Trade Rumors Heating Up Across Major League Baseball
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and as teams jockey for position in both leagues, rumors are already heating up. This season in particular is set up to be a sellers market, considering the number of teams technically still in contention for a playoff spot.
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And several new reports have suggested that trade proposals are flying around, with several teams already making serious inquiries. Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite one of the league's highest payrolls, are ready to be aggressive heading into the deadline.
According to Heyman, they're "seeking upgrades in multiple spots," and are believed to be interested in the duo of potential Chicago White Sox trade targets, Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet, as well as one of the game's best relievers. And they're not alone.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 07: Starting pitcher Garrett Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox commits a throwing error to first base in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Dodgers, Padres, Phillies Likely To Be Aggressive At The Trade Deadline
Crochet in particular has received an inordinate amount of interest; after making the switch from relieving to starting, he's been nearly unhittable. On Thursday, Crochet went seven innings against the Seattle Mariners, allowing just two hits and one run with 13 strikeouts. He's allowed just five earned runs in his past four starts, with 42 strikeouts in 25 innings.
Dominant starting pitching is always the most desired postseason commodity, and though Crochet could run up against a potential innings limit, his 35.7% strikeout rate with just a 5.8% walk rate is difficult to pass up. Along with the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies have reported interest. Padres GM AJ Preller is always active, and with his willingness to deal prospects, could tell the White Sox he won't be outbid.
Robert Jr. also has an elite track record and team control through 2027, and the White Sox are "actively seeking" trade offers already, according to Heyman. His market also includes the Dodgers and Phillies, with potentially the Kansas City Royals interested considering his manageable price tag.
The Miami Marlins also have received calls already on their closer, Tanner Scott. Once again, the Dodgers and Phillies are interested, along with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Scott's benefitted from some luck on batted balls in play, but with just a 1.93 ERA and 14 hits allowed in 28 innings pitched, it's no surprise that his market is heating up.
Another reliever, the White Sox's Michael Kopech, has drawn interest from the Yankees, Phillies and Orioles as well. A former starter, Kopech has seen his strikeout rate jump since moving to the bullpen. Though some command problems have led to mixed results.
Though the Dodgers and Phillies have a stranglehold on their divisions, there are still clear flaws for both teams that need to be addressed. The Dodgers offense has been inconsistent, and the Phillies have yet to be challenged, schedule wise. Every team can always use more pitching, especially as injuries lead to attrition as the season wears on. And though neither have a sense of urgency to make a deal before the end of July, the amount of buyers might force their hand.
Despite the lack of sellers, it sounds like it could be a more active deadline than expected. Especially with several of the league's biggest market teams involved.