Marcus Stroman became the first big name to move, followed by Trevor Bauer. Will Madison Bumgarner, Noah Syndergaard or other top arms also go in July deals? The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and we’ve got you covered with all of the trade rumors, reaction and analysis you need as your team ponders its next blockbuster move in the first season with one single deadline.
Whether you root for a buyer or a seller — or a team that’s somewhere in between — you can keep up with all of the completed trades, team needs and deals we’d like to see, and even weigh in with our deadline polls from now until the 4 p.m. ET deadline strikes on Wednesday.
Watch: Trade deadline special Wednesday, 2-4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
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Latest MLB rumors and moves | Completed trade tracker
Top deadline targets | Buyers, sellers and needs
What Buster is hearing | Worst deal for all 30 teams
Your turn: Deadline poll center
The latest MLB trade buzz and moves
Braves get a big bullpen boost: The Atlanta Braves added another reliever before the trade deadline by acquiring All-Star closer Shane Greene from the Detroit Tigers, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Wheeler remains hot name on the market: With the deadline rapidly approaching, it appears the market for Zack Wheeler is down to two primary suitors: The Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Rays. — Jeff Passan
Dodgers add to offensive depth: The Dodgers acquired infielder Jedd Gyorko in a trade with the Cardinals. The 30-year-old has power, can play multiple positions and provides insurance for Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez and David Freese injuries.
Phillies add veteran bat: Outfielder Corey Dickerson has been traded to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Dickerson is hitting .300 with four homers and 25 RBIs this season. He hit a career-high 27 dingers for the Rays in 2017.
A rare prospect trade at the deadline: July 31 trades are usually about an immediate fix for at least one side of the deal, but the Marlins and D-backs made a trade of prospects that is all about the future for both. Zac Gallen is headed to Arizona Diamondbacks for shortstop prospect Jazz Chisholm, source tells ESPN. Gallen has been very good, with a 2.72 ERA in seven major league starts.
1:33
Keith Law contends that the Marlins are betting on Jazz Chisholm’s upside after acquiring him from the Diamondbacks.
Why the Nats added three relievers:The Nationals made a deadline run on relievers, acquiring Daniel Hudson, Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland. Here are the numbers behind the team’s bullpen need: The bullpen entered Wednesday ranked last in the majors with a 5.97 ERA, and had blown 20 saves, tied for third most. On June 23, Washington released failed free-agent signing Trevor Rosenthal, who posted a 22.74 ERA with the team. Two days later, the Nats called up 42-year old Fernando Rodney, who’d been released by Oakland earlier in the season. Rodney has since emerged as the primary setup man for closer Sean Doolittle. — Eddie Matz
Will an All-Star pitcher move soon? With a little more than two hours until the trade deadline, the sense of urgency has started to pick up, according to sources. Multiple teams are hitting the starting-pitching market, with Rangers starter Mike Minor, among others, generating interest. — Jeff Passan
Could Jays and Angels be a trade fit? The Angels have lost four of their last six to the lowly Orioles and Tigers, spoiling a golden opportunity to make up ground in the standings. But that hasn’t changed their pre-deadline strategy. They still seek value and future control, particularly in a major league-ready starting pitcher, and have been linked to the Blue Jays’ Aaron Sanchez, who isn’t a free agent until after next season. He’s a buy-low candidate, to be sure, but probably the more realistic option at this point. — Alden Gonzalez
Wheeler, Ray rumors heating up; Syndergaard likely staying put: With hours remaining until the trade deadline, the growing speculation around the industry is that Noah Syndergaard will not move today. Of course, one phone call could change everything — but Zack Wheeler and Robbie Ray are the two pitchers we’re watching most closely for a starter-to-a-contender deal this afternoon. — Dan Mullen
Will Washington make a bullpen move? While the Braves and Phillies have already made deadline deals to bolster their pitching staffs, the Nationals have been quiet. Does manager Davey Martinez expect GM Mike Rizzo to make a trade today? “I haven’t seen Riz this morning,” Martinez said. “I’m sure he’s been on the phone.” Given Washington’s bullpen need, and Rizzo’s history of being active at the deadline, it’d be a surprise if the Nats don’t add relief help. — Eddie Matz
Schoenfield: Complete guide to MLB trade deadline day
Tribe not done dealing after Bauer blockbuster: The Indians executed the biggest deal of this year’s trading period Tuesday night, but they are actively working on other possibilities today, looking to augment the 2019 team and better position it in future seasons. — Buster Olney
More recent trade buzz:
Bauer on the move in three-team trade: Right-hander Trevor Bauer has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. He will move as part of a three-team deal with the San Diego Padres, according to sources. Yasiel Puig is headed to the Cleveland Indians in the trade, sources also state. Left-hander Logan Allen and outfielder Franmil Reyes also are going to Cleveland as part of the three-way deal, according to sources, with Reds outfield prospect Taylor Trammell headed to San Diego. — Jeff Passan
Law: Fed-up Indians do well; Padres do better
Schoenfield: Puig’s brawl with Reds or Bauer’s tantrum toss, whose exit was uglier?
Cubs narrow their deadline targets: The Cubs are still at least one bat away from filling another need now that they’ve picked up both a righty and lefty reliever over the past few days (in David Phelps and Derek Holland). Diamondbacks speedster Jarrod Dyson continues to be a potential fit at a low cost, but another lefty reliever for the Cubs could be in the mix, as well. — Jesse Rogers
Market might finally be moving: The trade market is finally beginning to unclog with the Trevor Bauer deal at the center of starting any movement. Madison Bumgarner remains available, according to sources. And interest in Robbie Ray has picked up, as well. — Jeff Passan
Mets’ rotation plans still murky: Things seem to be in a holding pattern at the moment for the New York Mets. Marcus Stroman has not yet joined the team in Chicago. He is expected in Wednesday, when he is scheduled to throw a bullpen in advance of his Mets debut this weekend. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen still hasn’t spoken publicly about the deal and isn’t expected to until after the trade deadline. Other than that, the Mets have scratched a minor league outing for Ervin Santana just to cover themselves in case Thursday’s scheduled starter, Zack Wheeler, is dealt, though they also could push up the next start by Steven Matz. Meanwhile, Noah Syndergaard is here at Guaranteed Rate Field, preparing for his scheduled start Tuesday night against the White Sox. Stay tuned. — Bradford Doolittle
Some signs that Syndergaard will stay put: 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. Certainly the gap could narrow as the deadline approaches, though there is increasing skepticism in some circles that the Mets will deal Syndergaard, especially considering the possibility that he can recoup value over the next two months and be shopped again this winter. — Jeff Passan
Roundtable: What we think will happen before the deadline
Schoenfield: Teams that need to make a move
Blockbuster trades we’d like to see
Price for Diaz will be high: The ask from the Mets on closer Edwin Diaz is high — and, executives say, rightfully so. 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. The Mets have indicated a willingness to trade Diaz, whom they acquired in an offseason blockbuster that cost them top prospects Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn. 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. — Jeff Passan
Giles’ elbow issue limits Jays’ options: The continued inflammation in Toronto closer Ken Giles‘ right elbow severely limits his trade value, and the likelihood has grown that he remains with the Blue Jays into the winter. Earlier this season, the inflammation landed Giles on the injured list, and while he returned and looked good with 16 strikeouts over 10 innings and a 2.70 ERA, the Blue Jays could nurse him back to health and deal him in the offseason. Giles could command upward of $10 million in arbitration this winter before reaching free agency after the 2020 season. Toronto continues to pursue potential deals for right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson, who will be a free agent this offseason. — Jeff Passan
Rays in mix for Diaz? Other teams have predicted that the Rays would make an impactful trade-deadline deal, as they did last year, and they are doing background work on Mets closer Edwin Diaz, who fits them in the short term with his stuff — and for this year and next year with his salary. — Buster Olney
Miller: How much is a wild-card spot really worth?
Angels’ Goodwin drawing interest: As we move closer to the deadline, there has been increased interest in Angels outfielder Brian Goodwin, who is in the midst of a solid season. He could be a fit for the Giants, who will look to add a starting pitcher and an outfielder if they decide to keep Madison Bumgarner and the core of their relievers. — Buster Olney
Vazquez-to-Dodgers hits snag: The Dodgers’ discussions with the Pirates about reliever Felipe Vazquez are bogged down, partly because Pittsburgh wants No. 1 prospect Gavin Lux in any deal and L.A. wants to keep Lux. — Buster Olney
If Giants upgrade, it won’t be too big: If the Giants decide to keep Madison Bumgarner and others for the stretch drive, they’re expected to pursue a starting pitcher and an outfielder to augment their playoff chances — but at a modest price. The Giants won’t dig deep into their farm system and spend heavily in prospect value to improve this year’s team. — Buster Olney
Mets’ next move — Diaz to Boston? Some rival evaluators now believe that the Mets are going to trade closer Edwin Diaz before the trade deadline, and in some team circles, the Red Sox are considered to be the most ardent suitors. Any Red Sox offer for Diaz would presumably include minor league slugger Bobby Dalbec, who is blocked at third base by the younger Rafael Devers, or 2018 No. 1 pick Triston Casas, in case the Mets view him as a third-base option. The Red Sox are confident they will make an impact bullpen move before the deadline — Buster Olney
A number of scouts are skeptical about Triston Casas’ ability to stick at third base, seeing him as a clear first baseman. But there’s little doubt about Casas’ bat. He can really hit. — Jeff Passan
Why Cubs and D-backs could fit as trade partners: As the Cubs search for improvements before the deadline, the Diamondbacks are a trade partner to watch as Arizona moves to sell mode. The front offices have a good history together and several players — such as David Peralta, Jarrod Dyson and a host of bullpen options — could be fits for Chicago. — Jesse Rogers
Braves pondering pitching: The Braves have been digging deep through the pitching options on the trade market, but part of their assessment will be about how their own rotation is developing — with Kevin Gausman making his second start off the injured list and Max Fried coming back from what the Braves see as a minor blister issue. The Braves have talked to many teams about pitching, including the Mets, who have Zack Wheeler, among other options. — Buster Olney
Giants still on the fence about buy or sell mode: The Giants are trending upward in the standings. That said, their front office continues to go through the process (not surprisingly) of cultivating conversations around Madison Bumgarner and other pitchers in case they become sellers. Other teams say the Giants are still in listening mode re: Bumgarner. — Buster Olney
What a Pirates-Dodgers Vazquez blockbuster could look like: Before the trade deadline, the Pirates must decide whether to cash in on the heightened value of left-handed reliever Felipe Vazquez, who is of great interest to the Los Angeles Dodgers. If Pittsburgh and the Dodgers work out a deal, the centerpiece of the package of prospects headed to Pittsburgh is likely to be catcher Keibert Ruiz. The most glaring need in the Pittsburgh organization is at the catcher position, and Ruiz, 21, would fill that for years to come. The Dodgers just promoted their No. 1 catching prospect, 24-year-old Will Smith, to the big leagues, where he will get regular playing time for the foreseeable future. — Buster Olney
Want Yates? You’ll have to pay a steep price: Other teams say the selling price on Padres closer Kirby Yates remains extremely high, with San Diego indicating that it is perfectly content keeping Yates unless some team offers a wipeout package of prospects. — Buster Olney
Yankees looking for pitching help: In their efforts to bolster their pitching staff, the New York Yankees are offering outfielder Clint Frazier in trade talks for both starting pitchers and relievers, sources told ESPN. The 24-year-old Frazier, who posted an .843 OPS in 209 plate appearances for the Yankees this season but nevertheless remains in Triple-A, could be the centerpiece of a deal as the Yankees pursue upgrades to their rotation and bullpen. While the Yankees’ need for starting pitching is clear — their starters’ 4.64 ERA ranks 17th in Major League Baseball — they could instead opt to add to one of the league’s best bullpens. New York’s relief pitchers’ ERA of 3.81 is fourth in the game. Since being sent to Triple-A, Frazier is hitting .275/.339/.514 — close to his .283/.330/.513 line with the Yankees this season. — Jeff Passan
A deadline sale in Arizona? The Diamondbacks appear poised to be one of the more aggressive sellers before the trade deadline. Arizona has been in the process of rebuilding a river of talent from the minor leagues, with a prolific draft, and could add more assets by flipping veterans such as Robbie Ray, David Peralta, Adam Jones, Jarrod Dyson, Andrew Chafin, Greg Holland, etc. — Buster Olney
Would L.A. move top catching prospects? The Dodgers have not one but two elite catchers who are close to being major league regulars, a source of envy throughout the industry. A major question with the deadline approaching centers on whether they would be willing to part with one of them, and recent developments suggest they might.
On Friday, the Dodgers called Will Smith up to the major leagues and optioned the struggling Austin Barnes to the minors. Less than a week before that, Keibert Ruiz was promoted to Triple-A. Smith impressed during a prior stint with the Dodgers, displaying solid defense while posting a .999 OPS in 29 plate appearances. And now Ruiz is on the fringes of the majors himself. The Dodgers can probably stand to lose one of them. They might be hesitant to trade Smith or Ruiz for a reliever, but they would probably do so for someone like Noah Syndergaard. — Alden Gonzalez
What will D-backs do with Greinke? While the Arizona Diamondbacks have not yet hung an open-for-business sign, rival executives believe it’s a matter of days before they declare themselves ready to trade. There are the obvious candidates to be dealt: Robbie Ray and David Peralta, each of whom has a year of control left; Greg Holland, Alex Avila, Jarrod Dyson and Adam Jones, all pending free agents; and even Andrew Chafin, the stalwart left-handed reliever.
The most intriguing possibility: moving Zack Greinke, the 35-year-old starter who keeps adding to what’s an increasingly intriguing Hall of Fame résumé. Greinke is a front-line starter. He is also due about $14.5 million for the rest of this season and $35 million in 2020 and 2021. It’s a massive price to pay in dollars alone, and because of Greinke’s excellence, the Diamondbacks also would want a prospect haul in return. They could achieve that by paying down some of Greinke’s salary, but Arizona’s solid core, backed by what is rapidly becoming one of baseball’s best farm systems, makes holding on to Greinke an entirely reasonable proposition — Jeff Passan
More trade market insight from Buster Olney
Matz: What’s it REALLY like to get traded?
Completed MLB trade tracker
The deal: A’s acquire Tanner Roark from the Reds.
Our one-sentence take: The A’s get some quality depth for their wild-card push while Cincinnati moves a free-agent-to-be who became even more expendable when the Reds added Trevor Bauer to the top of their rotation.
The deal: The Nationals acquire Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland from the Mariners.
Our one-sentence take: Look, the Nats really needed to address their bullpen and adding two of Seattle’s best relievers along with Daniel Hudson (see below) is a positive step there.
The deal: The Nationals acquire Daniel Hudson from the Blue Jays.
Our one-sentence take: Washington adds a veteran arm to a bullpen lacking in quality late-game options.
The deal: Cubs trade Martin Maldonado to Astros for Tony Kemp. (July 31)
Our one-sentence take: The move creates flexibility as the Cubs continue to look to improve either their starting lineup or their bench while Houston reunites with a catcher that finished last season as an Astro.
The deal: Rays acquire Jesus Aguilar from Rays for Jake Faria. (July 31)
Our one-sentence take: Tampa Bay is betting that a 2018 All-Star can return to last year’s form as a power bat while Milwaukee adds a versatile arm.
The deal: The Reds acquired Trevor Bauer, The Indians acquired Yasiel Puig, Franmil Reyes and more, and the Reds acquired prospect Taylor Trammell.(July 30)
Our one-sentence take: This is the blockbuster we’ve all been waiting for with the Reds making a surprising play for an ace, the Indians adding two powerful outfielders and the Padres jumping in at the chance to grab an elite outfield prospect.
Law: What to make of Cleveland-Cincinnati-San Diego blockbuster
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Jeff Passan analyzes the Indians’ trade that sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds and says Cleveland has enough arms on the shelf to make up for Bauer’s departure.
The deal: The Rangers send right-handed reliever Chris Martin to the Braves for LHP Kolby Allard. (July 30)
Our one-sentence take: Using the organization’s prospect depth to get bullpen help might sound good in principle, but trading away Allard, — the No. 14 prospect in the organization in Keith Law’s pre-season ranking — for a 33-year-old journeyman enjoying his first significant big-league success, feels like a steep price to pay.
The deal: The Blue Jays sent RHP David Phelps to the Cubs for pitching prospect Thomas Hatch. (July 30)
Our one-sentence take: The Cubs add a veteran arm to a bullpen in desperate need of quality depth.
The deal: The Mets sent LHP Jason Vargas to the Phillies. (July 29)
Our one-sentence take: With Jake Arrieta ailing, the Phillies needed an arm and got a decent one in Vargas, whose departure lets the Mets shed about $2 million in salary they can spend elsewhere this year or next.
The deal: The Brewers acquire right-hander Jordan Lyles from the Pirates for pitching prospect Cody Ponce. (July 29)
Our one-sentence take: The Brewers definitely needed some rotation help, but it’s hard to see Lyles (9.58 ERA in eight starts since the end of May) as the answer.
The deal: The Mets acquire veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. (July 28)
Our one-sentence take: Stroman is a solid starter having one of his best seasons, but the Mets aren’t close enough to contending to trade two of their top 10 prospects for short-term help.
The deal: The Rays acquire veteran infielder Eric Sogard from the Blue Jays for two players to be named later. (July 28)
Our one-sentence take: Hitting .300/.363/.477 with Toronto, Sogard is a nice pickup, giving Rays manager Kevin Cash some versatility and another option at second base and could be one of those under-the-radar deals that proves to be a key acquisition.
The deal: The Indians acquired infielder Christian Arroyo and pitcher Hunter Wood from the Rays for minor league outfielder Ruben Cardenas and international slot money. (July 28)
Our one-sentence take: A small trade, but a nice depth move for the Indians as Arroyo, who was hitting .314/.381/.603 in 33 games at Triple-A, provides a backup infield option, and Wood (2.48 ERA in 29 innings) provides more depth for a bullpen that has the best ERA in the majors, while the Rays solve their 40-man roster jam.
The deal: The Twins get right-handed reliever Sergio Romo (plus prospect Chris Vallimont and a PTBNL) from the Marlins for Double-A first baseman Lewin Diaz. (July 27)
Our one-sentence take: Romo’s a veteran reliever with three rings (with the Giants) and experience closing, setting up and doing whatever’s needed, so he’ll give the Twins pen everything it could ask for down the stretch.
The deal: In a second deal between these two teams, A’s get left-handed reliever Jake Diekman for two prospects — outfielder Dairon Blanco and right-handed pitcher Ismael Aquino. (July 27)
Our one-sentence take: A’s add a power southpaw to shore up their pen and their wild-card bid, apparently without touching their 40-man roster.
The deal: Cubs get catching help, getting journeyman backstop Martin Maldonado for left-handed swingman Mike Montgomery. (July 15)
Our one-sentence take: The deal gives the Cubs an insurance policy behind the plate for the stretch, as it comes on the heels of their having to put starting catcher Willson Contreras on the IL briefly with a strained foot.
Cubs acquire catcher Maldonado from Royals
The deal: Athletics get Homer Bailey from Royals (July 14)
Our one-sentence take: As they make their midseason surge up the standings, the Athletics added an under-the-radar starter having his best season in five years.
A’s acquire Bailey from Royals for prospect
The deal: Red Sox get Andrew Cashner from Orioles (July 13)
Our one-sentence take: With Nathan Eovaldi ticketed for a bullpen role upon his return from the injured list, the Red Sox turned their attention to the rotation and added a veteran with American League East experience, in Cashner.
Red Sox land Cashner in deal with O’s
Fantasy impact of deadline deals
MLB trade deadline targets
ESPN’s top 10 deadline targets (listed alphabetically)
Trevor Bauer, SP, Cleveland Indians (traded to Reds)
Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants
Scooter Gennett, 2B, Cincinnati Reds
Shane Greene, RP, Detroit Tigers
Will Smith, RP, San Francisco Giants
Marcus Stroman, SP, Toronto Blue Jays (traded to Mets)
Noah Syndergaard, SP, New York Mets
Felipe Vazquez, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Zack Wheeler, SP, New York Mets
Kirby Yates, RP, San Diego Padres
Jeff Passan’s names to watch: Trevor Bauer, Mike Minor, Robbie Ray, Madison Bumgarner, Will Smith, Franmil Reyes, Zack Wheeler, Marcus Stroman, Kirby Yates, Trevor Richards.
Buster Olney’s names to watch: Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner, Will Smith, Ken Giles, Tony Watson, Zack Wheeler, Shane Greene, Scooter Gennett, Noah Syndergaard, Martin Maldonado (traded to Cubs).
David Schoenfield’s names to watch: Trevor Bauer, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner, Matthew Boyd, Zack Wheeler, Will Smith, Shane Greene, Jose Abreu, Nicholas Castellanos.
Bradford Doolittle’s names to watch: Kirby Yates, Will Smith, Noah Syndergaard, Trevor Bauer, Matthew Boyd, Zack Wheeler, Felipe Vazquez, Ken Giles, Zack Greinke, Whit Merrifield.
Schoenfield: Revisiting the worst deadline trade for all 30 teams
Schoenfield: 31 players who could be traded this month
Schoenfield: A trade fit for all 30 teams
Buyers, sellers and MLB team-by-team needs
Five key potential buyers
Big need: Middle relief
Potential targets: Edwin Diaz, Ken Giles, Felipe Vazquez
The Dodgers have close to a perfect roster, leaving them with the luxury of targeting the reliever they need. That would be Vazquez, the ultimate late-inning lefty.
Big need: Pitching depth
Potential targets: Matthew Boyd, Kirby Yates, Robbie Ray
The Yankees don’t need much but have the prospect surplus to aim high at the best pitchers on the trade market, the type who could make their biggest impact in October.
Big need: Postseason starter
Potential targets: Matthew Boyd, Zack Wheeler, Robbie Ray
Like the Yankees, once the Astros get healthy, they don’t have many roster holes. Another ace-level starter would be ideal, and wouldn’t it be just so tasty to have Bauer teamed up with college frenemy Gerrit Cole?
Big need: Middle relief
Potential targets: Kirby Yates, Will Smith, Ken Giles
The Twins’ only soft spot, other than the underbelly of statistical regression, lies in consistent sixth- and seventh-inning options, so even if Minnesota doesn’t want to cough up the prospects needed to get the top available firemen, it should be able to bolster the bullpen one way or another.
Big need: Veteran pitching
Potential targets: Zack Greinke, Zack Wheeler
Given Kevin Gausman‘s struggles and the youth around Dallas Keuchel, another top-level veteran for October makes a lot of sense, and should someone such as Bauer or Greinke become available, no team has the prospect stock to outbid the Braves.
Five key potential sellers
Big chips: SP Madison Bumgarner, RP Will Smith, 1B/3B Pablo Sandoval, RP Reyes Moronta, RP Sam Dyson, RP Tony Watson, RP Mark Melancon, 2B Joe Panik
What would they want back? Controllable starters, infielders, outfielders, prospects, salary flexibility
The Giants haven’t helped first-year president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi’s case to sell by overachieving just enough to hang on the fringes of contention. One more hot streak could put him in an awkward spot. If the Giants sell as expected, few teams have more quality options to offer contenders.
Big chips: OF Michael Conforto, SP Zack Wheeler, 3B Todd Frazier, SP Jason Vargas, C Wilson Ramos, SP Noah Syndergaard, RP Edwin Diaz
What would they want back? Relievers, prospects, salary flexibility
Whether it’s Diaz, Wheeler or even Conforto, if the Mets decide to sell, freeing up future payroll would be nearly as important as adding a semblance of quality to a depleted farm system.
Big chips: SP Zack Greinke, OF David Peralta, C Alex Avila, SP Robbie Ray, RP Greg Holland
What would they want back? Prospect depth, salary flexibility
In some ways, it might almost be better if Arizona slumps the next couple of weeks, because if tomorrow were July 31, you could flip a coin as to whether the Snakes should buy or sell. If they sell, it would be a tough balancing act to determine how much cash they’d have to eat to move Greinke while getting some kind of future piece in return.
Big chips: SP Marcus Stroman (traded to Mets), SS Freddy Galvis, RP Ken Giles, 2B Eric Sogard, RP Daniel Hudson, RP Sam Gaviglio, RP Joe Biagini, 1B Justin Smoak, OF Randal Grichuk, SP Aaron Sanchez
What would they want back? Prospects
This is a crucial month for a franchise still early-ish in its rebuild that has nonetheless already graduated some high-impact talent to the majors. Toronto has some excellent pieces to sell, and getting near-ready prospects or controllable young veterans to augment the young core would improve the short-term outlook immensely.
Big chips: 2B Adam Frazier, RP Felipe Vazquez, RP Francisco Liriano, OF Starling Marte, RP Richard Rodriguez, OF Corey Dickerson, OF Melky Cabrera, OF Gregory Polanco
What would they want back? A young catcher
We know the Pirates aren’t going to go all-in with a splashy move, so a move to acquire a young catcher makes a lot of sense in light of Francisco Cervelli‘s wise decision to give up the tools of ignorance. A deal built around Vazquez and one of the Dodgers’ near-ready catching prospects makes a whole lot of sense for both teams.
What should your team do at the deadline?
Buyer/seller status and aggression rating for all 30 teams
What Buster is hearing
In recent years, Brian Cashman has been reluctant to thin out his farm system for a temporary solution. But if New York wants to make a splash today, that might be the only way. Buster Olney (ESPN+)
How Nationals can address their bullpen issues
What a Red Sox deadline sell-off would look like
What will the surging Giants do at the deadline?
Need starting pitching? You might want to act quickly
Olney: Call it tanking or call it rebuilding, but it hasn’t paid off yet for Phillies
Why the Pirates should — and shouldn’t — trade Felipe Vazquez
The worst deadline trade ever for all 30 teams
Curt Schilling (twice!), Corey Kluber and “What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for?!?” We relive the summer blockbusters gone wrong that GMs everywhere would love to forget. David Schoenfield
What front offices are saying
“Marcus is a dynamic talent who will bring tremendous passion to our team and energy our fans will truly appreciate. As a Long Island native, we believe that Marcus will thrive playing in New York.” Brodie Van Wagenen on Mets’ addition of Marcus Stroman
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi: “It’s impossible to say what the next 10 days are going to present, both in terms of what our opportunity to contend is going to be and continue to be and what opportunities the market is going to present.”
A’s general manager David Forst on adding Homer Bailey: “Our starting depth has taken a hit. We checked around for some starting pitching. I had let Kansas City know a few days ago that Homer might be someone we were interested in, and it came together kind of quickly this morning.”