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The MLB trade deadline is on Thursday at 6:00 PM ET and we’ve already seen several playoff contenders strike big

MLB Trade Rumors — Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesSam Navarro-Imagn Images

The MLB trade deadline is on Thursday at 6:00 PM ET and we’ve already seen several playoff contenders strike big deals in order to make a postseason run. The hot stove is burning, with the latest MLB trade rumors shedding light on what’s going on around the league.

Today, we’re taking a look at some of the latest MLB rumors for buyers and some sellers across baseball.

New York Mets’ Starling Marte drawing trade interest

The New York Mets are buyers at the MLB trade deadline, having already demonstrated that with the Gregory Soto trade. However, that hasn’t stopped rival clubs from inquiring about outfielder Starling Marte, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. Marte, age 36, is in a contract year with a $20.75 million salary this season. Not only has he been a very productive hitter in the Mets lineup this season (.788 OPS), but he’s also beloved in the clubhouse. Unless moving Marte helps the Mets shed payroll to take on another big salary, while also addressing an area of need, it seems unlikely that Marte will be moved.

Minnesota Twins’ standout relievers viewed as ‘gettable’

High-end relievers are some of the most coveted assets at the MLB trade deadline since every contender would love to strengthen its bullpen. The Minnesota Twins recognize that, which is why they’ve listened to inquiries on Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Brock Stewart. What’s notable is that a deal involving one of these pitchers is viewed as possible. Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports that teams believe “one or more” of the trio is “gettable.” Duran is the crown jewel (1.86 ERA), but Jax and Stewart (2.45 ERA) are also highly sought after.

Chicago Cubs targeting MacKenzie Gore

MLB Trade Rumors, Chicago Cubs — Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs have already been linked to several starting pitchers in MLB trade rumors, and it now appears an even bigger name is on their radar. Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report that Chicago is “very interested” in Washington Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore. While the Nationals are reportedly “reluctant” to move their 26-year-old ace, especially following his first All-Star selection, the Cubs are monitoring the situation closely. The left-hander has excelled this season with a 3.52 ERA and a 29.3 percent strikeout rate. Gore is under team control through 2027 (arbitration-eligible), and acquiring him would likely cost the Cubs multiple top prospects, with the Nationals asking for a “sky-high” return.

Houston Astros explored Eugenio Suarez trade, likes Willi Castro

Adding a left-handed hitter has been one of the Houston Astros‘ top priorities in the weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline. Now, following the long-term injury suffered by Isaac Paredes (hamstring), the club also needs to find a third baseman. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports that the Astros have checked in on Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez (.898 OPS). Houston also reportedly has interest in Twins’ infielder Willi Castro (.769 OPS), a switch-hitter who can play second, shortstop, third base and the corner outfield.

Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing outfielders, interested in 2 targets

While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is a glaring weakness right now, it’s not the only position they’d like to address at the MLB trade deadline. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles is in the market for an outfielder. More specifically, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are interested in Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and St. Louis Cardinals‘ utility man Brendan Donovan. Bader, a former Gold Glove Award winner, ranks in the 86th percentile of Baseball Savant‘s Fielding Run Value, and he’s in the 93rd percentile for Outs Above Average (five). Donovan, a Gold Glove winner (2022) and recent All-Star selection, has a .780 OPS this season and could play second base or left field for Los Angeles.

Odds of Sandy Alcantara trade increasing

Sandy Alcantara’s up-and-down season in his first year back from Tommy John surgery has complicated his trade value. Fortunately for the Miami Marlins, it appears Alcantara’s recent start helped a lot. The 29-year-old righty allowed one unearned run over seven innings against the San Diego Padres on July 23. It helped teams envision what he could look like if they get the former Cy Young Award winner back on track. Now, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Alcantara’s trade stock is on the rise, and teams are “convinced” he’ll be moved ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline.

Related: MLB Trade Deadline Predictions

Arizona Diamondbacks willing to move both top starters

A few weeks ago, the Diamondbacks’ front office seemed a bit undecided on whether they would operate as sellers at the deadline. Now, it appears the organization has the green light to offload a lot of talent. Suárez is expected to be moved this week, becoming the second key hitter in the Diamondbacks’ lineup to be dealt. Furthermore, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Arizona is willing to move both Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. Both starters are free agents this winter, and while one was always expected to be traded, it now seems possible that both could be pitching for new teams.

New York Mets eyeing pair of center fielders

While Tyrone Taylor has been great defensively for the Mets this season, he’s essentially become the equivalent of an automatic out (.298 OBP) at the plate. So, New York is scouring the trade market for potential replacements in center field. Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported that the Mets are interested in Baltimore Orioles’ center fielder Cedric Mullins and Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert. Mullins, a free agent this winter, is likely to be dealt this week. However, there’s growing uncertainty about Robert being dealt.

Texas Rangers now prepared to buy at MLB trade deadline

Coming into July, the Texas Rangers were three games below .500 and 3.5 games back of the final wild card spot in the American League. Selling at the deadline seemed to be a legitimate possibility. A lot can change in a few weeks. Specifically, Texas posting the second-best record (15-6) in baseball this month. Entering play on Monday, the Rangers are tied with the Seattle Mariners for the third WC spot. As a result, per Buster Olney of ESPN, the Rangers are expected to be aggressive buyers.

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Category: General Sports

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