MLB Trade Deadline rumors roundup: Latest updates on Max Scherzer, Kris Bryant

The trade rumors are flying as we inch toward this Friday’s MLB trade deadline. Here is a quick roundup of the latest buzz involving some of the most-discussed players in the market.

Max Scherzer

For most of July, it didn’t appear as if the Washington Nationals would put their ace on the block. But after a recent five-game losing streak capped by a sweep at the hands of the lowly Orioles, the Nats are open for business on Scherzer. And, not surprisingly, there are many interested buyers. Eight teams, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark, are known to be in on Scherzer. However, it has also been reported that Scherzer, who has full veto rights, would prefer to land with a West Coast team, and each of the three NL West contenders — the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres — are all trying to put forth their best offers. According to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, trade talks surrounding Scherzer “have continued to intensify, and those close to the conversations believe a deal could be reached by late tonight.”

Kris Bryant

Could Bryant be moving out west as well? There was a report Tuesday morning which stated the Giants’ interest in Bryant, with top prospect catcher Joey Bart likely involved in any such deal. Bart, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, is the No. 17 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, and carries a robust slash line of .310/.372/.532 through 44 games at Triple-A this season. However, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, later threw some cold water on that report. Bryant’s name has also been tied to trade rumors involving the New York Mets and the Tampa Bay Rays in recent days.

Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo was a sixth-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox back in 2007. He was sent to San Diego before he could debut with Boston, but Rizzo might get his chance to finally play for the Red Sox this year. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported this week that the two clubs have held talks about Rizzo, who would provide an offensive boost at a position where Boston has struggled to find consistent production this year. ESPN’s Buster Olney also speculated on Sunday that Rizzo would end up with the Red Sox. If a deal can’t be struck there, Passan also said the Milwaukee Brewers could be an option, although the Chicago Cubs are unlikely to trade their longtime star to a division rival.

Trevor Story

Story seemed to be the most likely player to be moved at the trade deadline entering this season. He’s a star player on an expiring contract and has no interest in signing a long-term deal with his current team, which is going nowhere. But as the deadline appears upon the horizon, there is a belief that Story may actually finish this season with the Colorado Rockies. Story has posted a career-low .733 OPS thus far, and there are concerns about his physical health, specifically his right elbow as his throwing velocity has taken a noticeable dip this year. Teams such as the Brewers and the New York Yankees have been tied to him in recent rumors, but the chances Story doesn’t play for a new team until next season are growing.

Joey Gallo

Gallo, a very popular name in the rumor mill, has said he wants to remain with the Texas Rangers, and the team is at least putting forth some effort to make that happen. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Rangers have extended a “ridiculously overpaid offer” to Gallo, who won’t become a free agent until after next season. The slugger still strikes out a lot, but he leads baseball with 74 walks, has hit 25 homers and has registered an .869 OPS. The Yankees, Padres and Blue Jays are just a few of the teams reportedly interested in the athletic, 27-year-old outfielder.