Big names bubble up in trade talks
While it's not clear if a deal can be completed before the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Rangers are "making a serious run" for White Sox left-hander Chris Sale, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reported Friday, citing Major League sources.Sale's appeal for Texas is obvious, as the All-Star Game starter is 14-3 with a
While it's not clear if a deal can be completed before the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Rangers are "making a serious run" for White Sox left-hander
Sale's appeal for Texas is obvious, as the All-Star Game starter is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA, and if two team options are picked up, he will cost a modest $38 million from 2017-19.
Even though the White Sox appear to be falling out of contention, that's no guarantee they will trade Sale rather than try to build around him for a future run. Still, the Rangers might be as well set up as anyone to land a player of that caliber, given their depth of young talent, which includes slugger
Here were some of the other rumors circulating on Friday, as the deadline approaches:
Chapman is Nationals' top target
A year ago the Nationals acquired a closer before the Trade Deadline, getting
A baseball source told Ladson that the Nats will not sacrifice their top prospects in such a deal, ruling out the likes of
If he joins Washington, Chapman likely would supplant Papelbon as closer, as Papelbon did with
Orioles, Padres discussing swap
Although a deal is not yet close, Baltimore is engaged in talks to acquire outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. from San Diego for pitcher
The Padres also would want a prospect in such a trade, Rosenthal reported, as they look to save money and create room in their outfield for one of their own prospects. While both players have one season remaining on their contracts, Upton is set to make about $3 million more in 2017.
Upton has enjoyed a resurgent season, batting .259/.307/.444 with 16 home runs and 20 steals. Jimenez, on the other hand, has posted a 7.38 ERA over 18 games (17 starts).
Royals could sell
Chicago's American League Central foes, the Royals, also are considering becoming sellers before the Deadline, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball. Despite winning on Friday, the defending World Series champions are five games out of the second AL Wild Card spot, with four other clubs ahead of them.
If Kansas City does decide to subtract, rather than add, Heyman speculated that relievers
Gray's stock drops
At this point, it appears unlikely the A's demands would match up with what another team would surrender for a pitcher with a 5.49 ERA this season. Meanwhile, Oakland still could find a trade for lefty
Rays could part with Pearce
While most Rays rumors have focused on the club's starting pitchers, Tampa Bay also is drawing interest in
Pearce has shown no ill effects since his recent return from a month-long stint on the disabled list. He owns an OPS well over .900 this season and has been particularly effective against lefties.
Andrew Simon is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewSimonMLB.