The MLB trade deadline of August 1st is rapidly approaching and the MLB trade rumors are starting to heat up. With the deadline a mere few days away, teams in the postseason race are focused on improving their rosters before the non-waiver deadline. The teams selling are hoping to find prospects to boost their rebuild or even getting rid of some payroll. Here are all the latest rumors and news from the MLB hot stove.
Royals Trading Wade Davis?
There might not be a better closer on the market than the Royals' Wade Davis, and they are listening to deals for him. However, there's a catch.
Sources: Royals trying to package Ian Kennedy in a potential Wade Davis deal. Dodgers a strong match. Covet Davis and can take on Kennedy $.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2016
Kennedy is owed $62.5 million over the next four years and leads the majors in home runs allowed. That's why even the Dodgers and their massive payroll are unlikely to take on Kennedy's deal. The Royals have a sky-high asking price for Davis in a straight up trade, wanting more than the Yankees wanted for Andrew Miller or received for Aroldis Chapman. He has another year left on his deal, so the Royals aren't desperate to move him.
Jonathan Lucroy Latest
The Milwaukee Brewers are well out of the postseason race, and Jonathan Lucroy is the top catcher on the market by a wide margin. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that interest around him is heating up.
The #Brewers Jonathan Lucroy talks are intensifying. Offers getting more serious. Momentum building toward a trade by the deadline.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2016
#Rangers, #Indians, #Astros, #Mets, #Redsox have been mentioned in Lucroy mix. And believe it or not, there appears to be a "mystery team.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2016
According to Ken Rosenthal, that "mystery team" could be the Detroit Tigers. With so much interest in Lucroy, expect him to be dealt before the non-waiver deadline on Monday.
Orioles After Cashner?
In a down starting pitching market, the San Diego Padres have one of the better available trade pieces in Andrew Cashner.
Sources: #Orioles trying hard to get Cashner. Not necessarily front-runner; #Marlins, #Rangers still in, possibly others.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2016
The Orioles had talks with San Diego about landing Melvin Upton, but that deal fell apart. Cashner isn't scheduled to pitch again until Monday night, so the Padres aren't in any rush to make a deal. Cashner is just 4-7 this year with a 4.76 ERA, but there's a severe lack of quality pitching options on the market.
Cardinals Looking For Bullpen Help?
The St. Louis Cardinals are fighting for a Wild Card spot, and are looking for some bullpen help to make sure they make the postseason. Jon Heyman reports the Cardinals' search for another reliever is due in part to the decline and injuries of closer Trevor Rosenthal. He's on the disabled list at the moment, but he had already lost his closer job after blowing four saves and posting a 5.13 ERA. Seung-hwan Oh is handling the 9th inning duties, but the Cardinals are still looking for more help. Heyman says the Angels' Huston Street and Joe Smith and the Royals' Davis are potential fits.