For the first time in years, Major League Baseball’s trade deadline of July 31 at 4 p.m. will be the last chance for teams to make major additions to their rosters. That’s because prior to the season, the League decided there would be no “waiver deadline” on August 31, making the final day of July the last chance teams have to make trades with other ballclubs.
Unsurprisingly, an arms race has arrived well ahead of today’s deadline, with pitchers like Marcus Stroman, Jason Vargas, Andrew Cashner, Jordan Lyles, Drew Smyly, Homer Bailey, Jake Diekman and Derek Holland all changing teams. Expect pitchers to be a hot commodity today as well, with names like Noah Syndergaard of the Mets, Madison Bumgarner of the Giants and Trevor Bauer of the Indians among the names mooted for a move.
Of the three, Bumgarner is probably the most desirable target for a club with World Series aspirations thanks to his playoff experience and reputation as a big-game pitcher. But with the Giants back in contention after a hot stretch, the asking price for the 29-year-old will be high. Bumgarner also has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he’ll have a say in where he ends up if San Francisco does indeed decide to trade him.
The 26-year-old Syndergaard, meanwhile, is an attractive trade target despite having a down year. He’s got great stuff and still has two-plus years remaining on his contract.
As for Bauer: it seems unlikely the Indians would want to move him in the midst of a pennant race, but don’t rule it out: the 28-year-old has been a longtime topic of trade rumors and is clearly having issues in Cleveland.
Other possible trade candidates for teams who need starting pitching include Robbie Ray (Arizona Diamondbacks), Matthew Boyd (Detroit Tigers), Zack Wheeler (New York Mets), Mike Minor (Texas Rangers), Trevor Richards (Miami Marlins) and Mike Leake (Seattle Mariners).
As for relievers, it’s possible you’ll see Kirby Yates (San Diego Padres), Will Smith (San Francisco Giants), Shane Greene (Detroit Tigers), Ken Giles (Toronto Blue Jays), Chris Martin (Texas Rangers), Shawn Kelley (Texas Rangers), Tony Watson (San Francisco Giants), Sam Dyson (San Francisco Giants), Alex Colome (Chicago White Sox) and Edwin Diaz (New York Mets) on the move before 4 p.m. today.
Possible destinations for some or all of the above names include the Padres, Astros, Rays, Yankees, Twins, Brewers, Cubs, Red Sox, Athletics and any of the other clubs that are still realistically contending for a playoff spot.
Where will the chips ultimately fall? Stay tuned to find out.
Indians starter Trevor Bauer traded to Reds
As part of a three-team deal also involving the Padres, Bauer will head to the Reds for a package that includes sparkplug outfielder Yasiel Puig, Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen. Reds top outfield prospect Taylor Trammell will head to San Diego in the deal.
Setup man Daniel Hudson traded to the Nationals
As part of the deal with Toronto, pitching prospect Kyle Johnston is headed back to the Blue Jays in the deal. Hudson has posted a 3.00 ERA and 48/23 K/BB ratio across 48 innings of work this season.
Reliever Roenis Elias heads to Nationals from Mariners
Seattle gets back RHP Elvis Alvarado and LHP Taylor Guilbeau in return.
A’s acquire starter Tanner Roark from the Reds
In return for Roark, the Reds will get minor league center fielder Jameson Hannah.
Starter Drew Pomeranz, reliever Ray Black to Brewers
A shortstop for the Brewers, Mauricio Dubon could switch to second base in San Francisco with the Giants.
Starter Zac Gallen traded to Arizona Diamondbacks
In his last seven starts with the Marlins, Gallen has a 2.72 ERA and 1.18 WHIP along with a 43/18 K/BB ratio. Miami will get back Arizona shortstop prospect Jazz Chisolm in exchange for the 23-year-old.
Detroit closer Shane Greene heading to Atlanta
With a 1.18 ERA and 21 saves for the Tigers over 38 innings this season, Greene is a good addition to the Atlanta bullpen. It’s unclear what the Braves are sending back to the Tigers in the deal.
Braves add to bullpen with Mark Melancon
After trading for Tigers’ closer Shane Greene, the Braves are adding Melancon in a deal with the Giants.
Reliever Joe Biagini going to Astros from Blue Jays
Biagini has a 3.86 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 49 innings this season and should head to Houston’s bullpen.
Diamondbacks acquire Mike Leake from Mariners
The 31-year-old right-hander has a no-trade clause, but plans to waive it to join the Arizona roster.
Zack Greinke traded to Houston Astros
Corbin Martin, J.B. Bukauskas, Seth Beer, and Josh Rojas are all headed to the Diamondbacks in return, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan
This piece will be updated as deals are made leading up to the deadline on Wednesday afternoon.
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