MLB’s Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline is inching closer and it’s becoming clearer who the buyers and sellers are. Here are some of this week’s biggest rumours from around the majors.
Blue Jays expected to be in on Hill; missed out on Ziegler
The Skinny: The Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be one of numerous teams with an interest in Rich Hill once the veteran starter proves he’s healthy, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. Passan also notes Toronto was among the suitors for reliever Brad Ziegler prior to his trade to the Boston Red Sox.
Analysis: A journeyman starting pitcher, Hill has become one of the most coveted arms on the trade market thanks to his stellar 2.25 ERA over 14 starts this season. The southpaw has been battling a blister issue of late and will likely have to prove the problem is behind him before opposing teams bring serious offers to the Athletics. Toronto is seeking rotation depth with all-star Aaron Sanchez’s potential move to the bullpen before season’s end. Oakland is reportedly asking for a big haul in return, which may lead Ross Atkins and his staff to explore other options.
Boston made an early splash with its acquisition of Ziegler on July 9. The former Arizona Diamondbacks closer would have been a welcome addition to a Blue Jays bullpen that leads the American League in losses. Passan reports that teams were shocked at the small return Arizona received for Ziegler. The Diamondbacks were allegedly seeking top-tier prospects from opposing clubs, but obtained middle-of-the-pack minor league players from the Red Sox.
Dodgers, Archer a perfect match?
The Skinny: The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown interest in landing Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays. One executive told ESPN’s Jayson Stark that the Dodgers represent such a good fit for Archer that he believes there is a 70 per cent chance the right-hander ends up in Los Angeles.
Analysis: This rumour comes just a week after the Rays were said to be ‘laughing’ at offers for Archer. The 27-year-old is having a down year, but would still command an enormous package in return due to his track record over the past three seasons, as well as his team-friendly contract. With Clayton Kershaw’s status up in the air moving forward, the Dodgers are looking to add an impact arm in an effort to keep pace with the rival San Francisco Giants in the NL West.
Los Angeles is equipped with one of the top farm systems in MLB and would likely be able to put a strong offer on the table. Julio Urias has already logged time with the big club this year, and fellow pitchers Jose De Leon, Frankie Montas and Grant Holmes would be sure to entice the cost-conscious Rays. It would still be surprising to see Tampa Bay pull the trigger considering Archer has the potential to be a perennial all-star, but a blockbuster deal seems a little more likely now than it did seven days ago.
Rangers receiving lots of calls regarding Profar
The Skinny: Texas Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar is garnering lots of interest on the trade market, reports MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan.
Analysis: Once regarded as one of baseball’s top minor-league talents, Profar has overcome shoulder issues in the past two seasons and is enjoying a very productive 2016 in a super utility role. The 23-year-old has suited up at every infield position so far this year, but has made it known he would like to be an everyday shortstop down the road. Texas may not be the place for him to achieve that goal as Elvis Andrus inked an eight-year contract extension back in 2013. There doesn’t appear to be an opening at second base either as Rougned Odor seems to be the Rangers’ future at that position.
Sullivan reports the Rays are high amongst the suitors and the two would seem to be logical trade partners. The Rangers’ starting rotation has been scuffling of late and Tampa Bay has a trio of young, controllable arms available in Matt Moore, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi. Acquiring Profar would figure to give the Rays a cornerstone piece for the future at a premium position on the diamond.
Phillies’ Hellickson drawing interest from contenders
The Skinny: Multiple teams have expressed a desire to add Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jeremy Hellickson, including the Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins, according to reports.
Analysis: Hellickson is by no means an ace, but would be a solid addition to a team seeking stability near the back end of its starting rotation. The former American League Rookie of the Year has stated he would like to stay in Philadelphia, but that decision ultimately won’t be up to him. Hellickson likely won’t net the Phillies a top prospect in return, but they could look to acquire a piece with a high ceiling as they continue their rebuild.
The Orioles are in dire need of another starter as Ubaldo Jimenez has been a complete disaster in 2016, posting an ERA north of 7.00. Baltimore has seen its AL East lead all but slip away since the all-star break and is in the market to improve a starting staff that ranks 28th in baseball in innings pitched. Miami has been one of the surprises of the National League, currently holding the second wild card position. Behind all-star Jose Fernandez, the Marlins are quite thin in terms of reliable starters, so a deal for Hellickson would help solidify their status as playoff contenders.