In a piece in which he discusses several players whose All-Star participation will be colored by trade rumors, Bob Nightengale of USA Today holds a particularly interesting chat with Padres closer Brad Hand. The lefty has been through the rumor mill before, of course, so he knows what to expect. This time, though, he’s in the first season of a new deal he struck with the organization over the winter. That doesn’t mean that Hand is certain to remain in San Diego, however, and he gave a realistic appraisal of the implications of his extension from a broader perspective. “You can look at it from both sides,” Hand said. “It’s like you signed a long-term deal to stay in San Diego or you just increased your trade value by adding more years of control. Obviously, I have more value now, because instead of teams having control of me for one year, now it’s possibly for three years.” Though he expressed interest in remaining with the Friars, that’s ultimately not in Hand’s control, as his deal does not include trade protection.
Here’s more from the market:
- With relatively few truly compelling rental starters available this summer, we’ve heard a variety of young hurlers mentioned as possible targets. Among them is emerging Rays lefty Blake Snell, who carries a sparkling 2.09 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 through 116 frames this year. It seems, though, that fans pining for Snell will need to adjust their expectations. A National League executive tells Peter Gammons (Twitter link) that there’s no reason whatsoever to think the southpaw is available. The unnamed front office member says his or her club was left with the impression that there’s “no chance” of making a deal for Snell, so much so that any suggestions put out about a possible deal are little more than “fictional garbage.” It always seemed it’d take a major haul to land Snell, who is just 25 years of age and won’t be a free agent until 2023, but this report indicates that even a bold effort may be fruitless to attempt. Frankly, that’s not terribly surprising: though the Rays have spun off many quality pitchers over the years, they have typically done so when those hurlers began to get expensive and close in on free agency.
- The Dodgers have shown some interest in Marlins reliever Brad Ziegler, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred (via Twitter). As Heyman notes, Ziegler has turned things around of late; indeed, since the calendar flipped to June, he has allowed just two earned runs on ten hits while recording a 19:3 K/BB ratio over 21 innings. The wily 38-year-old is earning $9MM this year before hitting the open market, and had struggled previously in a Marlins uniform, so there are some obvious limits to his value. Still, he’s showing now that he can still be effective and could well end up on the move to a contender this summer. Whether it’ll be the Dodges that get him remains to be seen. The Los Angeles club seemingly has opened quite a few potential trade avenues of late, but will likely also be judicious in taking on salary with the luxury tax line representing an important ongoing consideration.
- In other news from Miami, the Marlins are getting some hits on utilityman Derek Dietrich, Heyman also tweets. Soon to turn 29, and controllable for two more years via arbitration after earning $2.9MM this season, the left-handed-hitting Dietrich is another interesting asset for the Fish. He’s slashing a sturdy .287/.353/.452 and can play in the infield or corner outfield. Of course, his defensive flexibility doesn’t really come with a positive reputation for glovework. Among the teams that “could” have interest, per the report, are the Brewers and Cubs. Both of those organizations seem to have more pressing needs and better potential fits elsewhere, though it’s always possible they could make Dietrich a priority if they really believe in his bat.
- Speaking of less-than-perfect fits for the Cubs, Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark of The Athletic report (subscription link) that the organization is also considering some other potential outfielders. He cites Adam Jones of the Orioles and Curtis Granderson of the Blue Jays as players that have come up in internal discussions, at least, though neither really seems to be a priority. This report indicates that the driving force is less about roster need than adding a respected veteran, though the above-noted interest in Dietrich perhaps puts a slightly different spin on things. As The Athletic reporters note, bringing in a position player likely wouldn’t happen unless an existing asset is moved in a deal for a quality starter. Whether or not that takes place will surely be the primary factor in whether the Cubs do ultimately add another piece to the lineup.
- In that same post, Rosenthal dedicates significant space to the Mets’ situation. He advises not to be distracted by reports suggesting shifting winds on the team’s stance regarding controllable aces Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard. The organization, Rosenthal suggests, must be and is willing to consider offers on either hurler. Of course, there’s also no need to strike a deal and the Mets have little cause to discount hefty sticker prices on both pitchers. This assessment of the circumstances aligns with common sense. After all, if a rival organization dangles a truly compelling trade package, the Mets could certainly face some tough choices. But there’s no reason to forego the opportunity to make those determinations before they’re even presented.
odogfenway
Glad he’s taking the ‘hand’ he’s dealt
Michael Chaney
Ba dum tssss
MetsYankeesRedSox
No doubt…he’s “Hand” ling the situation well.
Houston We Have A Solution
Gotta hand it to him he’s handling the trade rumors well.
bandude
Not sure why the Cubs would even be remotely thinking about adding more utility infielders/outfielders at this point in the season; unless it’s trying to keep Milwaukee from getting them, or packaging two or more current players for someone who can throw the ball across the plate.
ray_derek
I doubt the Cubs would do anything to keep a player off Milwaukee’s roster. They have other worries, too bad they don’t play each other for a bit, Cubs 8-3 vs MKE
mack22 2
If the Cubs wanted to screw the Brewers they would trade Yu Darvish for a box of peanuts
cubsfan100
Why would the cubs need an outfielder with Happ, Almora, Schwarber, Heyward, and Zobrist
bobtillman
….maybe because Happ, Schwarber and Zobrist aren’t really OFers????? Defense means something in close races……
ABCD
Their OF defense is pretty good. Actually, the whole team defense has been saving the pitching all season especially the starters.
GarryHarris
When CF Albert Almora and RF Jason Heyward are in the field, the Cubs are as good as most OFs in MLB.
Any team managed by Joe Maddon or Dave Roberts are going to utilize multi-position players all over the field on any given day.
CubsFanSince75
Look at the metrics… schwarbs is better than you think…
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
You haven’t seen happ and Schwarber play left have you? Schwarber in somewhat limited time has 6 out field assists so far. Tied for 1st in baseball. Happ made 3 of the best catches of the year in 1 game. Zo has 2 outfield assists himself.
bravesandcrewfan
Not to mention Bryant kinda. Yeah it doesn’t make much if any sense. The only thing I can see them trading for is relievers and that’s not very necessary either. They have an incredibly strong core that’s only hampered by the underpeformance of their rotation, yet I can’t imagine anyone replacing darvish on the depth chart with that contract, and this is coming from a Brewers fan.
PopeMarley
So your a braves and brewers fan. Is it whoever’s winning? How does that work?
ortsacnilrats
I’d assume he’s older and from Milwaukee or Wisconsin in general and was a fan of the Milwaukee Braves and now the current team there, the Brewers? Learn some history before you troll.
baseballpun
Is anyone here old enough to be a Braves and Red Sox fan?
Michael Chaney
I’m assuming it has something to do with them both having played in Milwaukee until a few decades ago
Michael Chaney
I must have been typing my reply just as yours got submitted but I said something similar so I agree with what you wrote
Michael Birks
They were never the same team
RunDMC
I’m a Braves fan living in Queens who hates to see mediocrity in full display and enjoys telecasts with jovial sportscasters giving good news just as much as a Mets fan.
This isn’t marriage – you can be sleep in multiple beds.
PopeMarley
I know my history but one never knows. GFY
thegreatcerealfamine
Clever Post
ortsacnilrats
If you know your history shouldn’t you be able to decipher why he’d be a fan of both clubs?
jakec77
I think the idea is if they flip Happ, Almora, or Schwarber for something else, presumably a pitcher, then they acquire another OF to take the spot.
Kslaw
“As The Athletic reporters note, bringing in a position player likely wouldn’t happen unless an existing asset is moved in a deal for a quality starter.”
Joe Kerr
This is the first time I have heard the Mets and common sense being used in the same paragraph:)
itslonelyatthetrop
Then you must have missed the side article in 2015 when Terry Collins was seen reading Thomas Paine in the dugout during a rain delay.
pjmcnu
*chuckle* Nice.
Aaron Sapoznik
LOL!
Btw-There’s a whole lot of people in this country who could use a good dose of Thomas Paine and his “Common Sense” ideas. Just saying….
itslonelyatthetrop
Tampa is not dealing Blake Snell. They’re not crazy and no one is crazy enough to make them crazy enough to deal.
rocky7
And who knows if Snell is another Archer….looks terrific the first year and regresses each and every year thereafter.
Snell, while having a really good year, has no established track record and we really don’t know whether this is flash in the pan or not.
The Rays would ask for a boatload and all you may end up with is another Sonny Gray, who was tremendously hyped by Oakland fans on these same blogs and touted as the next Cy Young.
Track records of success mean something more than 3 months of good stats!
mmarinersfan
It’s hard to have a track record when this is your 3rd year pitching. But he really improved the second half last year, and in the minors he tore it up. So, I’d trust him.
fljay73
Actually since last year’s All Star Break Snell has been pitching a sub 3.00 ERA. It has been treading downward. For the Rays to deal him it would take a offer at or above what the WSox got for Sale.
Cubbie Steve
I’d argue they should. His value will never be higher. I understand how small market teams have to operate with starting pitching but they’re not catching the Red Sox or Yankees for at least the next 5 years. If they can get any kind of king’s ransom that is not so far-fetched that other teams don’t believe they’re honest in an attempt to trade him, I think they should do it. Pitching is so volatile. And it’s worth so much more to a contending club. The Rays can find plenty of scrubs to help them in their quest to coming in no better than 3rd best in the AL East.
Right now the Orioles would be much farther ahead if they’d traded Gausman and Bundy instead of holding onto them long enough that their ceilings have fallen.
AZcubluv
Why in crap are the cubs looking at utility players and outfielders??? Ummm I don’t know how about PITCHING!!! Ok rant over, have a good day, go Cubs! Going to watch the Cubs in San Diego!
Kslaw
“As The Athletic reporters note, bringing in a position player likely wouldn’t happen unless an existing asset is moved in a deal for a quality starter.”
cubsfan100
What might a cubs trade for Dietrich look like
pjmcnu
Picture a white guy in a Marlins uniform taking it off, packing a bag, and boarding a flight to O’Hare. Then picture a younger Dominican guy taking a Pelicans uniform off, packing, and boarding a flight in Myrtle Beach for whatever airport is nearest to Jupiter, FL. That’s about it.
flippinbats79
Haha nice
bleacherbum
Dietrich doesn’t get Miami back much. Maybe Corey Black. He could be a nice little bullpen piece for Miami.
SixFlagsMagicPadres
Hand knew signing that extension was a double edged sword. It was smart for both sides though. If he doesn’t get traded by the deadline, there’s still a good chance he gets moved in the offseason.
RedRooster
Nope, just smart for the Padres
formerlyz
Cubs trying to combine the 2 current masters of getting hit by pitch
pjmcnu
The usual suspects in the press are pushing for the Mets to trade de Grom, Syndergaard, or both for selfish reasons. First, it would be a huge story to report on, especially if the rest of the deadline deals are lackluster. Second, the terms of the deal would be something they could chew on for the rest of the year & beyond. Finally, if the trade(s) turn out to be idiotic, they get more copy/posts out of the “how dumb were the Mets?!” storyline (conveniently leaving out their role as boosters, of course). In short, trading de Grom and Syndergaard is a no brainer…for reporters. For the Mets, trading controllable, front-line, starting pitching would be a disaster, even if they’re starting a rebuild.
jakec77
If they are starting a rebuild that they expect will make next year a lost year as well, then they absolutely should see what Degrom would bring back, his value will never be higher. That doesn’t mean they have to trade him, but if someone offers them elite minor league talent (or, better yet, good young major league players) they have to at least consider it.
MetsYankeesRedSox
Trade them both and start the rebuild. Somehow get rid of Cespedes. Trade him to a team near golf courses like Miami or Tampa.
Boogaloo
So if you don’t trade them how are they getting better in the next 2 years to compete with deGrom here?
G Vanlue
Here’s how, as unlikely as it may seem:
1. Cespedes plays at least 130 games next year.
2. Syndergaard makes 25+ starts
3. Conforto has a rebound year.
4. Rosario and Smith, both of whom are former top 100 prospects, improve to the point where they are league-average regulars. Or, Peter Alonso steps in at first, and Smith becomes a passable backup first baseman and occasional outfielder.
5. A couple of the young, raw relievers that have been up and down this year become dependable bullpen cogs.
6. The Mets sign a 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, and/or catcher who proceeds to even remotely live up to his contract.
7. Wheeler and Matz are still around, and pitching similarly or even showing incremental improvement.
These aren’t all going to happen, but is it plausible that 3 or 4 or 5 of these could happen? That would go a long way towards restoring the team to respectability. Couple that with one of the young teams (Braves and Phillies) going into a sophomore slump, and the Nats being somewhat depleted and aging, and the Mets could conceivably compete. It’s not likely, but it’s not completely far-fetched.
thegreatcerealfamine
The Mets are at the point of no return where there’s rumblings around that Tebow will actually get called up soon.
Hantoneenee
Pitching at a high level is difficult. Pitching at a high level in a large market (new york, boston etc) is rare because of the obvious pressures the additional press puts on.. This makes Degrom an exceptional player to me. Only if we could not extend him long term would i even consider trading him. He would be too dificult to replace. That being said I’d still leave that decision to trade him to the team that actually has a GM to hold accountable for what they get in return. The 3 running the show here right now might not even be here next year. Allowing them to trade ANY player still under contract next year is something i would hate to see. Yes, i know the mets farm system sucks but, do you really want the guys that have been part of creating the current farm system making any trade involving you’re best player? Do you really have confidence in what the return will be and their player evaluations. I don’t….I’m just sayin’.
Boogaloo
And maybe nimmo falls back down to earth.
Maybe deGrom pitches to a 3.53 era like he did last year.
Maybe matz and wheeler get hurt like usual.
This is the definition of insanity.
The organization is talentless.
Signing another scrap heap C or 2nb baseman isn’t going to change that.
Your way of “fixing” the team is straight out of the Jeff wilpon playbook.
If nothing goes wrong, maybe they can compete for the WC
That’s just great.
Boogaloo
And maybe nimmo falls back down to earth.
Maybe deGrom pitches to a 3.53 era like he did last year.
Maybe matz and wheeler get hurt like usual.
This is the definition of insanity.
The organization is talentless.
Signing another scrap heap C or 2nb baseman isn’t going to change that.
Your way of “fixing” the team is straight out of the Jeff wilpon playbook.
If nothing goes wrong, maybe they can compete for the WC
That’s just great logic.
mikeyank55
Hey Vanlue-please don’t drive a car until you eliminate those far reaching musings from your head. You can’t count on Cespedes…that’s a fact. You can’t rebuild without trading highly desirable assets and leveraging them
Into multiple highly rated prospects.
Your reference to the former top 100 prospects is the best comment that will be made when they are released or wash away. That’s baseball man. Not all top 100 prospects actually become stars in the Mlb.
You and your cousins that insist on the performance at AAA continue to fail to accepts that Vegas can turn any average players’ production into all star.
Hantoneenee
Excellent point about evaulating prospects at Vegas.
G Vanlue
So you say you can’t rebuild without leveraging assets into highly rated prospects, while also saying that top prospects often don’t work out. So then, basically ditch established players for players that might have a chance to also be good, but later and for slightly longer, and also they might suck?
bbatardo
Hand gets the business side, but does help he has security with his guaranteed contract for the next few years. The Padres haven’t really progressed this year, so might be more likely Hand gets traded than if they showed some progress.
SixFlagsMagicPadres
I remember like a month ago people were saying don’t “sleep” on the Padres and they would be buyers at the deadline just because they were on a nice little run. It was laughable.
This is currently the real Padres. There’s still a lot of work to be done before they can start contending in the NL. Which is fine since the target date all along has been to starting competing around 2020. Trading Hand sooner rather than later will definitely help.
padreforlife
More like 22. If this doesn’t work then 2028
Travis’ Wood
You know these rumors are straight up fiction when they mention the Cubs looking at outfielders…. like what? First of all Theo already said they aren’t trading for a position player. Secondly, and more importantly, they already have too many outfielders and can’t even play Happ, Almora and Schwarber every day…. MLBTR should know better than to even print this nonsense. Adam Jones and Granderson are worse than every single outfielder on the Cubs roster…. just ridiculous
mikeyst13
Problem is that with their farm system where it is, if they really want to make a run at a top of the rotation arm (deGrom, Thor, Archer, etc) they will have to trade from off their MLB roster with either Happ or Almora, so that opens up a spot.
Kslaw
“As The Athletic reporters note, bringing in a position player likely wouldn’t happen unless an existing asset is moved in a deal for a quality starter. “
Robertowannabe
The line in the article, “As The Athletic reporters note, bringing in a position player likely wouldn’t happen unless an existing asset is moved in a deal for a quality starter.” explains what common sense is with front offices in any sport when you approach the trade deadline. You look at what your needs are. You compile a list of all presumably available players. You come up with contingency plans if you need to move a piece on your current roster to acquire the piece you feel you need to make a good playoff push. Every team that is in contention would have internal discussions about a lot of players even if they are a need at the moment so they can make following moves after you come to an agreement on your primary deal. Not really newsworthy if one really thinks about it.
CompanyAssassin
It would suck to see Snell rot on the Rays for another 5 years
CompanyAssassin
If he stays this good that is
mooshimanx
I’m not going to be surprised at all if Preller doesn’t move Hand. I don’t think other clubs see eye-to-eye on what he’s worth (and even as a Padres fan I don’t think they’re wrong).. Many Padres fans seem to be looking for a Chapman-esque return, but Hand is a set-up guy on most of the contending teams, really. In that sense, I can see why other clubs don’t want to part with mid-high level prospects just to get another reliever.
bleacherbum
I disagree.
Preller needs to trade Hand. Adding another top 20 position player prospect would be ideal to pair with Tatis Jr. can’t keep putting all the eggs is his basket thinking he is going to be a king. Nothing is for sure. Trade Hand, get more depth.
If Francisco Mejia, Austin Riley, Miguel Andujar or Kyle Tucker come up in any Hand negotiations then Preller needs to pull the trigger on a deal.
SixFlagsMagicPadres
Their pitching prospect depth is looking great, but I really think they should use Hand to inject another position player prospect into the farm if they can. Even if it’s a straight up one-for-one trade with a pretty good prospect coming back (Tucker would be amazing, but that likely won’t happen), they should do it if they can.
padres_2020
As a Padres fan, I hope we trade Hand so we can end these endless “What can we get for Hand” discussions. We’ve been doing it for over 18 months now.
bleacherbum
So do I, the rumors have been swirling for way to long. I actually think it would be really cool to see him pitch with Andrew Miller and Cody Allen. People can finally watch him pitch next to the guy everyone has tried to compare him to for the last 2 years.
Cleveland needs to do more if they are going to have a chance against New York or Houston or Boston in a short series.
SixFlagsMagicPadres
Yeah I’d hate to see this end up like another Tyson Ross/chase Headley situation where they hold onto the player too long and all this speculation ends up being for nothing. I get that they’re waiting for the best deal to come around, but sooner or later, the trigger needs to be pulled if they want to get something out of it. They could have potentially had Baez from the Cubs for Ross and look how that turned out.
bleacherbum
Well said. Nothing surprises me with Preller anymore, he goes on his spurts. He has been awfully quiet with the major league roster moves this year so far given the circumstances.
I’m just sick and tired of wasting at bats on guys like Pirela, Spangenberg and Asuaje. It’s the same old song and dance with those dudes, none of them are impressive in any form or fashion, Luis Urias should be up right now playing second base and batting second every day.
Aaron Sapoznik
Who comes up with this crap? The Cubs need another OF like they need a hole in their head.
Pitching should be the Cubs priority leading up to the trade deadline, with an emphasis on more rotation depth and another quality southpaw in the bullpen. They will kick the tires on an ace like Jacob deGrom should the Mets make him available while also inquiring on Padres closer Brad Hand. Both will come at a high cost and most certainly involve young players off of the Cubs active roster since they have little to offer from their farm system. Because of this, the Cubs will likely have to settle for a lesser rotation upgrade, perhaps a JA Happ type or less, along with a situational lefty to help bolster their bullpen.
mikeyst13
But if they kick the tires on an ace or Hand and decide to bite then it’s going to cost them talent off of their MLB roster, probably guys like Happ, Almora, and Schwarber will be the first names brought up. In those situations they need a backup plan in the OF, which is why they are doing their scouting and why it specifically says that any move for an OF would be dependent on other moves taking place.
bleacherbum
If Hand was a serious option for the Cubs, I could see Preller wanting back either Baez or Happ. Preller would obviously try to get that deal done in a straight one for one but obviously some more will have to come from San Diego for that to go down.
forerivercormos
Red Sox trade Price, Pomeranz and Workman to the Cubs for Darvish and Quintana
mikeyank55
Hey corona-the only way that trade goes down is if pedroia is included. Two questions:
How sentimental are you?
How dumb is Theo, after telling John Henry and Co to stuff it?
jimmertee
Jays trade half their 25 man roster for a bag of fungo bats. Atkins gets fired for waiting too long on trading Donaldson, Smoak, Martin, Estrada and Happ.