Rumor roundup: Rockies may not be done
With the non-waiver Trade Deadline quickly approaching, Major League Baseball was flush with activity Tuesday.
Among the flurry of moves was Jonathan Papelbon's trade from the Philadelphia to Washington, where the six-time All-Star closer also agreed to a contract with the Nationals for the 2016 season. Papelbon wasn't the only big name on the move, however, as the A's sent utility player Ben Zobrist to the defending American League champion Royals in exchange for two pitching prospects, left-hander Sean Manaea and right-hander Aaron Brooks.
• Complete Trade Deadline coverage
The Angels also hit the market with a pair of trades, bolstering their outfield by acquiring David DeJesus from the Rays and David Murphy from the Indians.
And there's sure to be much more activity to come as we approach Friday's 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline. Here's a look at some of the rumors floating about the big leagues.
• The Rockies were involved in one of the splashiest moves this week, dealing All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins to the Blue Jays for Jose Reyes and three pitching prospects. But Colorado may not be done unloading talent.
The Angels, Mets and Orioles are reportedly in the running to acquire hot-hitting outfielder Carlos Gonzalez from the Rockies, according to CBS Sports. And rumor has it Reyes' Rockies tenure could be very short-lived, as there's been speculation he may be dealt before Friday.
• Papelbon likely won't be the only pitcher the Phillies part ways with this week. Hamels is expected to be on his way out of town, with ESPN.com reporting that the Phillies have asked teams to make their best offers by Wednesday. The Rangers, Dodgers, Giants and Astros are among those in the mix for the left-hander, with the Yankees, Cubs and D-backs also interested.
Video: The MLB Now crew on the market for Price and Hamels
• Once again, Jeff Samardzija's name has come up amidst the trade chatter around the Deadline. Samardzija, who was dealt to the A's last July, took the mound Tuesday for the White Sox, allowing four runs in eight-plus innings in the 9-4 win over the Red Sox. The Blue Jays have emerged as one of the most interested suitors for the right-hander, according to CSN Chicago, which also put the Giants in the mix.
• Leake made what could be his final start with the Reds on Tuesday, tossing eight shutout innings in the 4-0 win over the Cardinals. The frequent trade target has been at the top of his game of late, posting a 4-0 record with a 0.60 ERA over his past four starts, allowing just two earned runs over 30 innings in that span. He's been linked to multiple playoff contenders, including the Blue Jays and Dodgers.
Video: CIN@STL: Leake on impressive outing, win over Cards
• The D-backs have inquired about the availability of Hamels and Reds closer Aroldis Chapman. Although the price tag on Hamels may be beyond what Arizona is willing to pay, Chapman is a potential target. The 27-year-old left-hander could slot into the ninth inning for Arizona, solidifying the back end of its bullpen.
• MLB.com's Richard Justice broke down his top five landing spots for Detroit's Price, outlining the contenders that could most benefit this season from acquiring the pending free-agent hurler. Numerous scouts from other clubs were on hand for Price's start on Tuesday -- a 10-2 loss to Tampa Bay -- including those from the Dodgers, Giants and Blue Jays.
• The Cardinals were shut out by the Reds on Tuesday, only furthering speculation that the club might be looking to add a bat to its lineup in the coming days. Milwaukee's Adam Lind and Baltimore's Chris Davis have been linked to St. Louis as a left-handed-hitting first baseman.