MLB’s Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline is right around the corner and the rumours are heating up. Here is some last-minute buzz from around the majors.
Blue Jays linked to pair of relievers
The Skinny: The Toronto Blue Jays are reported to be interested in relievers Boone Logan of the Colorado Rockies and Jim Johnson of the Atlanta Braves.
Analysis: A true left-handed specialist, Logan has appeared in 43 games for the Rockies this season, but has accumulated just 29 innings pitched. Still, his 2.48 ERA and 1.83 FIP are no joke, especially with Coors Field as a home park. Toronto is known to be in the market for pitching help and adding another left-handed arm could help solidify the bullpen. Brett Cecil has not performed to expectations and there is a degree of uncertainty with fellow southpaw Franklin Morales due to injury concerns. Logan has held opposing lefties to a measly .147 batting average in 2016 and would give John Gibbons a reliable option against the likes of Chris Davis and David Ortiz.
Johnson, who saved a combined 101 games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2012 and 2013, has been a shell of himself since moving away from Maryland. Playing on his fourth team in the past three years, Johnson would figure to be a piece the Blue Jays could acquire without having to deal away too much prospect capital. There would be no salary commitment beyond this year as the veteran is set to hit free agency once the current season wraps up.
Dodgers targeting Royals’ Davis
The Skinny: The Los Angeles Dodgers are expressing interest in acquiring Kansas City Royals closer Wade Davis in an attempt to strengthen their relief corps, reports Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times. However, any potential deal for Davis may have to include starter Ian Kennedy as Kansas City attempts to rid itself of what appears to be an albatross of a contact, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports.
(Photo Credit: David Banks/AP)
Analysis: After missing out on Chapman, the Dodgers are still searching for an established high-leverage arm to pair with current closer Kenley Jansen at the back end of the bullpen. Davis is enjoying another outstanding season in 2016, posting a 1.60 ERA with 21 saves for the reigning World Series champions. Despite the strong numbers, there are some concerns as the 30-year-old has missed time this year with a forearm strain. Furthermore, his 8.6 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9 represent significant drop-offs from 2014 and 2015.
Kennedy’s signing this past offseason was widely criticized at the time and it seems as though the concerns were legitimate. His transition back to the American League has not gone smoothly as he sports a 4.41 ERA through 20 starts and has given up an MLB-high 26 home runs to this point in the season (tied with R.A. Dickey and teammate Chris Young). Kennedy still has over $65 million remaining on his current deal, which expires at the end of the 2020 season. There is a player opt-out after 2017, but with the way he’s pitching, it appears he’ll stay locked into the guaranteed money. Los Angeles is one of the teams courting Davis that could feasibly take on Kennedy’s salary commitment as well.
Bruce blockbuster brewing?
The Skinny: The Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds are talking about a deal involving Jay Bruce and possibly Yasiel Puig. A third team is reported to be in the conversation as well, but remains a mystery to this point.
Analysis: Bruce has been the topic of trade rumours dating all the way back to spring training in a move that would have seen him move to Toronto in exchange for Michael Saunders. The left-handed slugger is enjoying an extremely productive season with the Reds, blasting 25 home runs and driving in 80 runs. His bat would be a welcome addition to any team seeking a little extra firepower.
Puig has seen his performance drop off in every season after bursting on the scene as a flashy rookie in 2013. The Cuban outfielder has posted an OPS of .693 for the Dodgers, and Los Angeles appears to be willing to move in a different direction. The Tampa Bay Rays are rumoured to be the third team involved in talks, and they could help facilitate a move with their surplus of attractive starting pitching options.
(Photo Credit: Danny Moloshok/AP)
White Sox make Shields available
The Skinny: The Chicago White Sox have reportedly stated pitcher James Shields is available in trade talks less than two months after acquiring him from the San Diego Padres.
Analysis: One of the hottest teams to start 2016, the White Sox have fallen back to earth of late, and now trail the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central by a wide margin. Shields’ numbers don’t look good on the surface as he’s pitched to a 4.68 ERA over 21 starts between the Padres and White Sox. However, since a horrific stretch between May 31 and June 18, Shields has been effective in his past seven outings, allowing three runs or fewer in each.
With the Padres footing the bill for the majority of the right-hander’s remaining contract, teams who may not be in on the marquee names like Chris Sale could seek Shields’ services for a fraction of the cost.
