The Trade Deadline is fast approaching — five days to go and counting.
What the Padres want for Miller
The chances of a Miller trade are looking more unlikely by the day. After falling to 50-53 on July 23, the Padres have won five straight games and currently sit just 1 1/2 games out in the race for the third National League Wild Card spot.
Of course, a Miller trade can’t be fully ruled out when general manager A.J. Preller is involved, but it’s going to take an exorbitant offer to pique San Diego’s interest after the club gave up top prospect Leo De Vries and three other players to acquire Miller and lefty JP Sears last summer. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Preller has been telling teams that no one in their organization can be off limits if they want to trade for Miller.
What’s the latest on Skubal’s market?
The Athletic reported Tuesday that multiple teams — including the Dodgers, Yankees, Rays, Brewers and Braves — were planning to start calling Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris about Skubal on the heels of a three-game losing streak that dropped Detroit to 50-57. The Phillies could be a fit as well — MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reports that Philadelphia scouted Skubal’s last start.
However, Skubal’s trade status is very much still up in the air as the left-hander prepares to make what could be his final start with the Tigers on Wednesday. A 14-0 win over the Orioles on Tuesday night put the Tigers back within 3 1/2 games of an American League Wild Card spot.
Marlins’ plans for Trade Deadline
The Marlins’ recent 12-game losing streak sparked renewed speculation about the club’s Trade Deadline plans, especially with regards to Alcantara, who has one year left on his contract — a $21 million club option ($2 million buyout) for 2027.
However, that doesn’t mean Miami isn’t open to dealing other players on its roster. Per The Athletic, the Marlins are willing to listen to potential offers for infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, catcher/DH Liam Hicks and outfielder Heriberto Hernández, perhaps sensing an opportunity to sell high on several controllable pieces having strong seasons.
Orioles have had conversations about trading core pieces
The Orioles are another interesting bubble team to watch as the Trade Deadline approaches. The O’s 14-0 loss at the hands of the Tigers on Tuesday dropped them to 52-56, but they are still only 2 1/2 games out in the race for the third AL Wild Card spot.
If they surge over the next few days, they very well could end up buying. Or, they could sell, and if they do, pending free agents Taylor Ward and Trevor Rogers might not be the only players on the move. Passan reports that they’ve had trade conversations about multiple controllable players, including catcher Adley Rutschman, infielder Jackson Holliday and outfielder Colton Cowser.
The Twins are buyers; what does that mean for catching market?
Many contenders need catching help, but the trade options keep dwindling. The Rockies are unlikely to deal Hunter Goodman. The Athletics’ Shea Langeliers is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing his meniscus. Rutschman is currently sidelined with left wrist inflammation. And now, Jeffers may be off the market as well.
Jeffers has received significant trade interest in recent weeks, but Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said Tuesday that Minnesota views itself as a buyer. Barring a dramatic shift over the next few days, Jeffers and starter Joe Ryan — another popular Minnesota trade candidate — are likely staying put.
So where does that leave teams looking for a catcher? Feinsand breaks down the market here.
Which teams scouted Holmes’ rehab start?
Clay Holmes could be one of the Mets’ more popular trade candidates before the Deadline. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the Majors since May 15 due to a fractured right fibula, but he’s closing in on a return after making his second rehab start on Tuesday for Single-A St. Lucie.
The Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Rangers, Dodgers and D-backs were among the teams with scouts in attendance at Holmes’ latest outing, according to The Athletic.
Rays interested in Neto, Peralta
Only two teams have had worse-hitting shortstops than the Rays (71 wRC+) this season.
Brewers eyeing Peralta reunion?
The Brewers are another team showing interest in Peralta — Passan reports that they’ve had trade talks with the Mets about the right-hander, a little over six months after they traded him to New York with Tobias Myers for highly touted prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat.
The Brewers know Peralta better than anyone, so perhaps they feel they can help him return to form. The trade return will surely be much lighter this time around, with the righty just months away from free agency and carrying a 4.99 ERA this season.
