Beware of Fake Ken Rosenthal accounts.
This year, some massive movement on the trade market could be in the cards, if the rumored available names end up on the move. Cubs players Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez and Kris Bryant; the Nationals’ Max Scherzer and Trea Turner; and Twins outfielders Byron Buxton and Max Kepler are all potential trade targets heading into Friday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
FAGAN: Blue Jays should celebrate return to Toronto with big trades
The first blockbuster deal of the trade season was struck between the Yankees and the Rangers on July 29, with New York adding another bomber to its lineup, acquiring slugger Joey Gallo for a package of prospects.
Sporting News will track the latest updates, rumors, trades and more below, mixed with some quick-hitting analysis on reported and done deals.
MLB trade deadline deals, rumors
July 30
Cardinals add J.A. Happ, send John Gant to Twins
The Twins are trading J.A. Happ to the Cardinals for LHP Evan Sisk and RHP John Gant, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2021
The Cardinals pick up some starting pitching depth, adding J.A. Happ and sending over reliever John Gant and pitching prospect Evan Sisk to the Twins. Happ pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 2020 and owns a career 4.13 ERA, but the 38-year-old has struggled in 2021, pitching to a 6.77 ERA across 98.1 innings. Gant has bounced between the rotation and bullpen in 2021, pitching to a 3.42 ERA in 76.1 innings. Between Class High-A and Double-A, Sisk has a 3.31 ERA in 32.2 innings exclusively out of the bullpen.
Phillies become buyers, trading for Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy
Spencer Howard is going to the Rangers in the deal for Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, sources tell ESPN. He’ll be joined by two other prospects going from Philadelphia to Texas.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Phillies get Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse from Texas for Spencer Howard and 2 prospects. Confirming multiple reports. @Ken_Rosenthal @JeffPassan
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 30, 2021
There was some uncertainty whether the Phillies would buy, sell or stand pat as they sit even at 51-51. The answer: buy. Philadelphia sent top pitching prospect Spencer Howard and two other prospects to the Rangers in exchange for All-Star Kyle Gibson reliever Ian Kennedy and prospect Hans Crouse. Gibson has enjoyed his best season to date in the majors with an ERA of 2.87 and 94 strikeouts in 113 innings, while Kennedy has found success as the Rangers’ closer, racking up 16 saves with a 2.51 ERA.
Nats trade Yan Gomes, Josh Harrison to Athletics
The Oakland A’s are in agreement on a deal to acquire infielder Josh Harrison and catcher Yan Gomes from the Washington Nationals. Deal is pending medicals.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Coming to the Nationals from A’s for Gomes and Harrison, per source: Drew Millas, Seth Shuman, Richard Guasch.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2021
The teardown in Washington continues, while the Athletics add some important depth. Oakland acquired catcher Yan Gomes and infielder Josh Harrison from Washington. Gomes, who is slashing .271/.323/.454 on the year figures to split time behind the dish with 26-year-old Sean Murphy, who has slashed .218/.305/.418 in his second full season. Harrison will bring versatility to second and third base for the Athletics, and provide a bat that has slashed .294/.366/.434 this season.
Mets make deal for Javy Baez, per report
BREAKING: The New York Mets are finalizing a trade to acquire shortstop Javier Baez from the Chicago Cubs, sources tell ESPN. Deal is pending medicals.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Mets deal: Baez and Trevor Williams come for Pete Crow Armstrong
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2021
The double-play pairing in the Mets infield just got a lot more exciting: Javy Baez is heading to Queens, reuniting with fellow Puerto Rican (and best friend) Francisco Lindor. The Cubs bring back Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old outfielder is regarded as having above-average hit and arm grades and plus speed and fielding.
Cubs, White Sox strike crosstown trade for Kimbrel
SOURCE: I’m hearing Craig Kimbrel has been traded to the Chicago White Sox.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) July 30, 2021
The White Sox and Cubs strike a rare crosstown trade, with the Cubs sending closer Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox for infielder Nick Madrigal and reliever Codi Heuer.
Analysis: The 1-2 bullpen punch of Liam Hendriks and Kimbrel is going to give the Sox a bit more flexibility at the back end of the bullpen. The Cubs landing Madrigal is a massive, hefty get for Chicago North.
Braves trade for Eddie Rosario, ship out Pablo Sandoval
The Braves pick up outfield help, still reeling from the loss of Ronald Acuna Jr. for the year. Rosario is having a down year, but still a proven veteran bat to slot into the lineup.
Blue Jays land José Berrios, per report
Analysis (Joe Rivera): While we’re waiting to see what the return on Berrios is, it’s a great move for Toronto to continue to bolster their rotation as they put up a fight in the AL East. Berrios has long been one of baseball’s more underrated starters with really, really nasty stuff when he’s on — maybe he can take that next step with Toronto and help push them to the playoffs.
MORE: Jays trade grades: Toronto gets good start at a steep price
Jon Gray not being moved, per report
Teams are being told Rockies starter Jon Gray will not be dealt. He’s a free agent after the season but the Rockies are expected to extend the qualifying offer to him, perhaps with hopes of locking him up long-term.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2021
Gray, the veteran starter, has had an up-and-down career, but his stuff (and perhaps a change of scenery) could make him an interesting middle-rotation arm for someone. It doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, though.
Luke Voit being dangled, potentially for pitching help
Before finalizing the Rizzo trade, the Yankees were engaged in multiple conversations about dealing Voit. I still think they’ll try to use Voit to help add pitching.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 30, 2021
With the Yankees acquiring Anthony Rizzo yesterday, incumbent first baseman Luke Voit seems to be out of a job. Per YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees may move Voit for pitching help, which is sorely needed in New York.
Padres, Mariners eyeing Twins ace
Twins ace José Berrios is getting a lot of attention, with the Padres and the Mariners at the top of the list.
The #Twins discussing José Berríos with multiple teams today. An agreement on players is not yet close. The #Padres are among the most serious suitors. The #Mariners have checked in, as well. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2021
July 29
Nationals send Daniel Hudson to Padres
The Nationals continue to tear their roster down the day before the trade deadline. Daniel Hudson, the reliever who got the final out in Washington’s 2019 World Series win, has been shipped to San Diego.
Hudson struggled in 2020 but has been lights out in 2021, pitching to a career-low 2.20 ERA with a 2.50 FIP in 32 2/3 innings. He’s striking out batters at a career-high 37.8 percent clip and walking batters at a 5.5 percent rate. The Nationals received 6-7 right-hander Mason Thompson and shortstop Jordy Barley in return, adding to their ever-expanding prospect ranks.
Red Sox acquiring Kyle Schwarber from Nationals
Boston is adding an outfield power bat and Washington adds another prospect amid its fire sale.
The Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a deal to acquire Kyle Schwarber from the Washington Nationals, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 30, 2021
The Nats are getting Aldo Ramírez back, a RHP. It their sixth prospect addition today. Also: Keibert Ruiz (C), Josiah Gray (RHP), Gerardo Carrillo (RHP), Donovan Casey (OF) & Riley Adams (C). @dougherty_jesse 1st on Ramirez.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 30, 2021
Schwarber won’t be ready to debut for the Sox until well into August because of a hamstring injury, but when he does return, he’ll add thump to an offense that’s second in the American League in runs scored.
Dodgers make blockbuster move for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Dodgers are making significant progress on a deal that would send them star right-hander Max Scherzer and star shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for a prospect-laden return, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Full return for #Nationals Max Scherzer-Trea Turner deal with Dodgers is catcher Keibert Ruiz, RHPs Josiah Gray and Gerardo Carrillo, and OF Donovan Casey, source confirms
— Maria Torres (@maria_torres3) July 30, 2021
First it sounded as if Scherzer might be headed to the Padres from the Nationals. Now, another NL West team will land the three-time Cy Young Award winner — and five-tool shortstop Turner, to boot. The blockbuster of the deadline thus far, this trade makes the reigning World Series champions an even bigger favorite to repeat.
MORE: Scherzer/Turner trade grades
Anthony Rizzo heads to the Yankees
The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired INF Anthony Rizzo and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaíno and outfielder Kevin Alcántara.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) July 30, 2021
The Yankees add another power-hitting left-handed bat and fix their first base issues. Rizzo’s .792 OPS ranks third among New York’s qualifying hitters, behind only Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Mariners bring back another closer
The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a deal to acquire reliever Diego Castillo from the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN. Deal is pending a review of medicals.
There’s the replacement for Kendall Graveman. Mariners going out and making moves. Rays trade from deep pitching core.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2021
Mariners players were upset when the team parted with Kendall Graveman, but Jerry Dipoto is back at it making more moves . Diego Castillo had a 1.66 ERA last year and a 2.72 mark this season as one of the best relievers in the game. He has a career strikeout rate of 29.2 percent.
Dodgers add Royals’ Danny Duffy
Before grabbing Scherzer and Turner, LA completed another deal for pitching, acquiring the left-handed Duffy and cash from Kansas City for a player to be named.
We have traded LHP Danny Duffy and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a player-to-be-named-later.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 29, 2021
Duffy is a depth pickup, and his LA debut is on hold for at least a few weeks because he’s on the IL with a forearm issue.
Jose Berrios drawing interest from several teams
Possibility of Twins trading RHP Jose Berríos increasing, sources tell me and @DanHayesMLB . Market exceeded Twins’ expectations; team now has offers in hand. Virtually all contenders have checked in. SD, TOR, LAD, TB, NYY among those with varying levels of interest.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021
Several teams, including the Yankees, Blue Jays, Padres, Rays and Dodgers are looking into trading for Twins ace Jose Berrios. Berrios is a top-of-the-rotation guy, and is under team control for the 2022 season.
Kyle Schwarber’s market grows
Growing belief is that Kyle Schwarber gets traded as early as today. Hear that #Yankees are interested. Schwarber currently on the IL with a hamstring injury. #RedSox , #BlueJays also believed interested.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 29, 2021
With the Nats in sell mode, it looks like lefty power bat Kyle Schwarber could be on the move. Schwarber was red-hot in June before landing on the IL with a hamstring issue in July.
Blue Jays get ‘pen help from Nationals
The Blue Jays are acquiring LHP Brad Hand from the Nationals for Triple-A C Riley Adams, per source. @dougherty_jesse was first with the news.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 29, 2021
Analysis (Joe Rivera): The Blue Jays were rumored to be sellers just a few weeks ago, but they add to the bullpen with Hand. The veteran closer isn’t having the best year, but maybe a change of scenery will help.
Yankees, Rangers finalize deal for Joey Gallo
Analysis (Joe Rivera): A good trade for both sides. Gallo is clearly the centerpiece, and he gives New York a lefty power bat, which the team has been sorely lacking this year. He also gives the Yankees good defensive flexibility to play several spots in the infield and outfield.
On the flip side, Texas gets a good group of four prospects in return, including infielder Ezequiel Duran, a promising 22-year-old with offensive upside.