heyman tossed the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals into the mix as well.

Reddick is no defensive wizard, and he has delivered significantly less power, with six long balls for the Oakland Athletics. The 29-year-old also, however, wields a higher weighted runs created-plus mark (121) than the Cincinnati Reds bruiser (117) thanks to his keen batting eye.

Per the San Francisco Chronicle‘s John Shea, Reddick indicated he “would love to” remain in Oakland. 

“It’s kind of disheartening something hasn’t been worked out so far, and we’ve been four months into it. It is what it is,” he said.

Oakland has rarely shown loyalty to its tenured players, so expect Reddick to go when the last-place franchise unloads before the deadline. He’s a two-month rental who can help a handful of contenders.

Note: All advanced stats courtesy of FanGraphs unless otherwise noted. Contract information obtained from Cot’s Baseball Contracts.

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It’s time for MLB teams to make a decision. 

With August getting closer, teams on the brink of the postseason have to decide whether it’s time to make a move for the present or for the future.

The future means a front office throws up the proverbial white flag and sells off assets to teams with different ideas. It means securing spots of need for the long-term outlook and trying again at a later date, what some would call the smart approach.

Those teams deciding to go with the present and search for upgrades have decided the core in place is good enough to compete for a title, especially if they can sell off future assets to fill a niche need.

Let’s take a look at a few notable names on the hunt for upgrades.

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians seem to have it all.

Sitting on a 56-38 mark, the biggest complaint in Cleveland might be the reliever situation. It’s likely a topic of discussion with the Milwaukee Brewers, alongside another major name.

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provided the details:

Jonathan Lucroy would be the point of emphasis here.

Now 30 years old, Lucroy is in the midst of a very strong season, sitting on a .304/.361/.490 slash line, all better numbers than last year. He’s also hit 12 homers and knocked in 48 runs.

Cleveland isn’t weak at Lucroy‘s spot per se, but if his name comes up it would be silly to shrug it off. He’s in the last year of a deal, so Cleveland could perhaps get him back under contract to terms they see fit, or simply rent him for a title push.

When it comes to relief pitchers, Will Smith and Tyler Thornburg might be the names to know. The former has a 2.00 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 18 innings, while the latter has a 2.39 ERA with 52 strikeouts and a pair of saves over 37.2 innings. Both are 27 years old.

No matter what comes of the rumblings, it’s clear Cleveland will remain on the hunt for help. Other teams might swoop in for some of the players mentioned, but it won’t dissuade the Indians from seeking help in critical areas.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs seem like the biggest buyers at the deadline. 

There’s no shock in that. The Cubs sit on a 57-37 mark but are just .500 over their last 10 games. The St. Louis Cardinals are only 6.5 games behind in the NL Central and have won seven of their last 10 outings.

It’s not panic mode by any means, but the situation helps to explain why the Cubs seem in the mix for help at the plate and on the mound.

According to Julie DiCaro of 670 The Score, though, the Cubs don’t seem poised to do a deal with the New York Yankees:

New York isn’t going to give up Andrew Miller or Aroldis Chapman for cheap. The former has appeared in 40 games and posted a silly 1.31 ERA with 70 fanned batters. The latter has pitched 29 times and posted a 2.22 ERA with 40 strikeouts.

Everybody seems to want a piece of Kyle Schwarber, the 23-year-old outfielder who hit .246/.355/.487 last year for the Cubs with 16 homers and 43 RBI. Chicago, though, seems to have drawn a line in the sand, not wanting to sell the young slugger for a reliever.

For now.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi expanded on the sort of help the Cubs might look for at the plate:

Cubs president Theo Epstein knows a thing or two about Reddick after drafting him to the Boston Red Sox back in 2006.

Epstein will understand loud and clear that Reddick‘s .300/.378/.441 slash line, six home runs and 23 RBI are frustrating numbers at best for the 29-year-old outfielder, who has only been able to appear in 60 games so far.

The problem for the Cubs? The Oakland Athletics understand how valuable Reddick is and won’t let him slip away for less than what he’s worth simply due to an injury-riddled campaign.

With Reddick another player poised to hit free agency this winter, the Cubs might find it unrealistic to give up a major haul for what could be a half-season rental, especially given the team’s stance on giving away Schwarber so far.

But that’s what makes the push to the deadline so interesting. Chicago could wind up as one of those teams who plays it conservative right up until the deadline, then swings for the proverbial fences out of nowhere.

No matter how it pans out, it’s best not to blink when it comes to the Cubs, given their impact moves or lack thereof could heavily impact the title chase.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.

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As the grind of the long MLB regular season takes its toll and some rosters begin to wilt in the summer sun, shoring up a pitching staff can be the key to maintaining consistency and stocking away wins before the final playoff push in the fall.

When scraping out runs seems like an exhausting challenge, it’s good to find a way to keep scores low and, therefore, within striking range.  

A couple of steady arms on the mound are two of the latest players to generate some trade buzz as the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Chris Archer, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have all the money in the world, but it can’t buy protection from the scourge of injuries. With the starting rotation depleted, snagging a pitcher is becoming a more pressing need than getting some more offense from the outfield. 

According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Dodgers could be making headway toward a deal for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer:

After making his first All-Star game last season and finishing the year with a 3.23 ERA, Archer’s had a fairly disappointing encore, sporting a 5-13 record with a 4.60 ERA. The 27-year-old hasn’t had too many great outings this year, but he’s also done well to avoid the really ugly showings, giving up five or more runs in a start only four times this year. 

Good for six or seven innings and a handful of strikeouts every time out, the Dodgers could really use Archer to soak up innings. Clayton Kershaw’s back may have the season in doubt, Alex Wood is out for a couple of months and Hyun-Jin Ryu is back on the disabled list after making just one start. 

The Rays are in last place in the American League East and have little reason not to sell. The Dodgers are a wild-card team right now but just four games back of the rival San Francisco Giants in the National League West.

With the Dodgers’ injuries piling up and the team essentially mandated to make the postseason due to its embarrassment of riches, the Rays might get a better return from the cash-rich team from the big city than they would anywhere else.

Andrew Cashner, RHP, San Diego Padres

Keeping things out on the West Coast, the Dodgers’ rival to the south, the San Diego Padres, could be offloading veteran hurler Andrew Cashner soon.

On Wednesday, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported the Padres were looking to trade Cashner before his Thursday start against the St. Louis Cardinals: 

In his article Wednesday, Morosi mentioned the Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles as “teams that have shown interest.”

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal later noted on Twitter that a source told him there’s a “99.9 percent [chance] nothing will happen” before Thursday. Indeed, Cashner went out on the mound and did a fine job of auditioning himself to other teams in what would turn out to be a 6-5 road loss for the Padres.

The 29-year-old righty gave up three hits and one earned run while striking out eight in 5.2 innings of work. ABC San Diego’s Ben Higgins joked he pitched well enough to earn some extra time in San Diego: 

Cashner managed that fine outing despite being well aware he’s not long for working in America’s Finest City.

“I know I’m going to be traded,” Cashner said late Thursday, per the San Diego Union-Tribune‘s Dennis Lin. “It’s just part of the game, part of where the season’s at.”

Cashner has been excellent in three of his four starts since coming back from a short stint on the DL. The injuries he’s sustained this season and his overall underwhelming performance might’ve hurt his trade value at one point, but his recent form should erase that. This benefits the Padres, who are again mired in the doldrums of the National League. 

While a trade has been rumored as imminent, San Diego could be dealing from a position of strength here.

There are plenty of possible suitors for Cashner‘s services, so the Padres might do well to try to stretch out proceedings and drive up a bidding war among teams in the playoff hunt.  

Jonathan Lucroy, C, Milwaukee Brewers

We all know pitchers are hot commodities during the playoff race, but sometimes it’s the battery mates who are the subject of rumors and speculation. Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is one such player. According to Morosi on Wednesday, the Brewers are talking to multiple teams about Lucroy:

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel‘s Tom Haudricourt added some info to the Cleveland Indians’ rumored pursuit: 

Lucroy wasn’t in the lineup Thursday for the Brewers’ 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading some to believe the Brewers had traded him or were on the verge of dealing him. However, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reported it was a false alarm: 

Through Thursday, Lucroy boasts a .304/.361/.490 slash line with 12 home runs, 48 RBI and hey, why not, five stolen bases. He provides a rare offensive boost from behind the plate and has been doing so for several years now (when not injured). 

He’s also getting pretty good at mowing down would-be base stealers. The 30-year-old ranks seventh in the majors with 38 percent caught stealing, per Baseball-Reference.com.

In fact, considering how valuable he is at his position and how cheap his current deal is, The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh argues he’s the prize of this year’s trade deadline: 

Lucroy, who won’t reach free agency until 2017, is an intoxicating combination of inexpensive and skilled. PECOTA forecasts Lucroy for roughly six WARP through next season, with one-third of that coming this year. If we assume that teams are willing to pay free agents close to $9 million per projected win, Lucroy’s remaining contributions would command more than $50 million on the open market, dwarfing the $7.5 million or so he’ll actually earn over the life of this deal. That gives him essentially the same surplus value as a top-10 hitting prospect (such as Brewers top prospect Orlando Arcia). You can see why Stearns’s asking price is so high.

With Lucroy providing fantastic value at a great price, one would think every contender seeking even a slight upgrade at catcher should be thinking about him. Of course, Cleveland could be more desperate than most, as catchers Yan Gomes and Chris Gimenez have provided next to nothing in terms of offensive production this season. 

Gomes also happens to be on the DL with a shoulder injury, making the Indians’ situation behind home plate even more desperate.

However, the Indians do have the best record in the American League (56-38), so they may not be quite as motivated to sell the farm for Lucroy as, say, the middling Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners, two teams Lindbergh notes could use some extra value at catcher. 

Milwaukee is certainly dealing from a position of power, but Lucroy could have his own leverage in this situation and perhaps dictate where he might like to go. If he does, the powerful Indians give him the best chance to win right away. 

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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:

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.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.

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With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline looming on August 1, there are some big names who could be on the trading block, including Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy.    

On Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine‘s Buster Olney that the Brewers and Cleveland Indians are “in talks” for the two-time All-Star. 

Continue for updates.

Indians’ Needs Make Lucroy a Prime Target

Wednesday, July 20

Olney noted that the Indians might be interested in the 30-year-old Lucroy after outfielder Michael Brantley had a setback in his recovery from a shoulder injury that’s kept him out since May 14, per MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. 

Brantley has appeared in just 11 games this year after hitting 35 home runs combined over the past two seasons. 

But the Indians are in desperate need of help at the catcher position, as Yan Gomes—who was batting only .165 this season—dislocated his right shoulder, forcing the team to recall Roberto Perez from Triple-A. 

While Cleveland entered Wednesday with a 55-38 record and a seven-game lead over the Detroit Tigers for first place in the American League Central, it has gotten nothing from the catcher position:

Lucroy would provide a huge boost there, as he’s batted .305 with a .362 on-base percentage along with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 85 games this season. 

The average ranks third in the majors among catchers, while his runs batted in are second-most behind Wilson Ramos of the Washington Nationals, per MLB.com. His WAR of 2.3 is also third on the Brewers behind only Ryan Braun and Junior Guerra.

However, Lucroy revealed to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post that the possibility the team will deal him has been in the back of his mind: “We’re all human, and we all have things going on that distract us and get in our heads sometimes. And whenever you’re dealing with trade talk and chatter like that, it’s a distraction.”

As the Brewers sit at 39-52 for fourth place in the National League Central and 16.5 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs, it’s clear they can’t win even with Lucroy excelling in the field.

So dealing him could present Milwaukee with an opportunity to acquire some young, valuable talent to build around in the future. 

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.

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July means sellers reign supreme in Major League Baseball. 

That rings true at least from an attention standpoint, as teams that are out of contention are ready to turn an eye to the future and make a splash. It’s not the most difficult thing to pull off, either, not with so many contenders willing to take the bait each year.

For contenders, these sellers represent one last chance to round out the perfect title roster. Maybe the Tampa Bay Rays don’t pull off a jaw-dropping move such as dealing Evan Longoria, but contenders can still find a niche role player.

Here’s a look at what the rumors market suggests notable sellers are up to as August approaches.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins sit dead last in the American League Central at 34-59 and have just 14 wins away from home this year.

It should go without saying that the Twins seem like major sellers ahead of the deadline. Sure, they have had hot streaks here and there, but only a continued surge can seemingly stop players such as Ervin Santana, Trevor Plouffe and Ricky Nolasco from hitting the block.

Count the Boston Red Sox as a team that is eyeing Santana. According to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press, the two sides have talked:

The Twins and Red Sox have talked trade in recent weeks, but so far the teams ‘aren’t a great match at this point,’ said a person that had been briefed on those talks.

The Red Sox were among the teams that scouted Santana, who still has two seasons at $13.5 million a year left on his four-year contract. Coming off a two-hit, complete-game shutout in his final start of the first half, the veteran right-hander would be exactly the sort of piece contenders would seek this winter, when the free-agent class for starting pitching figures to be unusually thin.

The last bit of the report helps to explain why the Red Sox wouldn’t mind making a move right now for Santana.

Santana, 33, sits on a 4.12 ERA with 73 strikeouts and a 3-8 record, no thanks to the team around him. Gone are the sub-4.00 ERA campaigns as of late with the Kansas City Royals (2013) and Atlanta Braves (2014).

This potential trade will come down to whether management in Minnesota believes the current crop of young players can develop into a contender in a few years. If not, expect the Red Sox to get a little more dangerous as the chase in the AL East heats up.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies won’t catch the San Francisco Giants or Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West—not while sitting on a 43-50 record and being 13.5 games out.

Contenders in need have to be rubbing their hands together.

Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball noted in early July the Rockies might have an interest in moving outfielder Charlie Blackmon. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi just followed up by naming one of the teams with an apparent interest:

Those stats help to illustrate why the Washington Nationals—first in the NL East at 56-38—would pluck a player from Colorado.

Blackmon looks like the right fit on paper. He’s only 30 years old and has another stellar campaign on his hands so far, going for a .307/.370/.484 slash line with 12 homers and 43 RBI.

Heading for arbitration next year, per Spotrac, Blackmon will morph into one of the hottest names on the market once teams realize he might be available. Washington seems to have a head start, but it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see Colorado host a bidding war.

The Rockies have some interesting talent in the pipelines, but it’s clear that management won’t hesitate to get more assets back out of a formula that is not working.

The Teams Miami Targets

The Miami Marlins have the right idea—target the Philadelphia Phillies (43-52), San Diego Padres (41-52) and New York Yankees (47-46).

Maybe some of those teams don’t view themselves as sellers, but the Marlins have taken such a stance. And why not, with the team sitting second behind the Nationals in the NL East at 51-42?

According to Morosi, Miami has a target in mind from each squad:

Let’s work down the list.

Philadelphia’s Jeremy Hellickson is 29 years old with a 4.03 ERA and 98 strikeouts. It’s his first year with the Phillies, but the team that seems to always act as sellers now likely won’t mind moving him for the right price.

Andrew Cashner, 29, out in San Diego is another interesting name. He’s the owner of a 5.05 ERA with 53 fanned batters. His numbers are down, but keep in mind he boasts a career 3.74 ERA with 78.4 strikeouts on average.

The Yankees would be the team that is most unlikely to consider itself a seller. Michael Pineda is 27 and has struggled to a 5.56 ERA and 3-9 record, though he’s struck out 119 batters. He has a career 4.02 ERA with 126.8 strikeouts on average, though, so it’s easy to see why New York might want to keep him.

Either way, it’s no surprise to see the Marlins on the hunt for a starter. The team has a strong 3.98 ERA, but three starters sit at 4.68 or worse. Getting an improved arm would keep the team in the hunt for a playoff bid, and from there, anything can happen. The deeper the quality of the rotation, the better.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.

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The usual MLB trade candidates typically follow a pattern. Veterans on cellar-dwelling franchises with contracts close to expiring dominate the pre-deadline rumor mill.

Yet as the August 1 non-waiver deadline approaches, the hot stove has expanded beyond the usual suspects to younger players on cost-effective deals. 

Disappointing performance has one fading, polarizing star suddenly perceived as an expendable commodity. There are few people more desired than a young, affordable pitcher, so one is drawing interest despite stinking his way to Triple-A.

Then there’s a premier young talent on a championship contender who could become a bargaining tool due to the team’s offensive surplus. Let’s take a look at three of the league’s latest trade rumors.

Yasiel Puig

Yasiel Puig‘s downfall continues. Hitting .256/.318/.376 with a career-worst 92 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), per FanGraphs, his production continues to decay. 

Since breaking out in a major way during his 2013 debut, the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder has posted a lower on-base percentage, slugging percentage and wRC+ in every following season. Also criticized for his off-field behavior, the 25-year-old has fallen from future superstar to a headache the Dodgers might eradicate.

According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Los Angeles, “at the very least, is open to trading him.” Interestingly enough, a power-minded outfielder tops the team’s wish list along with a left-handed relief pitcher.

In 23 games since returning from a left hamstring strain on June 21, Puig is hitting .300 (24-for-80) with nine walks, matching his tally before landing on the disabled list. While his recent play is somewhat promising, his overall 6.2 walk percentage remains weak, and he only has five extra-base hits during those 94 plate appearances.

Rosenthal suggested the Dodgers might try to use his improved play to salvage trade value and move him before another setback. Needing power to fuel their playoff push, they should only move Puig if they’re leveraging his name value into a more productive outfielder.

Shelby Miller

How many capable starting pitchers get traded three times as a major leaguer before turning 26? It’s a feasible possibility for the struggling Shelby Miller.

The center of a head-scratching trade last winter, the righty has made the questionable deal even worse in hindsight. For the price of center fielder Ender Inciarte, top pitching prospect Aaron Blair and 2015 No. 1 draft pick Dansby Swanson, the Arizona Diamondbacks have received a 7.14 ERA from Miller, who was recently demoted to Triple-A.

“I’ve been struggling up here for a while,” Miller said last Thursday, per the Associated Press’ Bob Baum. “I’m surprised I stayed up here this long.”

Instead of seeing a troubled arm with a .909 opposing OPS and two quality starts in 14 tries, other teams detect a buy-low opportunity. Per Robert Murray of Today’s Knuckleball, the Dodgers and Miami Marlins have inquired about the laboring pitcher.

Miller holds a 3.64 career ERA, so prospective buyers are targeting a solid starter who would otherwise cost a fortune. Just ask Arizona, a team that would be lucky to receive one player on par with Swanson. 

Sources told Murray that the Diamondbacks are “not giving him away,” so look for him to work out whatever is ailing him in Arizona. They overpaid to get him, but selling him on the downswing would only compound their mistakes. Unless the Braves agree to trade back out of pity, their best bet is to ride out his troubles.

Jurickson Profar

It’s not quite a shocking development to see teams covet a 23-year-old infielder batting .316/.364/.451. 

According to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers are fielding a “ton of calls” for Jurickson Profar, who has received limited playing time despite his stellar play:

All things considered, the Rangers would like to keep Profar. His versatility is an asset even though the Rangers haven’t fully exploited it yet. He could also end up as the starting shortstop next season with Elvis Andrus sliding into the utility role.

But right now clubs see he is getting limited playing time even though he can play all four infield positions. If they do trade him, the Rangers would prefer to get a young starting pitcher with as much upside potential as Profar and under their control for the next few years.

Baseball America‘s top-rated prospect in 2013, his road to the majors took longer than expected due to shoulder injuries wiping out most of the last two years. He’s back and playing a little of all four infield spots for Texas, but it hasn’t added up to regular reps. He might still be stuck in the minors if Rougned Odor didn’t punch Jose Bautista. 

Per Sullivan, the Tampa Bay Rays are one of the interested teams, and their array of young pitching makes them a natural trading partner for Texas. If the Rangers decide to keep Profar, they could instead offer slugging third baseman Joey Gallo or outfield prospect Lewis Brinson to attain Jake Odorizzi or Matt Moore.

Texas should instead find a way to feature Profar, even if it means sitting the highly compensated Prince Fielder.

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The MLB just got interesting. 

Not that it wasn’t before, but things really kick up now with the All-Star break in the rear view, a summer of trades and teams jockeying for postseason position right down the road.

While a notable team like the New York Yankees might be close to getting off on an exit along the way, it could throw them right into the land of major trades with sellers looking to dump talent and contenders looking to gobble it up.

From Carlos Gonzalez to Evan Longoria and more, there’s plenty in the way of major notes MLB fans should understand as the march toward the postseason continues.

Carlos Gonzalez Watch

The Colorado Rockies know all about getting subjected to rumor after rumor, mostly thanks to the aforementioned Gonzalez.

Six games under .500 and third in the National League West, the Rockies once again enter the fray as a team finally perhaps ready to move on from Gonzalez, who has been with the team since 2009.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal revealed (37-second mark) the Rockies have once again received calls and offers on Gonzalez, but the front office hasn’t gone out of its way to pursue anything so far.

This meshes well with strong public denials about a trade meeting earlier this month from general manager Jeff Bridich, according to SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo.

The Rockies have made unexpected trades in the past, but Gonzalez is still just 30 years old and rolling right along with a .318/.367/.548 slash line with 19 homers and 56 RBI. For the most part, he seems on pace for another strong campaign even if the team isn’t performing as well as the front office might like.

It could change in an instant, but for now, the Rockies don’t sound like a team willing to deal a core piece.

Dodgers-Rays Trade?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays might want to strike a deal.

This is simple enough. The Dodgers sit well ahead of the Rockies in the NL West at 52-42, hoping to keep pace with the San Francisco Giants, a team sitting 5.5 games ahead. The Rays, on the other hand, sit dead last in the American League East at 35-57, a full 18.5 games out of first place.

MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi cited sources saying the two teams are engaged in talks, referencing Los Angeles’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, as the catalyst thanks to his past role as Tampa Bay’s general manager.

On the topic of Longoria, Morosi wrote the following: “Based on information from sources over the past several days, I believe there’s a low probability of the Dodgers acquiring Longoria before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.”

On one hand, it’s easy to see why the Rays would keep the 30-year-old slugger around. He’s going for .289/.338/.543 this year with 21 homers and 50 RBI—an epic tear for a guy who hasn’t shown any signs of slowing.

On the other hand, as Morosi noted, no team would scoff at Longoria‘s contract, and Tampa Bay getting out of the biggest contract in franchise history could turn out to be a smart decision in the long run.

Also of note is the fact Longoria‘s value may never be higher. Given trading for players with long deals doesn’t happen often, Tampa Bay might decide to throw in the proverbial towel and strike a deal now. It’ll hurt the team and fans to lose one of MLB’s most recognizable faces, but so it goes.

The Dodgers can only hope the Rays see the logic.

Cleveland Wants Andrew Miller?

It’s easy to name the Cleveland Indians’ biggest weakness this year because there’s only one: a left-handed reliever. 

The Indians sit on a 54-38 mark in the AL Central and have a mind to pluck talent from the middling, .500 Yankees. An odd role reversal, but it is what it is, as Rosenthal pointed out:

This is far from the first time Andrew Miller has come up in trade rumors, with Bill Ladson of MLB.com also recently noting the Washington Nationals have an interest in his services, as well as Aroldis Chapman’s. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball said the Chicago Cubs do as well.

What’s the hype with Miller? At 31 years old, he’s putting up one of the best years of his career, sitting on a 1.31 ERA with seven saves over 41.1 innings pitched. According to Spotrac, he’s also only boasting a base salary of $9 million over two more years after the current campaign.

Odds are the Yankees don’t cough up such a talent unless a trade offer blows the front office out of the water, meaning the Indians will have to come with a major offering.

It’s up to the Indians to make the call. The current composition of the roster has the team reaping the benefits of smart moves over the years. Messing with it and perhaps dishing a key part to bring Miller on board could hurt the winning equation.

Then again, pitching wins titles. If it comes to a bidding war for Miller’s services at the deadline, expect the Indians to remain right in the thick of it.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.

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Anchored at the bottom of the American League East standings, the Tampa Bay Rays will be sellers at the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1, and a big question is whether franchise stalwart Evan Longoria could be on the move.

Continue for updates.

Report: Longoria Trade More Likely in Offseason

Monday, July 18

According to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, the Rays are discussing potential deals with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the trade deadline. Morosi threw out Longoria as one of the players included in the discussions but added the chances of him playing in L.A. this year are slim:

[Justin] Turner is among the biggest barriers to a Longoria trade over the next two weeks. He’s popular in the clubhouse and integral to the lineup, with a .942 OPS since June 1. It’s unclear if the Dodgers would be willing to move Turner to second base for the remainder of the season in order to clear room for Longoria, a two-time American League Gold Glove Award winner at third base.

The Dodgers may calculate — reasonably — that there’s little chance of Longoria being dealt to another team prior to Aug. 1. The Astros had been in the market for a third baseman, but that is no longer the case following Friday’s deal with Cuban free agent Yulieski Gurriel. The Giants have had interest in Longoria before, but they’re not believed to be engaged in active talks with the Rays about him now.

Trading a franchise cornerstone is never easy. And Longoria is one of the few players remaining from the Rays teams that regularly contended for the playoffs.

At the same time, Tampa Bay is going nowhere in the short term, and trading Longoria could return an asset or two who could further the team’s long-term rebuild. The Rays would also be wise to strike while the iron is hot in the event they envision parting ways with their starting third baseman anytime soon.

Longoria, 30, is putting together a strong 2016 season. Through 89 games, he’s has a .286/.336/.533 slash line to go along with 21 home runs and 49 runs batted in. According to FanGraphs, Longoria’s 3.5 WAR has him on pace to have his best year since 2013.

His value may never be higher than it is right now, so the upcoming winter may be a good time for the Rays to seriously consider moving him.

Longoria will be owed $100 million over six years starting in 2017, per Cot’s Baseball Contracts. While teams generally shy away from trading for players signed to long deals, Longoria won’t be earning so much that his contract dissuades every potential suitor.

Longoria is no longer the hitter he was in his first four years in MLB, but he’d almost certainly command a lot of interest throughout the league if the Rays ever made him available.

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