There is some uncertainty within the trade market for starting pitching, as contenders could wait until closer to the July 31st deadline to make a move for an arm just in case new trade candidates become available, Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes. Some executives and scouts who spoke to Sherman at the Futures Game cited such names as the Cardinals’ Carlos Martinez, and the Angels’ Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Heaney as potential hurlers that could join the market in the next week or two. We’ve already heard of the Yankees’ potential interest in Skaggs and Heaney, and Martinez’s ability and years of control (potentially through 2023 via club options on his five-year, $51MM contract) would make him the most sought-after pitcher available if the Cards did indeed shop him. Dealing a long-term piece like Martinez, however, would be an awfully bold move for a St. Louis club that would seem to still have designs on competing in 2019, and may not have yet thrown in the towel on getting back into this year’s playoff race. The Cardinals are certainly a team to closely monitor to see if a turn-around is possible under their new manager, or, if they are deadline sellers, just how big a selloff could be in the offing.
Here’s some more trade buzz in another piece from Sherman…
- The Yankees are one of the many teams who have checked in with the Padres about Tyson Ross, Brad Hand, and Kirby Yates. New York was already been linked to Hand in rumors, and it makes sense that the team would also inquire about another talented reliever in Yates, who would come at a lower asking price. Ross has posted solid numbers (4.32 ERA, 8.06 K/9, 2.26 K/BB rate over 108 1/3 IP) as he finally looks to be recovered from the shoulder issues and eventual thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that limited him to only 54 1/3 innings in 2016-17. Since Ross is only signed to a minor league deal, his modest salary makes him attractive to all suitors, particularly to a Yankees club that is trying to bolster its rotation without passing the luxury tax threshold.
- Reports from earlier today listed the Giants and Phillies as two of the teams interested in Mets closer Jeurys Familia, and Sherman adds the Red Sox to that list. Boston is known to be looking for a significant bullpen addition, so it isn’t any surprise that the Sox have checked in on Familia as they explore the relief market. As Sherman notes, the Red Sox and Mets combined on a notable bullpen trade at last year’s deadline when Addison Reed was sent to Boston.
- With the Twins open to talking about pretty much any veteran on their roster, Sherman adds Kyle Gibson to the list of potential trade chips. Gibson, the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 draft, seemingly enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 before scuffling the next two years, though he has rebounded for what looks like the best season of his six-year career. The right-hander has a 3.42 ERA, 8.9 K/9, 46.5% grounder rate, and 2.48 K/BB rate through 115 2/3 IP this season. Gibson could garner one of the largest returns of any Twins player in a deal, as he is controlled through the 2019 season via his final year of arbitration.
fasbal1
Trade Martinez and get a haul…all playoff teams would be interested
philbosanquet
Of course every playoff team would be interested. The problem being that there’s only maybe two clubs that have the prospects to match up. The offer would have to be insane to get Mo to do something this big.
c1234
Cardinals aren’t falling for stupid trades that the Yankees make. Martinez isn’t going to Yankees end of discussion.
ctguy
Yankees aren’t going to over pay for Martinez. There are plenty of other options end of discussion.
dave1775
Whaaaaaa Yankee hater alert
c1234
Who doesn’t hate the Yankees besides Yankees fans let’s be honest
michael serra
end of discussion? wow. get over yourself. you know absolutely nothing…other than you hate the most successful franchise in the world.
michael serra
well since they’re the most recognized and successful franchise in the world…. I’d say the rest of the world disagrees with your assessment
driftcat28 2
lol sheesh no one above mentioned the yankees. simmer down
thecoffinnail
C1234: And you know this for sure? Martinez is the type of pitcher the Yankees are looking for. His walk rate is up this year but on the other hand he has been excellent at keeping the ball in the park. He has some playoff experience and comes from a team that has done a great job developing pitchers. I wish he was a lefty but I think he would fit in behind Severino nicely. He is the pitcher I think Yankee fans would be comfortable giving up Andujar, Sheffield and more for.
So, I think your statement that “Martinez isn’t going to Yankees end of discussion.” is probably a bit precarious because the Yankees definitely have the prospects to make a trade happen. Martinez is young enough and has a solid track record that would absolutely appeal to Cashman. If Martinez is made available there would be a good chance that you will have to eat your words.
c1234
Martinez isn’t moving keep dreaming Yankees lovers
sam 17
Let’s not be honest.
How could anyone not be a Yankee fan? (Hence the need for alerts)
c1234
Cardinals love Martinez and Martinez loves the Cardinals. The Cardinals are contending this year and not selling. Moving Martinez anywhere makes no sense.
c1234
Michael Serra calm down you acted like I insulted you. Grow up I’m here to talk baseball. Not argue baseball.
c1234
Dude. I have respect for yankees. They are they best franchise in all of sports. They have one of the top fan base. But Martinez is a Cardinal player I just don’t see him going anywhere. It makes no sense and Cardinals fan base would go Insane. I just don’t get the Martinez rumers.
MWeller77
“[Yankees are] the most recognized and successful franchise in the world”
Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona would like a word
Fuck Me Bitch
You’re stuttering, Michael.
c1234
Ew, soccer nobody cares.
jleve618
Do you start to literally cry if people negatively talk anout the yankees too much?
jdgoat
Except for, you know, everybody. Soccers only the most popular sport in the world
mikeyank55
Coming from a Yankee Hater we understand that when you become honest it will be the first time that you’ve overcome jealousy, Mr. Met
mikeyank55
And Michael leading the MLB in visiting attendance. The day that 1234 becomes honest will be the first day that he has dealt properly with his resentment. Maybe it’s because his mother makes him wear a Mr. Met costume around the house.
Rob B
Accept Beantown … most of Queens … the Brooklyn Bum holdouts and a shone lot of everyone else. Screw the Yanks respect where respect is do but screw the yanks. They look good this year, but they have not had a lot of “success” as of late. Even the success they had at the turn of the century was more so with the bank book than on the baseball field.
Perksy
Why because they have a big payroll? And do not pocket money like the other owners. Dodgers are the ones with the $230m pay roll.
c1234
No soccer news on this website for a reason
FordamFlash
I think that the Yankees would like to deal some second tier minor league players just to get space next year on the 40 man roster meaning they could rentals at starting pitcher and lefty specialist.
Besides a pitcher, they need another catcher that has at least one option left. .If the Yankees did just that then the teams that are the best fits are Detroit, Pittsburgh, and LA Angels. However maybe Arizona could be used as Team 2 in a three team deal with Tampa Bay. Dark horse teams would be Texas( they want top ten type ) and Washington ( they still think there in but they have two teams in the division in front of them and six overall for the wild card) . I still am high on Gio Gonzales from the latter, while the former has some upgrade better lefties in their bullpen ( Yankee’s Shrieve is eh) Also what about the GIANT
mikeyank55
Hey Rob-Mutt and Jeff have given you thumbs up.
Secondly as long as the franchise plays by the rules then there can be no second guessing. However if the owner is to cheap to fully support the team and its fans, then the owner deserves less ticket revenue and viewership on cable.
Where are your seats at Chitifield?
jbigz12
There isn’t plenty of other options if Martinez is available he’s clearly the cream of the crop. J.A. Happ is the best guy actually available at the moment
jjburke2017
Never trade Martinez because he has a five year contract with the redsoxs
tomabsolon
The Cards need to figure out how to improve defensively as a whole and that power bat they need and have lacked for years now Mr. Mozeliak can’t run and hide from anymore. …..Mo made this mess now it’s time to clean it up. I would have to think that the DeWitt family is looking at him now that Matheny & Company have been let go. If you have to trade the Martinez Brothers( jokingly not Brothers) and a few other resources then it must be done. The Cards need a power bat in the worst way and you need bullpen help just for starters, way more but that’s where it begins. This will be a long process and more than 2 and a half months isn’t long enough.
xabial
The Yankees do not have as much interest in Tyson Ross as they do other trade targets like Happ and Michael Fulmer, reports Lindsey Alder of the Athletic (subs. req’d) June 30.
theathletic.com/414118/2018/06/29/brian-cashman-wa…
Hat tip to River Ave Blues (riveraveblues.com/2018/07/trade-deadline-notes-har…)
Don’t trust Sherman for Yankees’ coverage. I feel Sherman is a Red Sox fan in sheep’s clothing.
thegreatcerealfamine
X , Joel Sherman is a walking talking Mets head case.
Old User Name
If Sherman said it, you can count on it being wrong. How does he have a job?
dave1775
Exactly
mikeyank55
Please don’t criticize mutt and Jeff’s friend.
philbosanquet
Cards trading Martinez? Let me guess, predicted to go to the Cubs straight up for Kyle Schwarber.
Kayrall
No.
Ken watts
No way cubs trade Schwarber to cardinals.
philbosanquet
Now that’s funny
andrewgauldin
If the Angels trade Heaney and Skaggs, they should trade Trout too. Even if they kept Heaney and Skaggs I don’t believe they have a chance next season. But if they go, while hold on to Trout other than getting fans to come out to the park?
hk27
Yeah, the rumors about Heaney and Skaggs make no sense–unless the Angels tear down and completely rebuild. They are both under team control for 2-3 years. Angels are, at least publicly, committed to contending over the Trout window of which only 2 more years beyond this season are left, and Heaney and Skaggs would be critical components of that effort–if there is such an effort. If they are to trade away good players at the major league level who are under control for a while, Trout and Simmons would be worth a lot of prospects, too.
jorge78
Who’s left to pitch if they trade those 2?
hk27
If they are dealt–and that’s a huge if–any random schmuck would be my guess. The only reason Angels would trade Heaney and Skaggs is that they gave up, and if so, it wouldn’t matter what happens then.
Gleyborday
Ohtani maybe he can sell hotdogs too??
andrewgauldin
Exactly man. Well said. I’m an Angel fan, and I love Trout, but this is just sad what is going on. I think a full rebuild is necessary until Pujols is gone
Gleyborday
They have a handful of players eating up huge percentage of money contrable players are only option
GeoKaplan
Apparently this reminder needs to be repeated periodically: There is no possible equitable return of talent for a player who is on his current path of single-season excellence. No team can sacrifice all of its top minors talent plus several key players to balance out such a trade.
Consider what the White Sox got in return for Sale, and then realize that would be inadequate for Trout. No team would empty itself of current and future talent to acquire one player for two years. Certainly Eppler isn’t going to entertain that thought unless the offer is ridiculously overwhelming. And such an offer wouldn’t happen.
andrewgauldin
Thanks for the reminder, though highly unnecessary
jbigz12
You don’t think the Yankees would trade their ten best prospects for Trout? Hypothetically that would be the best return the halos could receive. If you added Trout to the Yankees I’m confident you have 2 WS titles locked up at minimum. They could certainly pay the man after his contract was up too.
koz16
I could see Trout approaching management this off season and discussing the possibility of being traded. He’s been more vocal in the past year about his desire to play for a contending team. The Angels – and Trout – had high hopes this season but that window has closed.
But assuming the Angels are willing to discuss a possible trade there aren’t many teams with a lot of prospects AND the ability to take on Trout’s $34M per year. Now if I was Brian Cashman and looking to land Heaney or Skaggs (great fit if Angels are willing) I’d also inquire about Trout. It would cost Frazier, Sheffield, Hicks plus AT LEAST a handful of the Yankees other top prospects not named Torres. I sincerely doubt a blockbuster like that would ever get done, but it’s interesting to imagine it.
cmancoley
Just the fact that you said “not named Torres” shows that your whole comment is nonsense
koz16
Seriously? Cashman has already stated that Torres is untouchable. Whether it’s Trout or any other player, the Yankees have enough depth to put together a deal without including Torres. It doesn’t mean the other GM will bite, but it’s also ridiculous to state that the Yankees must give up Torres to obtain any player of consequence.
Go Angels
If Torres is untouchable, then I guess you won’t be seeing Trout in a Yankees uniform.
MC77
Trout is a bit above “any player of consequence”…..Say, I wouldn’t give up Gleyber Torres in a deal for MIKE TROUT, out loud. After you have heard yourself say it, admit how stupid it sounds.
kleppy12
You literally trade any non-pitcher for Mike Trout, any of them, it just depends on how many you should trade away. If a GM doesn’t make a trade to get Mike Trout just because he doesn’t want to trade player X then he should be fired on the spot because Mike Trout is better and he’s still young, there is zero justification for not trading away a certain player for Trout. You would trade just about any pitcher away too but there are at least a few that might be viewed as untouchable.
lazorko
So let me see if I got this right…
Torres is untouchable.
Trout is not.
Am I reading that right?
RedRooster
If you are trying to trade for Trout you do not have the right to deem any player untouchable
koz16
That’s a clown statement, bro.
Bruin1012
Actually no it’s not Trout is the best player in baseball and if he were made available then no player would be truly off limits and would have to be on the table.
thecoffinnail
Could you imagine the OF next year if the Yankees were to trade the farm for Trout? Stanton, Trout and Judge would probably be the most terrifying OF lineup, for pitchers, of all time.. I doubt Trout would ever be traded though. He is a draw himself and sells a ton of tickets. Plus, the MLB and prospect cost would decimate any team. What would a trade to a team like the Yankees even look like? Torres, Andujar, Sheffield, Florial, Medina and Abreu still seems light. Torres, Andujar, Severino and Sheffield might get it done. But that would absolutely wreck the Yankees and they would have to sign Machado and hope the rest of their farm is enough for someone like DeGrom just to fill the void of what was lost. (Sorry about choosing the Yankees but I know more about their young players than any other team.)
The Padres are the only team that I can think of that could conceivable trade for Trout and still have enough left to put together a contending team. The Angels should try to extend Trout and then go on a rebuild similar to what the Yankees did. They have a few valuable pieces that would get a nice return. (Imagine what they could get for Ohtani alone.) There is no need for them to tank and rebuild through the draft like the Cubs and Astros did. By trading Heaney, Skaggs, Parker, Ohtani and Bedrosian they could get several MLB or near MLB ready prospects to put around Trout and Upton then be ready to contend again in 2020.
xabial
Cardinals’ fans…
Would you take prospect haul White Sox got for Quintana?
Control through 2023 via club options on five year, $51MM. That’s amazing Lol
John Mozeliak’s contract runs through 2020. Maybe… That Prospective prospect haul could save his job in the long run.
philbosanquet
Jose had 3 1/2 years of control, well Martinez has almost twice that. Add that Carlos is a better pitcher, you could argue that the price would need almost twice the package that the cubs offered to net Jose. Now, who realistically is willing to do that?
JKB 2
You could not argue for twice the prospect hall with a straight face
philbosanquet
Please do explain why…
bravesandcrewfan
Twice the hall is virtually impossible, that’s why. Twice the haul is Vlad Jr from the Jays, which would 100% not be happening even if the Jays were contending.
philbosanquet
Which is why I would bet money that he’s not going to be shopped this year.
papa fraunch
As a Cardinals fan, I’m open to trading Martinez only if we got a MASSIVE return. Unfortunately, I don think teams would be willing to make Chris Sale type offer in return. I’d want something like Torres, Sheffield, and another decent piece in return from the Yankees. However, that’s not happening realistically.
thecoffinnail
Torres isn’t happening but Andujar is a very good possibility.. Would Andujar, Sheffield, Abreu and Carroll be enough for you? That’s a solid rookie 3rd baseman, 2 near MLB TOR type prospects and a very good back end reliever prospect (that breaks 100mph).. All MLB ready except for Abreu who just needs a little more development (currently in AA).. You could exchange Abreu for Florial but, personally, I think Abreu is the better prospect or exchange Sheffield for Frazier.
jorge78
How is a 4.32 ERA in San Diego solid?
gleybertorres25
It’s solid if you’re getting him to be your 4th or 5th starter
gleybertorres25
It is solid if you’re acquiring him to be your 4th or 5th starter
puigpower
He’s one of those guys that had one or two really bad starts. The rest of his work is pretty darn awesome.
thecoffinnail
Unfortunately, his 2 bad starts are his most recent.
Padres r knocking on the door
Actually his most recent start was pretty good: didn’t give up his first hit until the 6th,and 1st run until the 7th. He finished with 2 ER’s on 3 hits through 6.1 innings, but had 0 runs of support against the Dodgers.
Christian Hoffman
For example, Carlos to the Yankees would cost:
Justus Sheffield
Clint Frazier OR Estevan Florial
Miguel Andujar OR Didi Gregorius
gleybertorres25
Sheffield, Frazier, Abreu, Acevedo, Estrada
thecoffinnail
Andujar would have to be included for Martinez. Frazier is the better player but Andujar has more value right now.
jeremyr
The Cardinals already have an Andujar, his name is Jed Gyorko
Trading Marintez for a bunch of average players doesn’t make sense, because the Cardinals have a pile of average players already.
Cuso
The Andujar or DIDi line doesn’t make sense. Those two aren’t interchangeable. Their values are very different.
Kane U.
Cards trading Martinez. What moron predicts that outcome. That would be disastrous to the Cardinals. I don’t care what the return is.
c1234
I agree cardinals are still somewhat contending and they never sell. Just yankee media making up crap I promise you.
michael serra
seriously. you are dangerously delusional if you think that your “end of discussion” and “I promise you” hold any weight outside of your own brain. legend in your own mind.
bustyposerrex
CMart is way overrated. Twice the package of Quintana? Ha
stan lee the manly
Who in their right mind actually thinks the Cards will trade Carlos Martinez? This is extremely laughable. His prime years are still coming and he has loads of control and he was putting up CY caliber numbers before he got hurt. In a day and age when youth is everything, there isn’t a single team that would come close to matching what he is worth.
troll
trade martinez. he’s a head, and hair case. package with him, the other martinez, carpenter, wainwright, and greg garcia
frankthetank1985
What would a reasonable price take be for familia from the giants or Red Sox? Any chance for a top 5 prospect?
jamesalba32
Top 5, no. Top 10, possibly. I would rather see the Mets package Familia and Cabrera together for a significant prospect. Trading them individually will not bring in an impactful return
jd396
The way the trade market seems to flow these days… Buyers set the price and sellers decide if they want that, or nothing. Good luck getting anything of significant value out of the Yankees or Bosox.
thecoffinnail
The Yankees have several valuable pieces that could be in a return. They are facing a serious 40 man crunch this year with players that have more talent than you usually see in a 40 man crunch. They are jammed in the OF and have a wealth of RH pitching prospects. They are going to be very active in trading until rosters get finalized in late November.
Sheffield, Rogers, Adams, Garcia, Carroll, Park, Tate, Reeves and Holder are all players that need to be traded, added to the 40 man or will more than likely be drafted. Those are just the players I am familiar with. Now go look at the Yankees current 40 man. They will be able to free up 4-5 spots at the most, without making trades. To say teams have no chance to get talent from the Yankees just shows how little you actually research before making foolish statements..
thecoffinnail
Over half of the players I mentioned above will be MLB ready next season anyway. So, if they are claimed in the rule 5 draft it is more than likely they will not get returned and the Yankees will lose them for $50k each.
Gleyborday
Garcia should stay a corner infielder with power until bird proves he can stay healthy and andujar proves his defense or we sign Manny…I’d still find somewhere for andy bat 1b,lf,dh…I don’t see why they don’t give Rogers a shot isn’t he a lefty??
srmocardsfan
As a Cardinals fan I most definitely can see them moving Carlos Martinez for the right deal. He has allot of talent but it’s very hard to harness it with his carefree attitude. He can show signs of being an ace one game the next you wonder how he even made the team. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if they got a hefty return.
CompanyAssassin
Trading Carlos Martinez may be the single most stupid thing the Cardinals can do. You can’t vouch on the fact that Reyes will always be spectacular, so far he’s been made of glass. Flaherty is good, can’t do it alone. They don’t have enough REALLY good pitching prospects to compensate for the loss of Martinez, nor do i think it’s smart to anticipate you’d get a Martinez repeat in return.
FordamFlash
OK let us step up a magic number. For Brian Cashman and the Yankee’s it is 8. That is the number of teams that will deal with the Yankees. Also, 8 is the number of second tier minor leaguers that the Yankees will deal to get # 2-3 type starting pitcher, a lefthand bullpen pitcher and another catcher with or without options. Going back to the teams the Yankees will trade and/or take on some salary are Detroit, Arizona, Texas, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Kansas City,Washington and LA Angels. Tampa Bay could be one but they must partner with one of the eight(such as Detroit or Arizona) to get a deal done. I am still high on Gio Gonzales and Fulmer along with Detroit’s backup catcher. Any lefty from one of the 8 would be a small upgrade of Shrieve in the Yankee’s bullpen.
jeremyr
The thing is, the Cardinals have a fair amount of depth in their minors. What they don’t have is quality.
Trading Martinez would just bring more numbers to a system that can’t play all the players it has