One of the craziest days of the year has arrived. Welcome to the 2020 MLB trade deadline.
The trade deadline always consists of rumors flying in from every direction surrounding every club and dozens of players. With that said, we’re tracking every notable rumor ahead of the 4:00 p.m. deadline.
The “headline” of each rumor is linked back to the initial report.
3:52 p.m.:
| TRADE
The Cubs were able to land Josh Osich after all. Rumored for hours, this deal came to fruition just 15 minutes before the deadline. Boston sent Osich, a reliever, to Chicago in exchange for a player to be named later.
3:35 p.m.: Red Sox Send Kevin Pillar to Rockies | TRADE
The Rockies aren’t hard-core buyers, but they’re still making upgrades to their team. Colorado is finalizing a deal to acquire outfielder Kevin Pillar and cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later and international slot money.
3:34 p.m.: Dodgers Have “Stepped Up Efforts” to Acquire Rangers’ Lynn
While there continues to be a growing sense that the Rangers will hold on to dominant starter Lance Lynn, the Dodgers are trying to change that. Los Angeles has reportedly stepped up their efforts as they try to come to an agreement with the Rangers centered around Lynn.
3:28 p.m.: Phillies Bolster Bullpen, Acquire Phelps From Brewers | TRADE
The Philadelphia Phillies dipped into the relief pitching market just minutes before the trade deadline, acquiring reliever David Phelps from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for three low-level prospects.
3:08 p.m.: Cubs Acquire Andrew Chafin From Diamondbacks | TRADE
The Diamondbacks have made their third trade of the day, this time sending left-handed reliever Andew Chafin to the Chicago Cubs. This will presumably be the first and only trade of the day for Chicago, who were actively monitoring the relief pitching market.
2:59 p.m.: Blue Jays Acquire Jonathan Villar From Marlins | TRADE
The Marlins appear to be both buying and selling. They’re now trading infielder Jonathan Villar to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Griffin Conine just minutes after acquiring outfielder Starling Marte from Arizona.
2:57 p.m.: Marlins Acquire Starling Marte From Diamondbacks | TRADE
The Marlins, who have been involved in various trade rumors throughout the past week, have struck a deal to acquire dynamic outfielder Starling Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for pitchers Humberto Mejia, Caleb Smith, and Julio Frias.
2:47 p.m.: Cubs Front Runners for Boston’s Osich?
With just over one hour until the trade deadline, the Cubs have emerged as the front runner in the market for Red Sox pitcher Josh Osich.
2:44 p.m.: Red Sox Not Expected to Trade Christian Vazquez?
Interest in Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez is reportedly “overblown,” leading to speculation that the Red Sox will likely hold on to the reliable backstop barring an unforeseen offer. On the other hand, Boston has received interest surrounding outfielder Kevin Pillar and pitchers Josh Osich and Matt Barnes.
2:19 p.m.: Marlins Interested in Starling Marte, Other Bats
The Marlins have been in the middle of a lot of rumors but have yet to make a trade. Now, they’re reportedly monitoring the trade market for an offensive upgrade while specifically keeping tabs on Starling Marte, whose name has come up in various Diamondbacks rumors as of late.
2:22 p.m.: Diamondbacks Will Trade Starling Marte by Deadline
The Diamondbacks have already decided they will not pick up outfielder Starling Marte‘s $12.5 million option this offseason, so he will presumably be traded. Whichever team makes the best offer by 4:00 p.m. will get Marte’s services.
2:17 p.m.: Reds to Keep Trevor Bauer
Despite speculation that he could be on the move, starting pitcher Trevor Bauer is expected to remain with the Reds, barring an unforeseen change.
2:16 p.m.: Braves Had Interest in Seager; No Progress Made
The Braves recently had discussions with the Mariners regarding third baseman Kyle Seager, but a trade is not imminent and it unclear if talks have continued beyond their opening phase.
2:07 p.m.: Braves Interested in Archie Bradley
After trading Robbie Ray to the Blue Jays, the Diamondbacks might have another trade in the works. Atlanta is reportedly interested in pitcher Archie Bradley while also monitoring the market for offensive upgrades.
1:50 p.m.: Blue Jays Acquire Robbie Ray from Diamondbacks | TRADE
The Blue Jays have acquired veteran starter Robbie Ray and cash from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for southpaw Travis Bergen as another domino falls in the pitching market.
1:41 p.m.: Rangers and Red Sox Could Swap Odor for Eovaldi?
The Red Sox and Rangers are both expected to be selling today in hopes of dumping salary and building for the future. However, the two teams have discusseed a swap of Rougned Odor for Nathan Eovaldi in an attempt to shed salary, with Texas likely to flip an extra prospect to Boston in any potential deal.
1:13 p.m.: Rangers Asking for Deivi Garcia in Talks With Yankees?
The Yankees and Rangers continue to discuss Lance Lynn, but the two sides remain far apart in talks. In fact, the Rangers are interested in pitching prospect Deivi Garcia in exchange for Lynn, but the Yankees aren’t willing to part with him.
1:03 p.m.: Yankees Confirmed to Have Interest in Lynn
While not much of a surprise, it has been confirmed that the New York Yankees are among the teams interested in Rangers starting pitcher Lance Lynn, among other starters.
1:02 p.m.: Mets Pivoting to Christian Vazquez?
The Mets looked to acquire Jason Castro from the Angels before he went to San Diego. Then, they turned their focus to Padres catcher Austin Hedges, but he was flipped to the Indians. Now, New York is pivoting to Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez while also keeping an eye on other catchers who could be available via trade.
12:50 p.m.: Indians to Keep Francisco Lindor
Unsurprisingly, the Indians are planning to hold on to All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor beyond the trade deadline. The growing belief has been that the Indians may shop Lindor during the upcoming offseason but not this summer. That is now confirmed.
12:49 p.m.: Angels to Keep Dylan Bundy?
Dylan Bundy is one of the top starters on the market and was garnering increased interest after Mike Clevinger went to San Diego. Arguably the No. 2 pitcher on the market, Bundy could fetch the Angels a large haul if traded. However, Los Angeles hopes to be competitive next year and could choose to keep Bundy.
12:40 p.m.: Braves in Talks With Rangers on Lynn
The Braves added Tommy Milone on Sunday but aren’t done trading. They’re now in talks with the Rangers surrounding highly-coveted starter Lance Lynn. After missing out on Clevinger, the Braves will need to beat out times like the Twins and Yankees in the Lynn sweepstakes.
12:30 p.m.: Rangers Trade Mike Minor to Athletics | TRADE
The Athletics are making their second inter-divisional trade of the week, acquiring left-hander Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Marcus Smith and third baseman Dustin Harris, who were both listed in the trade as PTBNL.
11:42 a.m.: Yankees Interested in Kevin Gausman
The Yankees are interested in nearly every pitcher on the market, so it’s no surprise that they’re also in on the Giants’ Gausman. Nevertheless, they’re the only team that has really been linked to Gausman, so the price could be low. Time will tell how aggressively the Yankees pursue him.
11:30 a.m.: Padres Acquire Clevinger in Nine-Player Deal | TRADE
The Padres continue to be busy, acquiring right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger and outfielder Greg Allen from the Indians in exchange for right-handers Cal Quantrill and Matt Waldron, outfielder Josh Naylor, catcher Austin Hedges, shortstop Gabriel Arias, left-hander Joey Cantillo, and shortstop Owen Miller.
11:25 a.m.: Nats Expected to Buy at Deadline
The Nationals have struggled so far this year, but they’re expected to be buyers at this year’s deadline. This may be more of a move to keep them aggressive for future years rather than this year.
10:51 a.m.: Marlins Interested in Archie Bradley
The Marlins, who are fielding calls regarding players on their own roster, are interested in Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley. This is a minor rumor as of now but could certainly grow within minutes, so stay tuned.
10:17 a.m.: Hader Staying in Milwaukee?
There’s a growing sense that star reliever Josh Hader will remain with the Brewers beyond the trade deadline. The Yankees and Padres were among teams who had interest, but the Brewers’ asking price was ultimately too high.
10:15 a.m.: Royals Could Trade Greg Holland
The Royals, who parted ways with Trevor Rosenthal this week, might not be done trading. They’re now reportedly considering moving another reliever in Greg Holland. The biggest question is whether or not the rest of the league will have interest in the veteran reliever, but if there is, he will likely be on the move by 4:00 p.m.
10:10 a.m.: Yankees Also Interested in Marlins’ Villar
In addition to the previously-reported Blue Jays, the Yankees are showing interest in Marlins infielder Jonathan Villar.
9:58 a.m.: Clevinger Sweepstakes Down to Four Teams?
The Indians have been aggressively shopping starter Mike Clevinger. While their asking price is high, the growing sense is that Clevinger will be dealt by the 4:00 p.m. deadline. Roughly eight teams have been linked to Clevinger, but it’s now being reported that the list of frontrunners has been narrowed down to four: the Padres, White Sox, Blue Jays, and Yankees.
9:55 a.m.: Blue Jays, Marlins Talking Villar
The Blue Jays and Marlins are in talks surrounding Miami infielder Jonathan Villar. While nothing is imminent, this is an interesting development in both the Villar and Andrelton Simmons sweepstakes. The reported talks surrounding Villar and Brandon Kintzler also wrinkle what we previously thought we knew about the Marlins’ deadline plans.
9:25 a.m.: Tigers Not Expected to Sell?
The Tigers enter the trade deadline with a record of 16-16, putting them just two games out of the AL playoffs. They’re not expected to trade impending free agent infielder Jonathan Schoop, who is a prototypical rental trade candidate, meaning they’ll likely not be selling this year.
9:18 a.m.: Padres’ Austin Hedges Expected to Receive Interest
After acquiring two catchers on Sunday, the Padres are expected to make available Austin Hedges, who will surely garner interest from catcher-hungry teams like the Mets.
8:58 a.m.: Pirates’ Adam Frazier Drawing Some Interest
While off to a quiet start offensively, there is some “buzz” around Pirates infielder Adam Frazier, who has a reliable track record and could find himself out of Pittsburgh with the Pirates being heavy sellers.
8:51 a.m.: Twins Pursuing Starting Pitching
The Twins continue to be aggressive in the starting pitching market. Expected to make a pitching deal ahead of the deadline, the Twins have considered the Rangers’ Lance Lynn and the Angels’ Dylan Bundy, among others.
8:24 a.m.: Marlins Receiving Interest in Brandon Kintzler
Miami has reportedly received “a lot of hits” on closer Brandon Kintzler, who is expected to be a hot commodity if the Marlins decide to trade him in a market centered around pitching.
7:43 a.m.: Cubs Showing Interest in Relievers
The Cubs bolstered their offense on Sunday by acquiring Jose Martinez from the Rays. Now, like many other teams, they are looking to improve their staff of relief pitchers.
7:33 a.m.: Reds Expected to Pursue Bullpen Upgrades
Just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot, the Cincinnati Reds are expected to be buyers today. While they might not be overly aggressive, they are one of many teams expected to pursue relievers in the trade market.
We’d be foolish to leave you without a few significant rumors that came out on Sunday evening, so here they are.
Rays, Padres Pursuing Joey Gallo
The Texas Rangers are actively shopping slugger Joey Gallo and starter Lance Lynn. While the latter is a solid trade candidate, the former’s availability comes as a bit of a surprise. Gallo is sure to be heavily pursued, with the Rays and Padres among the teams interested.
Indians Talking Mike Clevinger With Several Clubs, Mystery Team
The Cleveland Indians are expected to trade starting pitcher Mike Clevinger. The question is, which team will pay the most? So far, the Indians have a high asking price but have received interest from the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, White Sox, Dodgers, and perhaps a mystery team.
Rays, Padres Complete Seven-Player Swap
While not a rumor, we’d be foolish to not mention that the San Diego Padres made their fourth trade in 36 hours, acquiring catcher Austin Nola and right-handed pitchers Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Taylor Trammell, infielder Ty France, catcher Luis Torrens, and right-hander Andres Munoz.
Blue Jays Interested in Mike Minor
The Toronto Blue Jays already bolstered their rotation with the acquisition of Taijuan Walker. Now, they’re reportedly showing interest in Rangers starter Mike Minor.
Diamondbacks Telling Teams Almost Nobody is Untouchable
The D-backs could be busy on Monday as they shop several Major League players. Most of their roster, including Starling Marte, Robbie Ray, and Archie Bradley, is untouchable, though they’re not willing to trade Ketel Marte, Zac Gallen, and Christian Walker.
Mets Searching for Catching, Pitching
The Mets are expected to be buyers ahead of Monday’s deadline, and while they might look to shore up their infield and outfield, their main area of pursuit will be catching, starting pitching, and relief pitching.
Braves Continue to Pursue Starting Pitching
Despite already acquiring Tommy Milone from the Orioles, the Braves continue to aggressively pursue and show interest in several starters. Don’t be surprised if Atlanta trades for at least one more starting pitcher before the deadline.
Blue Jays Looking Into Brian Goodwin
It appears the Blue Jays are looking for outfield upgrades. The Angels are selling and Toronto is interested in 29-year-old outfielder Brian Goodwin.
Red Sox Talking Trade With Mets?
The Red Sox have been researching the Mets’ minor leagues in an obvious effort to potentially form a trade. The Mets’ top target in Boston would likely be reliable veteran backstop Christian Vazquez, though pitchers Martin Perez, Matt Barnes or Ryan Brasier could also be of interest.
Teams Interested in Tigers’ Romine, Norris
The Tigers have reportedly received interest in catcher Austin Romine and starter Daniel Norris. It was also reported on Friday that the Tigers and Cubs were discussing a trade surrounding outfielder Cameron Maybin, though nothing has come of that since. Nevertheless, Detroit will likely make at least one trade before the Monday deadline.
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