MLB Rumour Roundup: Phillies talking to Blue Jays about Granderson

MLB insider Shi Davidi looks at the trade return for a few recent rental pitchers at the deadline, which suggests the Blue Jays should be able to get a really good trade return for J. A. Happ.

The Philadelphia Phillies are speaking to the Toronto Blue Jays about outfielder Curtis Granderson, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The surprising Phillies are currently sit atop the National League East, one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves. In addition to being a veteran presence who would complement a young Philadelphia roster, the 37-year-old Granderson profiles as a serviceable fourth outfielder.

The left-handed hitter, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has faced right-handed pitchers almost exclusively this season, owning a .240/.343/.438 slash line with nine home runs against them.

The Phillies boast a strong farm system, entering this season ranked No. 5 by MLB Pipeline, but it’s unlikely that Granderson would fetch more than a lottery prospect.

Baltimore exodus

With Manny Machado now dealt, the Baltimore Orioles can shift their focus to moving their other chips. On that note, interest has been heightened on closer Zach Britton according to several reports, including this from Jon Heyman of Fancred.

Britton, an impending free agent, has seen his velocity spike over the past few weeks following an Achilles injury that delayed the start of his season until June. Overall, he owns a 3.45 ERA with 10 walks and 13 strikeouts across 15.2 innings.

However, the 30-year-old left-hander has been dominant over his last eight games, allowing no runs on three hits, with four walks and six strikeouts.

Rosenthal, who adds that the Diamondbacks are pursing Britton, also notes that Orioles starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy are drawing interest from the Rockies ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Wheels moving on a Wheeler deal?

The Mets are “engaging” interested teams on Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom, according to Heyman, but the club sees this off-season as a better time to trade the star right-handers.

Instead, it’s more likely Mets teammate Zack Wheeler gets dealt this month.

Several teams are eyeing the right-hander, including the Yankees, Reds and Diamondbacks.

Wheeler, 28, sports a 4.44 ERA and 3.74 FIP across 18 starts and 107.1 innings this season. He has struck out 106 batters, while his 8.7 walk rate is a career low.

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