Aggressive O's eyeing blockbuster for ace?

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

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We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors. The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.

July 29: Orioles reportedly discussing Skubal, interested in Snell

With the Orioles still looking to add another top-line starter before the Deadline, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reports that Baltimore and Detroit remain in contact about a potential deal for Tarik Skubal, though they don't seem close to an agreement.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman previously reported that the Orioles were remaining "aggressive" in their pursuit of more pitching, even after acquiring for Zach Eflin from the Rays and Seranthony Domínguez from the Phillies.

Could that aggressive mentality, along with a farm system loaded with talent, prompt Baltimore to do whatever it takes to pry Skubal away from Detroit?

On Monday, Morosi said he thinks Skubal is "much more likely at this juncture to move than [White Sox left-hander] Garrett Crochet," another ace on the trade block.

"I'm not yet to the point where I feel like [the chance of] a Skubal trade is above 50%, but I think it's in that range," Morosi said.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) threw some cold water on the odds of a Skubal deal on Monday.

“No chance they move him,” one rival executive told Rosenthal. "They ain't trading him," another said.

The O's aren't putting all of their eggs in the Skubal basket. The club also has been linked to Detroit pitcher Jack Flaherty, who will cost far less to acquire than Skubal, considering he's a pending free agent. (Skubal is controllable through 2026.) Flaherty, of course, was acquired by the Orioles at last year's Deadline but went on to post a 6.75 ERA after the deal. He's looked like a different pitcher this season, posting a 2.95 ERA with a 7.0 K/BB ratio.

Meanwhile, Heyman reports that Baltimore is one of the teams that has checked in with the Giants about two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, who is signed for $30 million in 2025 but can opt out to become a free agent this offseason.

July 29: Braves among teams discussing Crochet (report)

With Max Fried on the IL, Reynaldo López dealing with forearm tightness and Spencer Strider not pitching until 2025, the Braves could use another good arm in the rotation to help combat the uncertainty.

The Braves are not only shopping for a starter, they're apparently looking at one of the best arms on the market, as MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the team could have White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet in its sights. More >

July 29: Can Mariners pry Vlad Jr. from Blue Jays?

The chances may be against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting dealt before Tuesday’s Trade Deadline, but MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi doesn’t think Toronto has completely closed the door on dealing the slugging first baseman.

“I think the chances of a Vlad trade are substantially less than 50%, but they’re not zero,” Morosi said, noting that he believes the Blue Jays could still consider moving Guerrero if they’re “overwhelmed” by an offer.

In Morosi’s view, the club perhaps most likely to give Toronto what it is looking for is the Mariners, who already swung a trade with the Rays for Randy Arozarena but could still use another impact bat as they deal with the injury-related absences of Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford. Per Morosi, the Mariners talked to the Cubs about Christopher Morel before Chicago dealt him to Tampa Bay with two others in a deal for Isaac Paredes on Sunday.

In a recent live stream for Bleacher Report that aired before the Mariners acquired Arozarena, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said that he heard the Mariners had been "pretty aggressive in trying to get Vlad." More >

July 29: Will Giants hold onto Snell at the Trade Deadline?

Giants left-hander Blake Snell has become a popular name on the trade market, with MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reporting that at least six teams have shown interest in the southpaw. That includes the Yankees, who were linked to Snell in free agency this past winter, and the Padres, Snell's former team. The Cubs, who made the surprising move to trade for Isaac Paredes on Sunday, are also in the mix for Snell, per Heyman.

Another potential Snell suitor emerged on Monday morning, with Heyman reporting that the Orioles have checked in with the Giants about the left-hander.

However, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal expects Snell to stay put while San Francisco potentially looks to add a bat to help with its postseason push, which received a boost in the form of a four-game sweep over the Rockies this past weekend. If the Giants do trade anyone, Rosenthal says it will likely come from their bullpen.

July 29: Are Rangers shifting to selling after weekend sweep?

What a difference a few days made for the World Series champion Rangers. On Friday, there were riding high as winners of five straight games heading into their weekend series in Toronto.

But that's where Texas' momentum was stopped in its tracks as the Blue Jays, dwelling in the AL East cellar, won all three games. The defeats increased the Rangers' deficits in the AL West (from 3 1/2 games to 4 1/2) and the Wild Card race (from five games to six). They may have also increased the likelihood that the Rangers will be looking to sell ahead of Tuesday's Trade Deadline.

At least one Rangers veteran is on the move, with Texas dealing Michael Lorenzen (an impending free agent) to the Royals on Monday morning, but it remains to be seen if the club will trade anyone else of note.

On Sunday, MLB Network insider Joel Sherman wrote in an article for the New York Post that the Rangers "would consider dealing" starters Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney and Max Scherzer in addition to Lorenzen if they committed to selling. Relievers José Leclerc, David Robertson and Kirby Yates -- a 2024 All-Star -- could also be available.

Like Lorenzen, all of those pitchers can become free agents at the end of this season. Heaney, Scherzer, Leclerc, Robertson and Yates are all on expiring contracts. Eovaldi, meanwhile, needs to throw 50 more innings in order for his 2025 player option ($20 million) to vest. But even if he does it, he'll likely decline the option to test free agency.

Lorenzen, 32, has pitched to a 3.81 ERA over 101 2/3 innings this season. He was traded at last year's Deadline from the Tigers to the Phillies and made history by throwing a no-hitter in his first home start with Philadelphia.

Scherzer was also on the move last summer as the Mets dealt him to the Rangers. The 40-year-old recently said he would not waive his no-trade clause if he was involved in a deal this year. Offseason back surgery delayed Scherzer's season debut until June. He has made seven starts so far this season and gave up only one run while striking out nine over six innings in his most recent start on Thursday.

July 29: Cortes’ name ‘definitely out there’ in trade talks (report)

With the demand high and the supply low for starters leading up to the Trade Deadline, the Yankees may be shopping Nestor Cortes in order to address more glaring needs on their roster.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, “Cortes is a name that’s definitely out there.” More >

July 29: Dodgers set to acquire Edman, Kopech; reportedly discussing Kikuchi

The Dodgers are on the verge of a three-team trade with the Cardinals and White Sox that would send both Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech to Los Angeles, with Erick Fedde landing in St. Louis and a package of young players/prospects going to Chicago (per a source). The versatile Edman solves the Dodgers' need for someone who can play shortstop and could also be a fit in center field or at second base. Meanwhile, Kopech will give L.A. a high-upside relief arm.

Next up for the Dodgers? Bolstering their injury-ravaged rotation. The Dodgers are among the teams talking to the Blue Jays about left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, who notes that the Astros, Twins and Padres are also involved in trade talks for Kikuchi. More >

July 28: Strong market building for Flaherty

With the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal and White Sox Garrett Crochet uncertain to be dealt, Detroit right-hander Jack Flaherty might be the best starter moved prior to Tuesday's Trade Deadline. Fittingly, he’s drawing a ton of interest, with SNY’s Andy Martino reporting that the Astros, Orioles, Guardians and Dodgers are in the mix for the rental starter.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart also reported Sunday that Houston has talked about acquiring Flaherty, among other starting pitchers. Flaherty has previously been connected to the Astros by both MLB Network insider Jon Heyman and MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

Per Martino, the Yankees are another possible contender for Flaherty. MLB Network insider Joel Sherman also linked the Bronx Bombers to Flaherty on Saturday, reporting that New York has inquired about the right-hander.

Sources told The Athletic's Dennis Lin and Chad Jennings (subscription required) that the Padres have spoken with the Tigers regarding Flaherty as well.

The Orioles already added a starting pitcher when they acquired Zach Eflin from the Rays on Friday, but Heyman reports that they are staying aggressive in pursuit of pitching. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), Baltimore isn't opposed to adding a rental starter.

It will be interesting to see if the O's are willing to go back to the well with Flaherty after acquiring him from the Cardinals at last year's Deadline. Flaherty went on to post a 6.75 ERA after the trade, but he looks like a different pitcher this season, recording a 2.95 ERA with a 7.0 K/BB ratio over 106 2/3 innings.

July 28: Astros discussing Flaherty, Kikuchi in search for rotation help (source)

Despite currently sitting in a tie for first place in the AL West, the Astros haven't been able to field a full-strength rotation at any point this season, having already lost three starters (J.P. France, Cristian Javier and José Urquidy) to season-ending injuries. Both Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm surgery) and Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) have hit snags in their rehab processes, with McCullers currently completely shut down from throwing. Justin Verlander, currently on the IL with a neck issue, has made just 10 starts in 2024.

As a result, the club is prioritizing starting pitching ahead of the Trade Deadline and considering a variety of options.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reported Sunday that two of the starters the Astros have talked about the most, according to a source, are right-hander Jack Flaherty of the Tigers and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, both of whom are free agents after this year.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported Saturday that the Astros appear to have a preference for rental options such as Flaherty and Kikuchi because they'll cost less than some of the controllable arms on the market.

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi previously linked the Astros to Flaherty on Friday, while Chandler Rome of The Athletic (subscription required) reported on Houston's interest in Kikuchi.

July 28: What’s next for Yankees after Jazz addition?

The Yankees “remain active in trade conversations on multiple fronts” following the addition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Saturday, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

The Reds' Jonathan India, the Marlins' Tanner Scott, the Giants' Blake Snell and the Tigers' Jack Flaherty are among the players New York is reportedly considering. More >

July 28: Mets looking for a starter after Senga injury (report)

Kodai Senga’s return from a strained posterior right shoulder capsule on Friday was supposed to give the Mets a full stable of starting pitchers for the stretch run. But the right-hander suffered a left calf strain that is expected to keep him out for the rest of the regular season, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Senga's injury came just days after the Mets lost rookie Christian Scott to a sprained UCL in his right elbow.

The Mets have already acquired a reliever (Ryne Stanek) and a left-handed bat (Jesse Winker), but they have expanded their Trade Deadline checklist to include a starting pitcher, according to a report from MLB Network insider Joel Sherman. More >

July 28: Will recent losses push Reds to sell?

At this time of year, one or two games can make the difference between whether a team chooses to buy for this season or plan more for future years. That's especially true in the jumbled National League Wild Card race, where five teams began the day within five games of a playoff spot.

The Reds are one of those clubs, but after back-to-back losses to the Rays on Saturday and Sunday, their visions of bulking up for the present may be dimming. Following Sunday's one-run defeat -- Cincinnati's 20th such loss this season -- the club is 5 1/2 games back of the final Wild Card spot and "are moving close to being sellers," according to ESPN's Buster Olney. He adds that starting pitcher Frankie Montas as well as some relievers have garnered interest from other clubs.

Montas, 31, has pitched to a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts after signing a one-year, $16 million deal with the Reds prior to this season. He is scheduled to pitch Tuesday -- Trade Deadline day -- against the Cubs.

Second baseman Jonathan India is another popular trade candidate. According to SNY's Andy Martino, the Yankees have shown interest in India, who is under club control through 2026. But it's unclear if he still fits with New York following its acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr.

July 28: Which Rays players could be next to go?

The Rays have traded six notable players this month, dealing Randy Arozarena (Mariners), Zach Eflin (Orioles), Jason Adam (Padres), Aaron Civale (Brewers) and Phil Maton (Mets) before reaching a trade to send Isaac Paredes to the Cubs on Sunday afternoon.

Although the Rays sat at 53-52 -- four games out of a Wild Card spot in the American League -- entering Sunday and also intend to remain competitive in 2025, they might not be done selling.

The Rays are expected to entertain offers on first baseman Yandy Díaz (owed $10 million in 2025), who led the AL in batting average at .330 in 2023. The 32-year-old has taken a step back this season but could still be a fit for contending clubs. The Astros, Mariners and Pirates are potential landing spots for Díaz, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Closer Pete Fairbanks is another candidate to go. The Yankees have been linked to the right-hander, who is signed through 2025 and has a 2026 club option for $7 million.

It’s possible the Rays could shop second baseman Brandon Lowe, too, if they don’t intend to pick up his $10.5 million club option for next season. (Lowe also has an $11.5 million club option for 2026.) Lowe has been red hot lately, hitting .291 with 11 homers, 26 RBIs and a .991 OPS over his past 37 games.

July 28: Are Cubs going for it?

In a surprising move, the Cubs reached a deal to acquire third baseman Isaac Paredes for Christopher Morel and two prospects on Sunday. The move to add Paredes comes a day after the team picked up pitcher Nate Pearson from the Blue Jays.

Both Paredes and Pearson are controllable for multiple years beyond 2024, which is in line with the Trade Deadline strategy president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer laid out last week.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman hears the Cubs have also checked in on Giants left-hander Blake Snell, who is owed $30 million in 2025 but can opt out to test free agency this offseason.

The Cubs have been mentioned as a possible seller, with Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon and Nico Hoerner chief among their trade candidates. While Chicago’s moves to add Paredes and Pearson may not preclude it from trading away one or more of those pieces, the team’s interest in Snell would seem to indicate that it is closer to a buyer than a seller right now.

July 28: Twins aiming to add pitching ahead of Deadline

The Twins have yet to make a big Trade Deadline addition, but if one is made, it will likely address the club's pitching staff. Another starting pitcher could be Minnesota's biggest priority, but president of baseball operations Derek Falvey is keeping his options open.

"Everyone at this time of year is trying to figure out how do you add one more arm to the mix, whether it's a part of the rotation and the depth there or ultimately in the bullpen," he said Sunday on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. "It's always hard because everyone is hunting the same thing, and with the additional Wild Cards, there are so many more teams in the mix."

On Sunday, Twins pitching, led by starter Bailey Ober, tossed a one-hitter in a victory over the Tigers. Minnesota is holding the second American League Wild Card and is 4 1/2 games behind Cleveland for the AL Central lead.

One of the best pitchers moved at this year's Deadline could be White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. However, Twins fans shouldn't get their hopes up because if Crochet is dealt, his destination is "almost certainly not going to be in the division," per The Score's Travis Sawchik.