Deadline deals could add spice to pennant races
Five potential trades that could swing the balance of power down the stretch
Plenty of high-end talent will be in play this week as baseball's July 30 trade deadline nears.
Here are five trades that could make this playoff race even more entertaining:
BRYANT TO THE METS
Bryant has reigned as the “Player Most Likely to Be Traded” all season.
The Chicago Cubs are undergoing a roster overhaul, so he and his expiring contract should depart during the coming days.
The New York Mets scouted the weekend series between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks. Bryant went 3-for-9 with a two-run homer, a triple and three walks while looking more like his old MVP self.
The Mets are prioritizing pitching, especially after David Peterson suffered a broken foot while still recovering from an oblique strain.
But the versatile Bryant could bolster the Mets' offence while playing third base and rotating through the outfield.
The Philadelphia Phillies could also use Bryant at the hot corner, so the Mets have an opportunity to get stronger while also blocking an immediate rival.
STORY TO YANKEES
Once the Colorado Rockies traded Nolan Arenado, shortstop Trevor Story became destined to depart Denver, as well.
The Oakland A's have the most pressing need at the position, since Elvis Andrus has struggled offensively and defensively. The Mets have a short-term need with Francisco Lindor hurt.
But the New York Yankees remain a fully operational Death Star, as general manager Brian Cashman would say, so they should swoop in.
With first baseman Luke Voit back on the injured list, the Yankees could plug Story in at shortstop while sliding Gleyber Torres to second base and bumping DJ Lemahieu to first.
Story has delivered subpar production during the walk year of his contract, but he could improve the Yankees defensively while also adding offensive heft.
SCHERZER TO PADRES
The Washington Nationals just got swept by Baltimore Orioles to fall eight games under .500, so they may finally surrender.
Starting pitcher Max Scherzer can veto any trade, but he may welcome the chance to pitch for a contender — even if he can't leverage his power into a contract extension.
The San Diego Padres would offer an opportunity to pitch meaningful games down the stretch. They'll need a stronger rotation to overtake the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants for the NL West title.
They could block the Dodgers from landing Scherzer, which would provide added value. And if the Padres end up settling for a wild card berth, they would have an appealing option for the do-ordie assignment
KIMBREL TO PHILLIES
The Phillies need an upgrade over closer Hector Neris, who has blown six of his 18 save opportunities.
Kimbrel regained his old form for the Cubs this season while converting 23 of 25 save opportunities. Since Kimbrel comes with a $16-million club option for next season, he could become more than a rental reliever for the winning bidder.
That could drive up the trade price — but Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn't afraid to make blockbuster moves.
Dombrowski promises to be active ahead of the deadline. The remaining Phillies schedule looks very manageable, so they're going for it.
RIZZO TO RED SOX
Given Rizzo's advancing age (32 in August), recurring back trouble and declining production over the past two seasons, the retooling Cubs should allocate his dollars elsewhere starting next year.
Sending Rizzo and his expiring contract to the Boston Red Sox would add horsepower to the American League East chase. Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec has produced a negative WAR rating this season and Rizzo could enjoy a fresh start at Fenway Park.
Rizzo boosted his trade stock against the Diamondbacks over the weekend, going 4-for-10 with a double, a homer and four runs scored.
The Red Sox drafted Rizzo back in 2007, so this trade would complete the circle.
TEAMMATES DON'T WANT BAUER BACK: REPORT
Teammates are largely against the return of Trevor Bauer to the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Bauer is currently on administrative leave as Major League Baseball investigates the allegations, while a concurrent criminal sexual assault investigation is conducted by the Pasadena Police Department.
Under the league's collectively bargained domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, MLB can suspend and fine Bauer based on its independent findings. However, the Dodgers can't terminate Bauer's contract until any related suspension has been served.
Bauer receives his salary payments per usual while on leave.
The Times report on Monday cites two team sources who stated the “majority” of Bauer's teammates don't want him back in the clubhouse. The high-energy and outspoken Bauer signed a threeyear, Us$102-million deal with the Dodgers in free agency prior to this season.
MLB suspensions of players cited under the domestic violence policy have ranged between 13 and 162 games in length.
The alleged victim, 27, obtained an emergency restraining order. Bauer has been in court attempting to have it overturned. The next hearing, which will include witnesses, is scheduled for Aug. 2.
On July 2, investigators in the case said publicly that new leads were introduced that were expected to add “weeks” to the criminal fact-finding work.
“We were looking into some things and we thought we were nearing the end,'' Lt. Carolyn Gordon told USA Today. “We are not close to the end. This investigation is bigger than we thought. So we have to look a few more places. We want to try to uncover as much stuff as we can.''