MLB trade rumors: Latest news, buzz around potential deadline deals
Major League Baseball's trade deadline (Friday, July 31 at 4 p.m. ET) is approaching quickly, which means it’s time to gather the latest rumors and buzz. Which players might be on the move? Which teams are looking to buy, and which teams are trying to sell?
On Monday, SI.com's Jay Jaffe rounded up a list of the best players who will likely be available at the trade deadline, including Cole Hamels of the Phillies, Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman of the Reds, Carlos Gomez of the Brewers and Justin Upton of the Padres.
July 22
• Though the Tigers had reportedly resolved to be sellers and were open to trading pitcher David Price and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, ESPN's Jayson Stark reported on Wednesday that Detroit won't decide whether or not to trade them until after Sunday.
• The Orioles are reportedly open to discussing a trade of pitcher Kevin Gausman, who was a first-round pick in 2012, reports ESPN's Buster Olney.
• Some MLB executives would bet that Hamels does not get traded by the deadline, while others would be "beyond stunned" if he remains with Philadelphia, reports Stark. Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies' general manager, told ESPN that he would only trade Hamels if he received the right return for him. The clubs in most serious contention for Hamels are the Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and Rangers, ESPN reports. The Astros are still talking to the Phillies about Hamels, but are much more interested in Cueto,
• Jon Heyman of CBS Sports named Cueto as the best starter on the trading block and listed the Blue Jays, Royals, Yankees, Dodgers and Astros as his most likely destinations. However, Stark asked an executive of a team interested in Cueto if they observed anything to be concerned about in the pitcher's most recent start. The executive responded, “Yes. Everything.” Cueto lasted just four innings, allowed two earned runs and walked six against the Indians on Sunday.
• JAFFE: Why time is right for Tigers to trade Price, Cespedes
• There are conflicting reports regarding the Blue Jays' interest in Marlins righthander Mat Latos. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports says Toronto is interested, but Latos isn't a priority target. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that the Blue Jays and Cubs are the most likely destinations for Latos, but Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says Toronto has no interest in Latos. Crasnick reports that the Jays are not in talks with the Marlins, though they would consider Dan Haren, who is also a Miami starter.
• The Phillies are not gaining traction in a deal for Jonathan Papelbon, reports Crasnick. The closer has a $13 million option for 2016, which is discouraging teams from adding him to their payroll. ESPN reports that the Blue Jays, Cubs and Dodgers are no longer pursuing him.
• The Mets and Cubs are showing increased interest in Padres outfielder Will Venable and Brewers outfielder Gerardo Parra, reports Morosi.
• The Rangers are reportedly “drawing interest” in first baseman Mitch Moreland, but are not “motivated to trade him,” according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
• Athletics utility player Ben Zobrist has drawn interest due to his versatility, Heyman reports. Interested teams reportedly include the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Nationals, Pirates and Giants.
• MLB.com's Phil Rogers reports there is a possibility of a trade between the Padres and Cubs if San Diego wants to make pitchers James Shields or Tyson Ross available.
• The Brewers will be “officially sellers” at the deadline, according to Heyman. Parra and pitchers Mike Fiers, Wily Peralta and Francisco Rodriguez are expected to be among those available.
• The Twins are closely monitoring catchers A.J. Pierzynski, Jonathan Lucroy, Derek Norris and Alex Avila as potential assistance for Kurt Suzuki behind the plate, reports Mike Bernadino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Suzuki, 31, is hitting .227 with a .586 OPS. The Braves are open to trading Pierzynski, Bernadino reports.
