In an ideal world, the Nationals would like to acquire a right-handed hitter before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, but they’re considering pursuing Reds left-handed slugger Jay Bruce, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (video links). Bruce, who has hit .275/.319/.557 with 17 home runs in 313 plate appearances this year, could be a possibility in the outfield or at first base for the Nationals – to whom he can’t block a trade. Bruce is also familiar with Nationals manager Dusty Baker from the skipper’s time in Cincinnati, notes Rosenthal, who adds that the team recalling highly touted prospect Trea Turner to play center field is also an option.
Here’s more inside information from Rosenthal:
- The back issue that sent the best pitcher in baseball, Dodgers southpaw Clayton Kershaw, to the disabled list Friday will likely keep him out for at least a month. LA now has solid reinforcements in its rotation in newly acquired righty Bud Norris – who had a terrific debut with the team Friday – and returning 2015 Tommy John surgery recipient Brandon McCarthy, though no one would confuse either with Kershaw. Prior to landing on the DL, Kershaw threw the second-most innings in the majors (121), led the league in ERA (1.79), and was on track to set the single-season K/BB ratio record for a starter with a ridiculous 16.11 mark. Not only will Kershaw’s absence hurt the playoff-contending Dodgers, who currently sit in a Wild Card position, but it could also damage his NL MVP chances.
- With a slew of trade candidates in catcher Jonathan Lucroy, left fielder Ryan Braun, infielder Aaron Hill, relievers Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith, and their young starters, the Brewers are a team to watch as the deadline nears. Teams have inquired about Lucroy – who’s the most appealing asset of the bunch – though talks haven’t gotten serious to this point.
- Athletics left-hander Rich Hill could be the most realistic starting pitcher trade target around the deadline for the Red Sox. The 36-year-old spent some of last season in Boston, where he shockingly pitched like an an ace in September before parlaying that four-start run into a $6MM contract with the A’s in the offseason. Hill has also been outstanding in Oakland (2.25 ERA, 10.41 K/9, 48.1 percent ground-ball rate in 64 innings), though he hasn’t started since May 29 because of a groin injury. He’s now off the disabled list in time to become relevant for the deadline, though.
- The Rangers had discussions with the Padres about right-handed reliever Fernando Rodney before San Diego traded him to Miami, but Rosenthal opines that Texas needs a left-handed bullpen option more. In addition to their interest in relievers, the Rangers are also in the market for a young, high-end starter and would be willing to part with just about anyone on their roster if the right deal came along.
- Speaking of Rodney, his contract includes $3.25MM in incentives for games finished and a $2MM club option for 2017 that will increase in value based on the bonuses he receives, so the Marlins will save money by continuing to use him in a setup role.
- There’s interest around the league in Angels lefty Hector Santiago, including from the division-rival Astros, tweets Rosenthal. The Halos aren’t inclined to deal Santiago for an underwhelming return, notes Rosenthal, as the $5MM man has another year of arbitration eligibility remaining. Team control aside, with a 5.15 ERA, 5.38 FIP and 5.02 xFIP in 87 1/3 innings this season, Santiago hasn’t exactly made a case that he’d be worth a quality haul in a trade.
Rich Hill had a groin strain, not a back injury.
Quit bustin his balls.
Real shame of it, or in a way is that Hill wanted to remain in Boston and Beane offered what the Sox FO considered what then was such an outrageous amount that he took his offer and went to the A’s.
Hill’s elbow is always a ticking time bomb and if they really want him, they could sign him after the season anyway as he loves the Sox, the issues have always been he struggles to keep that arm in one piece.
After tonight’s game Boston needs more then a 36 year old…… What a flippin joke……..
Yeah no, Rich Hill is not going to be enough for Boston.
That’s interesting that the Padres had discussions with the Rangers regarding Rodney but they wanted a left handed reliever and young controllable starter instead. Maybe something to keep an eye on. Maybe Pomeranz, Buchter & Norris for Gallo and another lower level prospect or two.
Rangers won’t give up Gallo or profar for nothing but ace starting pitchers. Like Chris sale or maybe sonny gray.
Answer me this what has Gallo proven at the Major League level thus far in his career?
Answer ranger fans this- who should they replace mooreland with? GHes a free agent after the season and doubt they bring him back. .229/.276/.410 thus far doubt he gets resigned. Guzman is in AA and needs a couple more seasons. Gallo is the obvious choice to replace mooreland given his team control.
So unless you can offer a package worth it to the rangers to forgo gallo at 1st and find an alternative they wont be trading him.
Pomeranz buchter and norris dont net gallo.
But morgan, guzman, mendez, yrizarri, sadzeck, payano plus a couple others would be a nice haul for the padres for those 3.
Preferrably is trade them individually rather than to the same team. But hypotheticaly speaking for all 3 rangers need to give up quantity over quality unless they offer brinson tate for the quality route which i dont see happening.
The Padres don’t need more fringe prospects. Gallo is definitely part of the discussion.
Swihart for Hill?
Teheran and Vizcaino for your farm system 😉
Seriously, it’s a solid match, but I think Hill/Gray/Doolittle/Reddick will get Moncada sweepstakes…
I think you might actually be correct here. Having paid $63m just to sign Moncada the Red Sox would need a pre-arb TOR to be included to even have a discussion about him. This package would surely be enough. Problem is Beene seems to be a quantity over quality kind of GM ( president whatever). With the Donaldson and Shark trades he took several good (one great) prospects instead of the opposing teams best prospect. I expect him to trade each of the players in your package for a few prospects each. If he does trade Gray my money would be on the Sox with 4-5 players coming back. Doolittle goes to the Cubs for the same. I could also see him doing a reverse Shark/Hammels trade and sending Hill/Gray to the Sox for Benintendi, Devers and a few lotto tickets. Beene will probably be on the lookout for international slot money too and since the Sox are banned this year all of theirs are up for grabs.
You do realize that Julio Teheran compares to Christy Mathewson and Warren Spahn at this point in his career, right? If you want an incredibly complicated and irrelevant spreadsheet on this I can post it later.
Santiago built some value after last nights start, I wonder if the angels would trade him and Shoemaker to bring back a solid package of prospects.