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The trade rumors are flying as we inch toward MLB’s July 30 deadline. Here is a quick roundup of the latest buzz involving some of the most discussed teams and players in the market.
Chicago Cubs
Kris Bryant
ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote earlier this week that Bryant is “as good as gone” from the Cubs. Passan’s collegue Buster Olney tweeted Thrursday that he sees the New York Mets as a potential fit. The Washington Nationals are reportedly among many teams interested in the former MVP. The Mets could also go after Bryant with their desire to make a “big splash” at the deadline.
Craig Kimbrel
It would be easy to list the teams that aren’t pursuing Kimbrel, who has been outstanding this season. According to The Athletic this week, indications are that the Phillies have asked about the All-Star as they try to repair their broken bullpen.
Anyone else?
Probably. While Bryant and Kimbrel are the most obvious names to be dealt, The Cubs are reportedly willing to field offers on anyone, including shortstop Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo but also players who have years of team control remaining such as catcher Willson Contreras and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Conversely, the Cubs may also try to re-sign Baez and Rizzo to new contracts.
Colorado Rockies
Trevor Story
How many clubs are trying to acquire the Rockies’ star shortstop? About six to eight, according to The Denver Post. The A’s, Reds and White Sox have been mentioned as possible suitors. The White Sox would make for a strange fit as they currently have Tim Anderson locking down shortstop. But a trade might send Story to a new position as well as a new team. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has heard of at least one team that has considered acquiring Story and placing him in center field.
Minnesota Twins
Nelson Cruz
Update: According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring Cruz from the Twins.
Speaking on changing positions, the 41-year-old Cruz hasn’t played in the field since 2018, but a couple of National League teams have reportedly thought about acquiring the Twins’ big bat. The Rays, A’s and Blue Jays have shown interest in Cruz as well.
Anyone else?
The Twins are definite sellers, so they will likely move players on expiring contracts such as shortstop Andrelton Simmons, starting pitcher Michael Pineda and others. But for those under team control through 2022, the Twins are asking for a lot in return. Specifically, a pre-arbitration MLB player and two top-100 prospects, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. That means you shouldn’t expect players such as Jose Berrios and Byron Buxton to be wearing new uniforms next month.
Miami Marlins
Starling Marte
The Marlins basically announced that they were open for business when they traded outfielder Corey Dickerson and reliever Adam Cimber to the Blue Jays last month. The most obvious name to follow them out the door next is Marte, who has been linked to just about everyone, including the Phillies, Yankees, Astros and Giants.
Texas Rangers
Joey Gallo
Gallo has said repeatedly that he wants to remain with the Rangers, but that will likely depend on what the bevy of teams yearning for his services offer Texas. The Yankees are reportedly in on the left-handed slugger, and the Padres might reportedly “unload” for him.
Kyle Gibson
With Max Scherzer seemingly off the market and Jose Berrios seemingly unattainable, Gibson might be the best starting pitcher who’s readily available at the deadline this year. As such, he will be a wanted man by many over the next week, even as he has struggled in some of his recent starts. The Dodgers, Yankees, Mariners and Blue Jays are among the clubs seen as the best fits.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Bryan Reynolds
Reynolds is having a breakout season in 2021, and the Astros, who have a need at center fielder, have reportedly checked in with the Pirates about him. However, it sounds like it would take a lot to acquire the All-Star. The Pirates are much more likely to deal second baseman Adam Frazier.
Kansas City Royals
Whit Merrifield
Merrifield is a common topic at this time of year as he’s been involved in trade rumors every season since 2018. The Royals are reportedly “more open” to trading their star second baseman this time around, but only for major league-ready players or prospects as the Royals believe they are close to contending.