The MLB trade deadline on July 31st is rapidly approaching, and the trade rumors are starting to heat up. The All-Star game is only a few days away and the buyers and sellers are starting to distinguish themselves. Here are all the latest rumors and news from the hot stove.
Potential Rays-Rangers Trade?
According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Tampa Rays and Texas Rangers have had discussions about a potential deal.
"[The]Rays and Rangers have had trade talks regarding a deal that would send Jake Odorizzi to the Rangers in exchange for a bat," Bowden reports. "Rays are known to have interest in Jurickson Profar, Joey Gallo and Lewis Brinson. The teams are not close to a deal but dialogue continues according to sources familiar with the talks."
Odorizzi has been mentioned in trade talks, along with Matt Moore, since before the start of the season. The Rays are in last in the AL East and could elect to sell heavily closer to the trade deadline.
Rich Hill Drawing Interest?
The Oakland Athletics are struggling and are likely to be sellers are the trade deadline. Hill took the mound over the weekend and the San Francisco Chronicle reports several teams sent scouts.
There were several scouts on hand to see Hill’s first start since May 29. He is on a one-year deal, making him a strong candidate to be traded before the deadline, and he will be in much demand. The Orioles, Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers, Pirates and Royals were among the teams with scouts in attendance Saturday. Kansas City is among the clubs with interest in both Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick, who also will be a free agent after the season.
When healthy this year, Hill has been impressive. It's likely the A's find a trade partner and deal Hill.
Cardinals After Bullpen Help?
If the Cardinals elect to chase upgrades at the trade deadline, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the team could target bullpen help. Goold tosses out Diamondbacks' closer Brad Ziegler and the Yankees' Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller as potential options. The Cardinals have Trevor Rosenthal, but he has struggled as of late. Goold says the Cardinals could promote prospect Alex Reyes as well.
Pirates' Jung Ho Kang Under Investigation
Chicago police are investigating the Pirates infielder for sexual assault, reports the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune has the details on the assault.
According to police, the Chicago woman met Kang through Bumble, a location-based dating app that allows only women to initiate conversations. Kang invited the woman to his Magnificent Mile hotel room on June 17, hours after the Pirates had lost a day game to the Cubs.
The woman told investigators she arrived at Kang's room at the Westin Hotel around 10 p.m. and he served her an alcoholic drink, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. She said she blacked out about 15 to 20 minutes later, then drifted in and out of consciousness as he sexually assaulted her.
The woman then visited a hospital for a rape kit two days later and reported it to police 10 days later. Kang has not been charged with any crime yet.
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