We are just hours away from the trade deadline, and unsurprisingly, the MLB trade rumors are swirling at a frenzied pace as playoff contenders look to make a big addition before 6 PM ET. Let’s take a look at the latest rumblings from the trade market, including updates on Sandy Alcantara, the New York Mets’ pursuit of a center fielder, and the chase for relief arms.
San Diego Padres predicted to make a big move before deadline, linked to Mason Miller
San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller is reportedly being very aggressive before the 6 PM ET deadline. The Athletic MLB insider Ken Rosenthal fully “anticipates” the Pads to make a major move on Thursday due to Preller’s proven track record. They have already been linked to Cleveland Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan and Boston Red Sox star Jaren Duran. However, speculation grows Athletics stud closer Mason Miller is being aggressively targeted by San Diego.
New York Mets aggressively pursuing Luis Robert trade
The Mets have been looking for an upgrade in center and been linked to Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr. since last year. Despite reports of an asking price that will be too high for New York, MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand reports the club “has been one of the more aggressive teams in their pursuit of Robert, with one source taking it to another level by calling New York ‘the frontrunner.'”
Mystery team emerges in Sandy Alcantara trade chase
Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara remains among the top starting pitchers up for grabs before today’s MLB trade deadline. Various reports have suggested the price remains high for clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. However, MLB insider Jim Bowden believes he will be moved today and claims there is a mystery team that has jumped into the chase for the two-time All-Star. Could he be Plan B for the Houston Astros if their pursuit of Dylan Cease fails?
Arizona Diamondbacks still have two big trade chips after Eugenio Suarez trade
The biggest name in the MLB trade rumors this month was Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Eugenio Suarez. Well, he is now off the block after being shipped off to the Seattle Mariners late on Wednesday night. However, they still have two impact chips up for grabs in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, Cubs, and Blue Jays are all reportedly looking for starters and likely will be targeting the two D-Backs pitchers today.
New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers could benefit from a late buyers market
Multiple teams are still looking for additions to the bullpen, including the Dodgers and Yankees. However, after several arms have come off the board in the last five days, ESPN reports that “and at some point on Thursday, the teams dealing away players might now outnumber the number looking to add.” Which means, despite missing out on other players, LA and New York could end up getting an impact reliever on Thursday for a fair rate.
Dylan Cease remains at the top of Houston Astros ‘wish list’
There have been various reports about the Astros’ pursuit of an ace before 6 PM ET, and that Padres pitcher Dylan Cease is a target. However, he is much more than just one of several targets. “The Astros are making a big push for Dylan Cease. With one source saying the starter is Houston’s ‘main target,'”MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand reported on Wednesday night.
Pittsburgh Pirates likely to hold on to Mitch Keller?
Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller has been linked to quite a few MLB trade rumors before today’s deadline. Including reports of interest from the Yankees. However, despite it being in the club’s best interest to move him while interest is high, Ken Rosenthal reports that the “Pirates are likely to keep right-hander Mitch Keller.” That could take a big option off the board for New York.
