Trade targets to watch after Cubs add Quintana from White Sox,
Quintana to Cubs could open floodgates with trade deadline looming
Baseball’s trade season slammed into high gear Thursday with an unexpected crosstown trade that sent coveted starting pitcher Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox to the Cubs in exchange for four prospects. The nonwaiver trade deadline arrives at the end of the month and more big names are in the mix, including reports that the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring a deal for Orioles closer Zach Britton, to pair with all-star Kenley Jansen at the back of their bullpen. It’s fun for baseball hot stove followers, so here’s a look at five players who could move by the deadline:
SONNY GRAY A’s pitcher
The starting pitching market appears to be strong, but Gray is a risky if interesting option. He managed 22 starts last year — a far cry from his peak in 2015 — and battled neck and arm issues. This season, he spent April on the disabled list with a shoulder problem, but has managed to go 4-4 with a 4.00 ERA since. He was a Cy Young Award candidate in 2015 and his contract is under control for three more seasons — an attractive asset for the A’s and interested teams. He could provide solid depth.
DEE GORDON Marlins infielder
Blue Jays fans have heard the talk that their team might be interested in Gordon, the two-time NL stolen base king who has swiped 32 this season. The Jays could use the speed and help at second base with Devon Travis lost to injury. The Marlins, looking to cut their liabilities while the team is for sale, have a host of other stars reportedly on the market, including outfielders Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich (the Phillies have interest), and Marcell Ozuna.
J.D. MARTINEZ Tigers right fielder
Martinez is earning $11.5 million in 2017 and hitting .299 this season with a solid .381 OBP, 14 homers and 32 RBIs after missing more than a month with a foot injury. He’s a free agent after this season, and the struggling Tigers will almost certainly find a willing trade partner (Cardinals?). The Tigers are also said to be fielding interest in pitchers Justin Verlander and Daniel Norris. They’re in the same mix as the Blue Jays: an aging team with a lack of speed and a competitive window that’s closing.
JEFF SAMARDZIJA Giants starting pitcher
The window is also closing in San Francisco, where a tremendous run since 2009 is all but over. That leaves a host of potential moves for a Giants team that appears to be selling. Right-hander Samardzija is a prime candidate to move, and was ru- moured to be in line for a reunion with the Cubs before Thursday’s surprise move to acquire Quintana. Infielder Eduardo Nunez is another target, and the Giants would like to part with starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, with four years remaining at $84 million — though he has an opt-out clause. Pitcher Matt Moore could also be on the move.
PAT NESHEK Phillies reliever
Neshek made an all-star appearance this week after reports that Red Sox scouts had taken in his recent games. The Yankees and Nationals have also shown interest. The Red Sox have serious World Series aspirations, so they’ve been very active in trade talks — also including interest in Marlins Martin Prado and David Phelps. The 38-year-old Neshek and his funky delivery have posted his highest swing- and-miss rates in the majors since 2014. He’s reliable and a solid option for a Red Sox bullpen that could use a hand, even with reliever Carson Smith perhaps nearing a return from a long injury layoff.