The past week has been rather crazy in the baseball world, with some blockbuster trades already finalized and the rumor mill spinning. With the second half of the season underway and some close division standings, teams look to add the necessary pieces to contend all the way to the World Series.
For some, being a seller at this time is difficult, but trading big names leads to restocking a farm system and building for future seasons.
Some big names have already been dealt, Troy Tulowitzki was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays, making their already scary lineup even more intimidating, Johnny Cueto joins the Kansas City Royals rotation as they seek their second consecutive World Series appearance, and the Houston Astros traded for Scott Kazmir to boost their rotation as they make a push for October. The biggest deal, however, took place Wednesday evening as the Texas Rangers won the bid on Cole Hamels, who was linked to several possible teams, but in the end goes to Texas.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest trade rumors as the deadline vastly approaches.
With Hamels now off the table, many teams seeking an ace for a postseason run will look to David Price. Price has been linked to the Yankees and Blue Jays, as well as the Giants and Dodgers as possible trade partners. Price has a lot of experience in the postseason and could greatly improve any rotation.
The Jays now have a completely dominating lineup, but the pitching staff moving forward continues to be a concern. The addition of Price could greatly help them as they make a run for the division. The Yankees currently lead the AL East by seven games, but are in great need of starting pitching. Both are strong candidates to acquire Price.
On the National League side, the Tigers have been said to like a few Giants prospects, and Price would make a good fit in San Francisco, especially with the recent resurgence of the Giants.
Mike Leake is also a prime trade target the Cincinnati Reds may be willing to deal to teams in need of starting pitching. Same goes for James Shields with the San Diego Padres, and there are plenty of teams looking to add some depth to their rotation; although Shields shaky postseason stats may lower his trade value looking ahead.
The Tigers aren’t just willing to deal Price, but also Yoenis Cespedes, who may find himself on his fourth team in just a year.
Craig Kimbrel is also on the trading block, with the Red Sox and Yankees being named as possible suitors.
Aroldis Chapman has also been mentioned in trade talks in connection to the Dodgers, Orioles, and Yankees.
These are some of the bigger names being tossed around on the hot stove as the trade deadline approaches. With so many teams vying for a playoff spot and with high hopes for this second half, teams are making moves to improve their rosters. Pitching is always a need this time of year, and a strong pitching staff is vital to postseason success.
It has been a fun trade deadline thus far with a few blockbuster moves, and longtime players finding new homes, it’ll be interesting to see who else is indeed moved and how they help their teams moving forward with a playoff push.