The MLB trade deadline sees the most activity of any American sport. With the advent of the second Wild Card, more teams are buying than ever. However, the price tags on premier players this season may stall some of that action. Two big deals have already been consummated, Aroldis Chapman to Chicago and Drew Pomeranz to Boston. Could there be any more front line names on the move before Monday at 4 PM?
CHRIS SALE
The biggest fish in the trade pond at the moment is Chris Sale. The AL All-Star Game starter has been a Cy Young front runner all season. As a result, the White Sox are asking a king’s ransom, at least four top prospects and a Major League ready starter, in return for him. His recent jersey spat with the club may expedite his departure, but he won’t come at a discount. Sale is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 19 starts. According to reports, all the “big guns” are in on him. The Red Sox would more than likely have to give up Yoan Moncada in a deal. The Dodgers are willing to part with Julio Urias. The Yankees, who just traded their closer Chapman, are inquiring as well.
RYAN BRAUN & JONATHAN LUCROY
The Brewers are one of several National League teams who are clear sellers heading into the trade deadline. Milwaukee has been shopping their biggest assets for months. The two biggest are Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy. Braun’s asking price is much lower with $96 million left on his contract that runs to 2021. Lucroy on the other hand is only under contract until 2017, with that year being a team option that would more than likely be picked up by any potential trade partner. The rumor that will never die surrounding Braun involves the San Francisco Giants. Although the two sides have grown further apart since the start of the month, San Fran seems his most likely destination. As for Lucroy, the AL Central, either Detroit or Cleveland, are on the top of a lengthy list of suitors.
WADE DAVIS
The defending World Series champs are slowly sliding out of contention. Kansas City has found injuries to be a harder hurdle to leap than in the past two seasons. One of those injuries was to closer Wade Davis. Davis was virtually untouchable last year. But since he’s returned from the DL this month, the 30 year old hasn’t had much to do. Fellow All-Star Kelvin Herrera would be the new closer if Davis is dealt. However, while many teams are lined up, including the crosstown Cardinals, it may take the team taking on Ian Kennedy’s contract to facilitate a move.
CHRIS ARCHER
The Rays usually wait until a pitcher’s walk year to move them, but talks surrounding Chris Archer have them learning towards bucking that trend. Archer is in the midst of a down season by his standards. He is still eating innings and striking out over 10 batters per nine innings. His 155 K’s lead the American League. Nevertheless, his other statistics, both up front and sabermetric, are a bit patchy. His 14 losses are worst in the sport. His 21 home runs allowed are fifth worst in the AL and 1.35 WHIP is the highest of his career. But Archer is under a very friendly deal ($21.92 million owed through 2021), which makes his price tag high. That hasn’t stopped the Dodgers from going in hard for him.
What moves will your favorite team make before the trade deadline? Will any of these names, or others, move before Monday at 4 PM? Be sure to come through here between now and next week to read more about potential trades, as well as any fallout from deals made in the dying embers of the trade window.