We’ve already seen a couple pitchers traded to contenders in the American League, but there are going to be a lot of moves in the coming two weeks as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. ESPN’s team of baseball writers has put together a list of moves that have happened and big moves that could happen before August.
All the trade rumors that are worth knowing about, on one handy page. Check out @ESPN's MLB Trade Tracker and make sure to bookmark, as we'll update it daily with fresh reporting on what's really happening and break down the deals that have taken place: https://t.co/CMT0m0kk57
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 15, 2019
Even though Cleveland is currently fighting for a playoff spot, the Indians still seem dead set on trading Trevor Bauer. Bauer is set to be arbitration eligible in 2020 and become a free agent in 2021, and the Indians are ready to move on. He is a reliable innings eater, and he is coming off a year where he led the league in FIP.
Zack Wheeler is headed to the injured list with shoulder fatigue, which more or less destroys his trade value.
He had interest far and wide across the league. Perhaps a team still takes a crack in hopes he returns, but the Mets' desire to cash in at the deadline has evaporated.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 15, 2019
One of the other pitchers that everyone thought was set to move is unlikely to be traded now. The New York Mets were reportedly ready to deal Zack Wheeler per multiple accounts, but shoulder fatigue will send him to the 10-day Injured List. He could be out for even longer than that though, and teams are going to be weary of trading for him as a one-year rental.
Sources: #Padres evaluating Matthew Boyd as possible trade acquisition. #Tigers could ask for Renfroe or Reyes as a key component of deal. Story at @MLB.com: https://t.co/GszCVxr7rS @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 11, 2019
San Diego is rumored to be a potential player over the next two weeks, and they are one of the few teams that could be a buyer or a seller. The Padres have the deepest farm system in baseball, and they have two power hitting outfielders that other teams are interested in as well in Franmil Reyes and Hunter Renfroe. This team is a potential pivot and their moves can help determine whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market.
Interestingly enough, ESPN’s Joon Lee reports that Boston is likely done making moves. The Red Sox seem set to go forward with what they have after acquiring Cashner, to the surprise (and dismay) of many.
H/T ESPN
