With the trade deadline officially in the rear view mirror, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day:
1. Aftermath of the Deadline:
Almost every team in baseball had the day off yesterday, and as teams return to play they’ll need to reshape their rosters in a significant way. The Twins currently have just 18 players on their 26-man roster and will need to fill the rest of it out before their game against the Guardians this evening. The Diamondbacks had right-hander Merrill Kelly as today’s probable starter, but he’ll be wearing a Rangers uniform for the rest of the year after yesterday’s trade. That leaves Arizona to turn to someone else to take the ball, perhaps veteran swingman Anthony DeSclafani or a youngster on the 40-man like Yilber Diaz.
While today will likely be a fairly morose day for fans of selling teams, it should be an exciting one for buyers. Perhaps Kelly will be on the mound for the Rangers tonight instead of Jack Leiter in tonight’s game against the Mariners. Fans in San Diego might get the chance to see newly-minted closer Mason Miller’s first save opportunity as a Padre. And while the game will be taking place at Fenway Park in Boston, Astros fans will surely be tuning in eagerly to see Carlos Correa’s first game in their uniform since the club fell to the Braves in Game 6 of the 2021 World Series.
2. Chourio to the injured list?
The Brewers had a fairly quiet deadline, all things considered. They scooped up catcher Danny Jansen and took on some dead money in the form of Jordan Montgomery’s contract in order to acquire injured closer Shelby Miller from the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, they shipped out Nestor Cortes Jr. to the Padres in a deal that netted them outfielder Brandon Lockridge after it became clear they had no room for Cortes in their rotation.
Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Lockridge will be joining the club in D.C. for its series against the Nationals, however, and that may be due to an injured list placement for outfielder Jackson Chourio. The youngster suffered a right hamstring injury during the team’s series against the Cubs earlier this week, and Hogg notes that GM Matt Arnold acknowledged yesterday that Chourio may be out for “a little longer than we anticipated.” An injured list stint for Chourio has not yet been directly confirmed, however, and it’s unclear just what sort of time table for a return to action he might have at this point.
3. Aranda to the injured list?
The Rays did their usual mix of buying and selling at the deadline this year as they parted ways with Jansen while adding closer Griffin Jax in a deal with the Twins that cost them right-hander Taj Bradley. They also swapped out Zack Littell as they re-calibrated their catching crops to bring in Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes, not to mention sending out infielder Jose Caballero in a deal that netted them former top outfield prospect Everson Pereira. All of that leaves them more or less in a decent position to push for a Wild Card spot in the American League this year, but that pursuit could be complicated by a worrying injury.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, manager Kevin Cash told reporters that infielder Jonathan Aranda “will miss some time” after yesterday’s collision with Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton at first base. The club is waiting for their doctors to make a final diagnosis before announcing a decision on Aranda’s status or a timeline for his return, but it certainly sounds like Aranda could be headed to the injured list. The infielder has hit a sensational .316/.394/.478 in 103 games this year and would be a massive loss for the Rays’ lineup.
Brewers have only 18 left on the 26 man roster. Wow, that is a very busy deadline day of active players traded.
Twins, not Brewers
Trot – And Vazquez is the highest paid player on the Twins, more than double the next-highest salary.
Gotta love it.
Highest paid player on the active roster. Pablo Lopez & Byron Buxton make a lot more than Vazquez they’re just both on IL
When isn’t Byron Buxton on the IL?
Now the Twins will start picking up the players contending teams DFA.
The circle of life…
Twins, and it’s 16. They traded away 10.
Obviously they are selling the team and are lessening the obligation on contracts.
They could just run out there with 16. Save more moolah, why spring for callups from Elmira or Albuquerque or whermever. Only need 9 to play. Maybe 11 if someone needs to go potty
Funny how Correa’s last game with the Twins and first game back with the Astros are both against the Red Sox!
Maybe Bregman will join him in Houston after the season?
Fever,
Bregman might not opt out, and Breslow seems to be in love with him.
Red Sox were a little quiet this deadline.
Acoss – Unless the Sox give him a new $200M contract, he will follow the money by opting out unless he misses a lot of time between now and the end of the season.
Cora is his BFF, Breslow not so much.
That reminds me of the guy who had “Laundry” on the back of his jersey.
He performed so well while on the IL.
Quiet except for the rustling in Breslows quarters. If the vans a knocking. Don’t come a rocking
FPG
Lets hope not. Who will replace his offense, defense,as well as leadership on the team??.
cdc – Suarez at 3B, Mayer at 2B, Story at SS.
Duran and Story are the team leaders.
FPG
Banking on 2 injury prone players in Story ( .291 obp) and Mayer ( yet to establish himself as a hitter) . And you want Suarez who will be 35 next year instead of Bregman ?? C’mon. I know you’re not the biggest fan of Bregman but….
Fever,
Ah, he’s one of Cora’s favorites. Thank you for clarifying!
cdc – Think this through ….. which is the better move?
Keeping Story for two more years, who has been healthy and productive this season.
Or giving Bregman, who has been injured for much of the season, another 6 years guaranteed
It’s a no-brainer. LOL
So what do you propose they do with Mayer? His value right now is quite low, especially with the chatter that he may not play again this season. I think they are stuck with him, all they can do is hope he stays healthy next year.
Suarez is only 3 years older than Bregman, I’d rather have him for 3 years than Bregman for 6 more years.
Come on, I know you’re a huge fan of Bregman but do you really want the Sox to make the same mistake with him that the Twins made with Correa?
Only truly great players with a solid health history should get $200M+ contracts.
Acoss – You’re welcome, yes remember it was Cora and Bregman who orchestrated the Astros cheating scandal. They are very like-minded.
FPG
Bregman could not get a$200 million contract last off season, I don’t think it will take that much this off season coming off another injury.
3 years is a bunch of years when your talking about 36,37,38. I believe Bregman is a much better player than Story,Correa and Suarez for that matter. Don’t you ?? Suarez does have more power but not as good defensively and strikes out at an extremely high level.
cdc – Bregman turned down $172M from the Tigers, that was coming off a season in which he had the worst OPS of his career. So naturally he wants at least $28M more coming off his best season since 2019.
Do you really think he’s willing to give up tens of millions just because he likes Cora and Boston? Don’t forget who his agent is. LOL
Yes Bregman is better defensively and running than Story, Correa and Suarez. I’ll agree he’s the best all-around player of them all.
It’s Bregman’s injury history and contract demands that turn me off more than anything.
FPG
You say ‘keeping Story’s like we have a choice… no team is taking him unless you pay a massive amount of his contract or add a high ranked prospect. I know health is always an issue but Bregman should have a good 4 or 5 more years of being productive.He is only 31. We all hope Mayer can stay healthy to teach his potential.
cdc – You don’t realize how good a season Story is having, especially if he continues to play as he has the past couple months. He’s got the 8th-highest WAR of all SS in MLB since June 1st.
Let’s wait and see.
@FPG
If Bregman signs elsewhere, who would you want to replace him?
FPG
I just think , Bregman on this team,now and in the future (5 years) is about winning. Of course it’s all about adding another stud pitcher. Our present rotation ,may get us to the playoffs ,but certainly not going to win a World Series.
No on Suarez. He’s almost as bad as Devers at 3B.
What the Sox 2026 lineup should be:
Bregman at 3B, Story at SS, Mayer at 2B, Anthony at 1B and Narvaez at C.
Duran in LF, Rafaela in CF, Abreu in RF and Yoshida/Campbell at DH.
Bench: Gonzalez, Toro, Refsnyder
Gone: Casa, Hamilton, Wong
FPG
That might be a statement on the .war stat. or the shortstop position in general. He has faltered in the last couple weeks. Believe me I like Story. But that contract has been bad Low obp. and strikes out to often
Story is -2 OAA and +2 DRS. Let’s call him league average defense with a 94 OPS+ and 90 wRC+. With a $22.5M salary, he’s not a net positive for the team. The Red Sox need more than that $/production next season.
cdc – Never say never about the postseason, we know Crochet/Bello/Giolito are capable of pitching well ….. we’ve seen it at times this year. And even Buehler managed to turn it around in last year’s postseason after an awful regular season, right?
GM – Why convert a solid 21-year-old outfielder into a first baseman?
I really don’t get why some people here want Roman and/or Marcelo playing first base.
First base is for guys who can’t play other positions, it’s the easiest position on the field. That’s like taking the engine of a Maserati and putting it in a Chevy Spark.
cdc – .829 OPS over his past 7 games! Sure he’s streaky, but what he’s done the past couple months is undeniable.
Bregman in 6 years or Suarez in 3 years are the same.age by the end.
Who is more likely to see a drop-off in production for more of their years under contract, and, who has a stronger baseline of current hitting/defense/baserunning each category respectively.
With the kids, the red Sox have the money for bregman. And, he seems to honestly be a good influence on our youth, a good mentor, and a good teacher. Not to mention a solid clubhouse guy.
I hate 2017 as much as anyone, and, forever taint those connected. But Cora’s not going anywhere anyways, and, he was the ringleader along with the NYY connection in establishing that whole scheme.
Ignore how bregman went down, and, the perceived wrongs to devers you see in the whole process fever. I’d try offering bregman an extension, give him.a guaranteed year and a vesting option or two at that premium. It’s no coincidence that he wanted 5/200 and he got offered 40m (even if deferrals drop it to around 30m per)
Fever – this may be a last gasp career year for story for all we know. Wouldn’t be the first time.
First base is not the easiest position, but it is a good position for players who can’t play anywhere else. It’s still very specialized and generally under appreciated. Where else was Lou Gehrig going to play?
styme – Besides Suarez?
GaSox – You could be right, can’t predict injuries.
“Stuck” w/ mayer ?
I believe all 29 other teams would be happy to be stuck with the ‘washed out’ young guy
Come on
Trevor story’s no lock to remain healthy / productive by the way, and his production ain’t so league shattering
FPG
Wow. Did not expect that out of Criswell. I did get to watch the game ,my roommate purchased Apple TV. Lax Diaz was behind the plate and had a very generous strike zone to say the least. To his credit ,all the pitchers benefitted. None of the 3 errors the Sox committed hurt them. Story’s short throw should have been scooped by Toro. Narvaez picked off Altuve at 1st . Not sure what he was thinking. Nice win.
GaSox – Sorry but Bregman hasn’t come close to having a year like this since the 2019 juiced ball season.
My reluctance to give him a $200M contract has nothing to do with Raffy. We all know the Sox were gonna get a new 3B this year, with our without Bregman. In fact I’m glad it was Bregman, because otherwise it would have been Arenado who has sucked this season and would have likely cost the Sox much more in dollars and prospects.
Again, I’d absolutely offer Bregman a 3-year contract at around $30M NPV and might even consider 4 years tops. But I absolutely don’t want to go down the same road the Twins went with Correa and the Cards went with Arenado.
Mark – You took my comment out of context. Look back and you’ll see that was in response to someone who wanted Mayer gone in favor of Bregman.
I’ve been a big supporter of Mayer and continue to be. But facts are facts, until he proves he can stay healthy his value will continue to be low so it makes no sense trading him … hence the “stuck”.
I never said Mayer was washed up, I specifically said I want to give him another chance next year to play a full season.
Regardless of what happens with Bregman, it’s not a Story vs Mayer situation like you described …. the Sox need them both next year.
cdc – In all seriousness, every time Criswell takes the mound I believe he’s capable of a solid performance. Remember the 4 perfect innings on 72 pitches last year, when Cora then replaced him with Rich Hill? Criswell did quite well as a starter last year, I have no qualms with using him again as a spot starter.
I didn’t watch the game, I listened to most of it ….. definitely it was a solid win. I feel like whenever the Sox are tied or leading in the 7th inning or later, they will win as long as Whitlock/Wilson/Chapman are available. Great bullpens are extremely valuable, and the Sox have one of the best.
And Roman Anthony, the guy is absolutely amazing. I was confident he’d get the walkoff hit. Seems like nearly every PA he’s ahead in the count, such incredible command of the strike zone.
And with the Yanks, Jays and Rays all losing it was a truly great night!
FPG
Your confidence in Criswell was certainly above mine . Great performance by him. Best of his career. TJ for Houck not surprising. Need to keep the good home vibes going with Buehler.
Thoroughly enjoyed the way the Yankees pickups performed last night. WOW.
Astros-BoSox is one of the two Friday-night games this week on Apple TV+. Worth signing up for if Apple offers a free trial.
Chuck – I’ve thought about it, do they offer free trials for every email address? ;O)
I signed up for a free one week trial both through the Apple TV+ app on my Amazon Firestick account and once again on through the MLB TV app with the same email address. I have my teams package on MLB TV which is great when you’re out of market but not so much of you’re in market. I got confirmation emails to the same account from Apple and cancelled the free trial upon receiving the email.
What is Aranda’s injury? I didn’t see the play at 1B
Throw to 1st ended up in the running lane at the same time as Stanton. Aranda went for it, and his wrist paid the price….
Left wrist got bent attempting to tag Stanton coming down the line. Not pretty.
Stanton is a large human being so, even more so the pain of running into him.
Thanks, guys!
Tell us more about Aranda.
143 OPS+ bat seemingly came out of nowhere.
Was watching him against the Yankees, dude can hit. Rays really did unlock the guy. If he keeps this level of production, he’s going to be a coveted free agent.
He’s always hit in the minors, sometimes with the big club. He was handed the 1b job in ST and he relaxed his approach and grabbed it.
Crochet remains only SP over last 2.5 years that got anyone to part with upper tier prospects since he was on dirt cheap salary besides dominant stuff.
Clubs evidently weren’t willing to do equal or better for the control on Gore/Ryan. Teams will gladly pay mediocre SPs (even w/ high injury concerns) 15-20mil AAV on short 1 or 2yr FA deals-but high end prospects for more affordable TOR types forget about it apparently unless it’s an extreme like Skenes Pirates hopefully won’t resort to doing at deadline next year.
Amazing how the price of relievers has soared. Go back a generation, these guys used to be throw-ins except for the absolute top tier.
The price of everything has soared, and the game has changed a lot.
SPs went 7-8 innings. A team need three good relievers to get by. Now relievers are much more involved in the game, and much more needed.
In 2014, MLB rotations threw between 905 and 1023 IP.
Last year, only two rotations managed 905 IP. The spread was 753 to 943 IP.
The bigger the demand,the higher the price.
Go back a generation and starters pitched 200+ innings. Less need for middle relievers of quality. If you needed a middle reliever, it meant the starter got shelled. All you needed was three good arms to cover the 8th and 9th, but only if the starter didn’t complete the game.
Now that they count pitches, there are so many fewer injuries. /s
Styme- don’t forget pitching vs throwing.
Even crochet is on record as wanting to be a thrower, not a pitcher, and he likes to rear back and let er rip rather than try to hit his spots.
Brewers just needed to trade Hader and Williams to reset the high trade value. Crew sold low on both.
The fallout is that the Pirates have a hopelessly incompetent front office, anchored by a hopelessly profit obsessed owner
Largely received A level players in their dealings.
Maybe next year, they’ll start looking at Legion players, too
I expect Pham to slump now – He was hitting out of his mind trying to land on a contender. No interest by anyone on IKF either?
Deadline recap from the iPad:
-Best deadline in a decade. I said it would be a snooze fest because Devers had already been traded, Suarez was hurt, Clase was suspended, and Judge was hurt. That is the most wrong I have ever been on this website.
-AJ Preller made deals like he had cancer or something. Too soon? Anyway, prospects are bulls*** and the idea of someone helping you win games in 2032 should never be more valuable than winning games right now. When fans say “Do something,” this is what we mean.
-It is hilarious that Breslow caught a stray from vague Joe Ryan rumors reiterated how awful of a job he has done. The Twins probably asked for Joncoxtynn Garcia, Casas, Peyton Tolle, and Franklin Arias, and after looking at that, if that’s all the Twins wanted, then Breslow needs to be slapped in the face for not saying yes.
-Jim Crane must be Breslow’s dealer. Correa isn’t worth the checks you’re going to have to sign for the rest of his contract.
Good job everyone except Craig Breslow, Mike Elias, AA, and the Twins guy in that order.
Let’s do it again next year.
There was a handful of clear sellers and outside of the Orioles and Twins most of them didn’t sell to the degree they probably could have. Bullpen arms were the most sought after commodity this deadline with starting pitching and bats pushed to the back burner. Could certain teams have done more on either side? Maybe but aside from Preller trading De Vries no big name prospects were dealt.
Preller definitely won the deadline addressing multiple needs and making an already good Bullpen elite. However, winning the trade deadline is as pointless as winning the off-season so now it’s just seeing how it all plays out
I’m pretty sure the twinkies asked more than Garcia, Casas (who may be done), tolle, and arias for Ryan if that’s who you’re thinking of.
More realistically they were asking for Anthony/duran, garcia, arias, tolle, and probably 1 one more arm on top, maybe dobbins.
Trade either of Duran or Abreu (preferably Duran) on your list and there’s no reason for Breslow not to make the trade. He could probably keep Dobbins
If jim crane wants to pay you, let him. He probably is in best position to decide who’s “of value” to houston and fan base
That Montgomery / Miller trade to the Brewers is sort of interesting, one I thought the league does not look to kindly on trading known injured players., second my question is, was this just a payoff of contracts for Montgomery / Miller? MLB had to sign off on this trade from what I hear. Now can the Brewers walk this deal back, if Miller comes down with a re-injuring himself does this deal allow Milwaukee to say, they did not know Miller’s injury was more serious than they were let on by Arizona.
No, the Brewers can’t renege on the deal as they would need to review Miller’s medicals first. If the Miller gets hurt and they start yelling that they were sold damaged goods, the Brewers are going to have trouble finding future trade partners.
The Twins active roster actually sits at 17 with 9 players needing to be added (4 position, 5 pitchers).
My guess is Roden will be activated and Miranda, Julien, and Martin will be recalled on the players side. For the pitchers Bradley and Abel will likely be activated with Jose Urena, Erasmo Ramirez and maybe Adams or Gillispie being called up
Already in need of a bat suprised they didn’t add one with chourios injury
Lockridge is the new bat for now. Perkins likely for CF.
I seriously do not understand who Pirates fans thought we could realistically add in exchange for Bednar. I keep hearing reactions that essentially ask why we couldn’t find an immediate MLB-ready bat.
What MLB-ready bat went to any non-contending team? Looking through each trade, I can’t find a single one. What am I missing?
You could maybe get another Horwitz type