MLB’s trading deadline on August 31 is fast approaching. While the dynamics of this year’s deadline are more complicated than usual – for example, the 16-team extended playoff field means less committed “sellers” – we still need to see some activity before time runs out. So to set the stage for that intrigue to come, we are here to trust the rumors and deadline-related news articles of the day. Continue with the Sunday nuggets.
Nats held stable after loss of Strasburg
The reigning champions Nationals are four games below .500 going into Sunday’s draw. The SportsLine Projection Model (@SportsLine on Twitter) is still very Bullish on Washington and gives the team better than a 50 percent chance of making the playoffs. If they are to earn a living for it and build up some sort of title defense, they may need to be active by the deadline. This is especially the case now that co-ace Stephen Strasburg needs season-ending surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Of course, it remains to be seen what caliber of pitcher is available on the market, but that is now an area of need for the Nats.
That said, perhaps a deadline extension is not considered:
Rizzo works, to his credit, typically at a “win-no” level, but the peculiarities of 2020 may change this approach, at least temporarily.
Reds are still trying to win
The Reds have been among the most active of teams the last two offseasons, but their efforts have still yielded positive results. Last season they lost 87 games and finished in fourth place, and this season they are 11-14 as we approach the halfway point. Still, the front office Cincy apparently does not consider a sell-off, at least for now. Here’s more from Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
The Reds end their series against the Cardinals on Sunday and then play four on the road against the Brewers and four at home against the Cubs leading up to the deadline. As Morosi suggests, that stretch could determine how the Reds play the trade mark.
Will Jays be buyers?
The upstart Blue Jays stood in the playoff position on Sunday, meaning they could look to add reinforcements through trade. Specifically, the rotation figures are a necessity. The pitching staff has been hit by an injury, and in particular starters Nate Pearson (elbow) and Matt Shoemaker (shoulder) are each on the IL. The surprisingly early relevance of the Jays in tandem with those injuries led Jon Morosi to marvel out loud whether Toronto can indeed focus on starting spot before the alarm sounds on August 31st. Again, though supply will be more of a question mark than demand when it comes to this year’s deadline.
Giants cut Pence loose
The Giants have signed infielder Mark Robertson from the Rays in exchange for cash as a player to be named later. Robertson will be added to the Giants’ 40-man roster and assigned to the alternative training site. To make room on the 40-man, the Giants have named veteran outfielder Hunter Pence for assignment. Pence, 37, is and will always be a favorite figure among Giants fans thanks to his vital presence on two championship teams. This season, however, Pence has struggled through 17 games (.411 OPS) and failed to maintain his comeback effort with the Rangers in 2019.
