Kuzul

The 2016 MLB trade deadline is approaching quickly, and teams are scrambling to fill their biggest needs.

The non-waiver trade deadline is August 1 this year, pushed back a day from the usual deadline due to the fact that July 31 falls on a Sunday. 

It’s been a relatively quiet week so far, but there are still a number of big names on the market who could be on the move this weekend. Here’s a look at the latest rumors around some impact players on the block:

Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox

While the Chicago White Sox are listening to offers for their ace Chris Sale, there haven’t been any concrete rumors linking him to any teams with a serious interest. However, Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball has reported that the New York Yankees are the latest team to enter the discussions. 

Heyman notes that while the Yankees are sellers this year, having already parted with closer Aroldis Chapman, they now have the farm-system depth to pursue another blockbuster trade. 

Even if the Yankees aren’t contenders in 2016, they can reasonably pursue Sale due to the fact that he’s under contract through the 2019 season. According to Spotrac, he is set to earn $39.5 million over the next three seasons—a relatively modest sum for a legitimate ace. 

Heyman also mentions the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers among the teams with the ability to put together a package to potentially acquire Sale.

Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres

Perhaps the best indication of just how weak the trade market is for starting pitchers is this update from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: #Orioles trying hard to get Cashner. Not necessarily front-runner; #Marlins, #Rangers still in, possibly others.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2016

It’s hard to believe anyone would be “trying hard” to snag Cashner, who is 10-23 with a 4.47 ERA over the past two seasons, while calling Petco Park—one of the most pitcher-friendly stadiums—home. 

That said, it’s easy to see why a pitching-deprived team like the Orioles would be making every effort to find even a marginal upgrade. The Orioles are desperately trying to replace Ubaldo Jimenez and his 7.06 ERA and may also want an upgrade over Yovani Gallardo (5.37 ERA) and Tyler Wilson (4.98 ERA). 

Due to his modest numbers and the fact that he hits the free-agent market at the end of the season, the Padres likely aren’t asking for much in return for Cashner.

Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy remains one of the biggest bats on the trade market. 

ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported that the Cleveland Indians are interested, while Rosenthal has added that the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers are among the teams talking to Milwaukee. 

Based on the number of teams interested in Lucroy and the lack of other impact catchers on the trade market, the Brewers could be in position to drag out the discussions in an effort to squeeze a blockbuster offer out of one of the interested franchises. 

Further increasing Lucroy’s value is the fact that he’s under contract for the 2017 season for just $5.25 million.

Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks

According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, the Arizona Diamondbacks are on the verge of dealing reliever Daniel Hudson. 

Hudson was lights out early this season, posting a 1.55 ERA with a .130 opponents batting average through his first 30 games, according to Baseball-reference.com. In recent weeks, however, Hudson has fallen flat. 

Over the course of his past 12 outings, according to the same source, Hudson has surrendered 25 runs in just eight innings of work. 

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that three teams have “heavy interest” in Hudson, but he did not name the teams. 

The Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals are among the teams who have been linked to other relievers and may have an interest in Hudson as a cheaper option to some of the other names on the market. 

Due to his struggles and his expiring contract, Hudson should come with a relatively cheap price tag.

Contract and salary information courtesy of Spotrac, unless otherwise noted. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The MLB trade market is heating up as the deadline is now less than a week away.

Contenders are scrambling to address their biggest needs before the August 1 deadline, and talks surrounding some of the biggest names are intensifying. 

Here’s a rundown of the latest rumors surrounding some of the biggest names on the market.

Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy remains one of the biggest bats on the trade market, and it appears as though a trade may be imminent.

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provided the latest update on Thursday afternoon:

Will this be Jonathan Lucroy’s last day with #Brewers? I hear talks ratcheted up with more than one team in last 24 hours. One call away.

— Tom (@Haudricourt) July 28, 2016

ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick recently reported that the Cleveland Indians, seeking a replacement for the injured Yan Gomes, are believed to be a front-runner for Lucroy. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal also reported on Thursday that the Detroit Tigers are in the mix. 

Lucroy is coming off his second All-Star selection in the last three seasons and has been flirting with a .300 batting average throughout the season. 

In addition to his immediate value, the asking price for Lucroy is increased due to his team-friendly contract. The 30-year-old is under contract for the 2017 season at just $5.25 million. 

David Robertson, White Sox

With Aroldis Chapman already shipped out of New York, the biggest impact reliever on the market may now be Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson. 

According to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, executives from other teams have speculated the White Sox are motivated to move Robertson because of his contract. 

The 31-year-old Robertson is under contract through 2018 and will earn a combined $25 million in the final two years of the deal. 

While he’s been reasonably productive this season, converting 24 of his 28 save opportunities, the hefty contract could prevent teams from giving up any substantial prospects in return for Robertson. 

Olney mentioned that the Boston Red Sox have “discussed Robertson internally” and speculated that the Washington Nationals may also be a fit. 

It’s certainly no coincidence that Olney mentions two teams ranking near the top of the league in payroll. Most other small-market teams in search of relief help, such as the Indians, likely cannot afford to add Robertson’s contract to their books. 

Wade Davis and Ian Kennedy, Royals

The Kansas City Royals are in the process of selling off parts from their 2015 championship roster, and closer Wade Davis could be the first big name to go. 

The asking price is reportedly extremely steep—ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reported they want more than what the Yankees got for Chapman. But a recent report from Yahoo’s Jeff Passan indicates there may be another way for teams to nab Davis without dismantling their farm system:

Sources: Royals trying to package Ian Kennedy in a potential Wade Davis deal. Dodgers a strong match. Covet Davis and can take on Kennedy $.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2016

The Royals signed Ian Kennedy to a five-year, $70 million contract in the offseason, but they are apparently already having buyer’s remorse. 

The 31-year-old Kennedy has a 4.41 ERA in 20 starts this season and has surrendered a league-high 26 home runs. 

Due to his age and contract, Kennedy has no value on the trade market and would simply be added to a deal as a salary dump. 

All contract info courtesy of Spotrac. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

MLB‘s August 1 non-waiver trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the rumor mill is churning. 

The first blockbuster move of the season was officially completed Monday with the Chicago Cubs’ announcement that they had acquired New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman in exchange for prospects.

Monday’s move may start a chain reaction of other deals, especially in the National League, as teams look to keep pace with the Cubs.

Here’s a look around the league at some of the latest rumors and reports.

Chris Sale, White Sox

Despite his team-imposed suspension for a clubhouse outburst, Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale remains the hottest name on the trade market.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports broke down the market for Sale on Monday, naming Boston Red Sox prospects Yoan Moncada and Andrew Benintendi as well as Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Julio Urias as potential young stars who could help pry Sale from Chicago. 

Many teams will likely view the asking price as exorbitant, but Sale’s value is sky-high thanks to his team-friendly contract, which goes through the 2019 season. According to Spotrac, Sale is set to earn $39.5 million from 2017 through 2019, a bargain rate for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. 

Wade Davis, Royals

The defending champion Kansas City Royals, who are struggling to stay above .500, are reportedly willing to listen to offers for closer Wade Davis. However, the asking price will be steep, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:

Passan added that the Royals are specifically interested in Washington Nationals prospect Lucas Giolito, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. 

Davis is under contract through the 2017 season, so it’s reasonable to expect a more enticing package than the New York Yankees received for Aroldis Chapman, who will be a free agent after the 2016 campaign. 

However, the Royals may have a hard time drumming up enough interest in Davis to drive the asking price that high.

One of the teams interested in obtaining Chapman was the Cleveland Indians, but the Royals are unlikely to entertain the idea of shipping Davis within the division. That may leave the Nationals as one of the only viable trade partners, decreasing their incentive to offer a top-flight prospect. 

Edinson Volquez, Royals

Another potential casualty of the Royals’ disappointing season is Edinson Volquez, who is under contract through the 2017 season.

According to Spotrac, Volquez‘s contract has a $3 million buyout option at the end of the 2016 season, so a team could view him as a rental if it’s willing to buy him out at the season’s end. 

ESPN The Magazine‘s Buster Olney reported that the market for Volquez has at least one suitor:

Volquez originally broke into the big leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2005 before being shipped to the Cincinnati Reds in the deal that brought Josh Hamilton to Texas. 

After a rough start to the season, Volquez has shown signs of settling down in recent weeks. Over his past five starts, he’s posted a 2.84 ERA.

Hector Santiago, Angels

On Monday, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reported that the Los Angeles Angels are listening to offers for lefty starter Hector Santiago.

Santiago, who was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2015, is in the midst of a disappointing season with a career-worst 4.38 ERA but has been regaining his All-Star form in recent weeks. 

In his past seven starts, Santiago is 5-0 with a 2.28 ERA.

Due to his recent hot streak and track record of success, the asking price for Santiago could be steep. 

Santiago is earning just $5 million this season, according to Spotrac, and will likely see only a marginal bump in salary in 2017, his final season of arbitration before he hits the free-agent market for the first time in 2018.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

MLB‘s trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are beginning to declare whether they will be buyers or sellers in the market.

This year’s non-waiver trade deadline is August 1, a day later than usual due to the fact that July 31 falls on a Sunday. 

Aside from the obvious contenders and pretenders, most teams in the middle are still biding their time to determine whether or not they should make a push for the postseason. As a result, there has been a shortage of concrete rumors to this point, but the rumblings should begin to pick up in the final week of July. 

Here’s an update on some of the most recent rumors and discussions floating around the league:

Indians, Brewers discussing multiplayer deal

ESPN’s Buster Olney provided one of the juiciest deadline rumors of the season to date when he linked the Cleveland Indians to Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy:

Sources: CLE in talks for MIL’s Jonathan Lucroy. Perhaps Brantley’s situation has pushed them to add a hitter & consider upgrade at catcher.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 20, 2016

FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal later added that while the Indians are interested in Lucroy, “above all” they want bullpen help. 

Fortunately for both teams, the Brewers have the ability to provide Cleveland with both an upgrade at catcher and another arm for the pen. 

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel provided an update to the trade talks on Thursday, stating “you can bet relievers are part of talks.”

Brewers reliever Will Smith, who is under team control through the 2019 season, according to Spotrac, would presumably be the primary target for Cleveland. 

The Tribe is desperate for a lefty arm in the bullpen, which Smith would provide. Twenty-four-year-old Kyle Crockett, who has appeared in just five games this season, is currently the only lefty in the Indians bullpen. 

Rays put Chris Archer on the block

ESPN’s Jayson Stark added a surprising name to the trade rumors on Thursday:

Heard from another executive today that “untouchable” wouldn’t describe Rays’ stance on Chris Archer. Listening. But want a “huge” return.

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 21, 2016

The last-place Rays are clearly sellers this year, but Archer was not initially expected to be among the players moved. 

According to Spotrac, Archer is still under contract through 2019 with team options for 2020 and 2021. And at no point during the contract will Archer earn over $10 million per year. 

With Archer under one of the most team-friendly contracts in all of baseball, the Rays can rightfully expect a massive haul in return if they do move their ace. 

Despite the high asking price, the Rays will almost certainly receive intriguing offers from around the league. Rosenthal recently reported that the White Sox were offered a “king’s ransom” for Chris Sale but turned down the deal. It’s possible that the mystery team willing to go all-in on Sale might be willing to put together a similar offer for the 27-year-old Archer.

White Sox will be sellers

While the White Sox may not be willing to part with Sale just yet, the team will be looking to sell at the deadline rather than make a last-ditch effort to reach the postseason, according to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago. 

Chicago hung around longer than expected this season, but the Sox are just 2-8 in their last 10 games and have fallen 10.5 games behind the Indians in the AL Central. 

The White Sox’s most valuable asset on a short-term contract would be Todd Frazier, who is only under team control through 2017. 

Frazier has been struggling at the plate, batting just .216, but he still brings value to the lineup due to his power stroke. Frazier already has 28 home runs on the year. 

Brett Lawrie, also under contract through 2017, wouldn’t net as much as Frazier on the trade market but could also be moved at the deadline. His versatility due to his experience at second and third base could increase his value slightly. 

Chicago also has the expiring contracts of catcher Dioner Navarro and first baseman Justin Morneau to offer in lesser deals. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The first half of the 2016 season wrapped up Sunday, and MLB‘s elite are now converging on San Diego, California, for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic.

The San Diego Padres are hosting the event for the first time since 1992, when 2016 Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr. was the MVP.

This year’s event has an odd twist to it, as the American League will be the home team despite the game taking place in a National League park.

MLB recently ended the tradition of alternating between AL and NL cities for the All-Star Game but is continuing to alternate home and away statuses. Since the NL’s Cincinnati Reds hosted last year as the home team, the AL will take the home dugout in San Diego on Tuesday.

Here’s a look at the info you’ll need to tune in.

2016 MLB All-Star Game Info

When: Tuesday, July 12

Where: Petco Park, San Diego

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: Fox (pregame at 7:30 p.m. ET)

While the initial rosters were announced last week, additions to the teams continued throughout the weekend to account for injuries and pitchers who were ineligible because of their weekend workloads. 

Here’s a glance at the updated rosters and a breakdown of each squad.

NL Roster Breakdown

The National League starting lineup looks a lot like the one Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon trots out on a nightly basis. The five Cubs in the starting lineup are the most for a single team since the Padres had five starters in 1985, according to MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat.

But while the NL has a strong starting lineup, there’s a noticeable drop-off on the bench. 

Multiple NL reserves, notably Reds outfielder Adam Duvall and his .288 on-base percentage, look like marginal All-Star candidates at best.

Fortunately for the NL squad, led by New York Mets manager Terry Collins, the pitching staff features some of the top arms in the game. Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg, Cubs starter Jake Arrieta and San Francisco Giants lefty Madison Bumgarner should be among the first pitchers to take the mound Tuesday.

With a dominant staff, the NL has the firepower on the mound to potentially shut down a potent AL lineup and win a low-scoring game.

AL Roster Breakdown

Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost has put together an interesting but controversial roster for the American League.

Yost, who is used to having a dominant bullpen in Kansas City, selected nine relievers for his squad, including two from his own team.

Multiple starters, including the Cleveland Indians’ Danny Salazar and Toronto Blue Jays’ Marco Estrada, will be ineligible to pitch, which will likely force Yost to heavily feature his relievers during the game. And with multiple lefties in the pen, Yost will likely play matchups late in the game if the score is close. 

Despite the interesting makeup of the pitching staff, the AL roster is highlighted by a potent offense that could carry the team to a victory.

The starting lineup features four players who are hitting over .320, led by Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, who leads the AL with a .341 mark. 

The AL bench also features multiple threats Yost could use as pinch hitters in clutch situations, including major league home run leader Mark Trumbo.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The first half of Major League Baseball’s 2016 season wrapped up Sunday, and the game’s top performers are now on their way to San Diego, California, for the 2016 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.

The Midsummer Classic’s festivities kick off Monday, highlighted by the Home Run Derby, which will air at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Derby will follow the same bracket format MLB introduced in 2015. The eight participants are seeded according to their first-half home run totals.

The players have four minutes apiece to hit as many home runs as possible in the single-elimination tournament. Players can also gain extra time by blasting multiple home runs of at least 440 feet. 

MLB Communications recently released the bracket for Monday’s tournament:

Here are the participants and bracket for Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby. pic.twitter.com/N3TWIKUy4M

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 7, 2016

Here’s a look at the field:

Chicago White Sox slugger Todd Frazier is the defending champ, having knocked off the Dodgers’ Joc Pederson in the championship round last season in Cincinnati. Frazier belted a combined 39 home runs during the tournament, reaching double digits in each round. 

Robinson Cano of the Seattle Mariners is another returning former champion, having won the Derby with 32 total home runs in 2011. Cano also competed in 2012 and 2013 but finished in last place both times with just four combined homers over the two years. 

The favorite in this year’s Derby might be the Miami Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton, who’s arguably the game’s most dangerous power hitter. 

This will be Stanton’s second appearance in the Derby. He first participated in 2014, advancing to the semifinals before being knocked out by Frazier and the New York Mets’ Yoenis Cespedes. 

Despite having a shaky first half, Stanton remains suited for the Home Run Derby. According to FanGraphs, he ranks fifth in the majors with a 25.7 percent home run-to-fly ball rate. Among this year’s participants, only the Baltimore Orioles’ Mark Trumbo (26.2 percent) has posted a higher rate than Stanton.

As ESPN Stats & Info demonstrated, Stanton is also the clear favorite to launch the deepest home runs in the Derby:

.@Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton is No. 5 seed at HR Derby.

He has 32 450-foot HR since 2010. Only 3 TEAMS have more pic.twitter.com/2JI1UAYY8L

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 7, 2016

Trumbo enters the Derby as the No. 1 seed amid a career resurgence in Baltimore this season. With 28 first-half home runs, he has already surpassed his totals from the 2014 and 2015 seasons. 

The hitter-friendly Camden Yards may be slightly contributing to Trumbo‘s increased home run totals, but he’s managed an even split in the first half with 14 home runs apiece in Baltimore and on the road.

The sleeper in this year’s Derby could be Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Duvall. Eleven of Duvall‘s 23 first-half home runs traveled at least 400 feet, according to ESPN’s Home Run Tracker. 

Duvall also has an impressive 24.2 percent home run-to-fly ball rate, per FanGraphs, which ranks third among the participants in this year’s Derby.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com