7 most likely to move by Wednesday's Deadline
Scratch those Marcus Stroman-to-the-Yankees rumors. We should have guessed that the first big deal of this Trade Deadline season would be a shocker: the Blue Jays right-hander to the Mets for prospects.
Do not overthink this one. While the Mets might now trade Noah Syndergaard or Zack Wheeler, they’ve also positioned themselves to open Spring Training with baseball’s best rotation.
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This trade makes an already tight market for starting pitching ridiculously thin since the Mets weren’t one of the clubs thought to be looking to upgrade their rotation.
Will the Yankees, Twins and Brewers be forced to focus on bullpen arms instead of starters? Does this move lead to a spurt of other deals before Wednesday's 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline?
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Until the Mets acquired Stroman, teams had worked mostly around the edges, making small tweaks to rosters. Things stalled because 16 teams are within 3 1/2 games of a postseason berth, and a few others -- D-backs, Tigers and Angels -- are assessing their options.
At some point, there’s going to be a flurry of activity. Too many contenders have needs. While we do not know whether Madison Bumgarner, Matthew Boyd or Trevor Bauer will be traded, some players seem as good as gone.
Here are the seven most likely to be traded:
1. Mike Minor, Rangers LHP (starter)
His partial no-trade clause could add intrigue to discussions, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. In the end, it won’t prevent the Rangers from trading him. He may end up being the biggest prize and is signed through next season.
Potential landing spots: Yankees, Brewers, Twins
2. Ken Giles, Blue Jays RHP (reliever)
His fastball touches 100 mph, and he’s averaging almost 15 strikeouts per nine innings while allowing just over one baserunner per inning. He’s also under control next season.
Potential landing spots: Dodgers, Braves, Nationals
3. Felipe Vázquez, Pirates LHP (reliever)
This is a supply-and-demand issue. The Pirates are going to want multiple prospects for an elite reliever potentially signed through 2023. At the moment, it’s a seller’s market.
Potential landing spots: Dodgers, Braves
4. Yasiel Puig, Reds OF
His OPS is over 1.032 since June 11. He also has 11 homers and 10 doubles in his last 39 games, and with offensive production in demand, the Reds will have options even with Puig entering free agency after the season.
Potential landing spots: Indians, Phillies, Rays
5. Sam Dyson, Giants RHP (reliever)
The Giants may hold onto Bumgarner and closer Will Smith, but they’ve got enough bullpen depth to deal from a position of strength.
Potential landing spots: Astros, Rays, Nationals
6. Robbie Ray, D-backs LHP (starter)
Arizona is listening on several players, but Ray appears to be so sought-after that the D-backs will receive an offer they can’t turn down. Having an extra year of control increases his value.
Potential landing spots: Yankees, Twins, Brewers
7. Scott Oberg, Rockies RHP (reliever)
The Rockies are listening to offers for almost everyone, but this 29-year-old right-hander under control for two more years could bring a top prospect.
Potential landing spots: Astros, Nationals, Braves