The day has officially come. The 2019 MLB Trade Deadline is here. Teams have until 4pm EST today to agree upon deals. It’s every contender’s last chance to make one or two more roster tweaks with the postseason on the horizon. On the flip side, it’s every non-contenders last chance to sell high on their current players in hopes to stockpile assets heading into the 2020 season.
The first big piece was moved two days ago, as the NY Mets shocked the league by acquiring big name Blue Jays’ pitcher Marcus Stroman. Then last night happened. A blockbuster deal sending P Trevor Bauer to the Reds, OF Yasiel Puig, OF Franmil Reyes, P Logan Allen, P Scott Moss, and 3B Victor Nova to the Indians, and OF Taylor Trammell to the Padres. As the trade news broke, half of the current Reds team (including Yasial Puig whom was dealt just minutes before) was in the midst of a complete melee with the Pirates dugout. In addition to Puig, let’s not forget Trevor Bauer’s final moments as an Indian, as he launched a ball from the mound over the center field fence in frustration earlier this week.
It’s easy to say that this has been a fun week of baseball. Emotions are beginning to unfold and teams are doing every last thing in their power to position themselves to compete. Look no further than here, as we have you covered for the final hours leading up to the deadline.
While there should be plenty more to come, here’s a look at recent transactions that have gotten us to this point:
THREE TEAM BLOCKBUSTER TRADE
Reds Acquire- Trevor Bauer
Indians Acquire- Yasiel Puig, Franmil Reyes, and more
Padres Acquire- Taylor Trammell
ATL AND TEX SWAP PITCHERS
Rangers send RHP Reliever Chris Martin to the Braves in exchange for LHP Kolby Allard
TOR ACQUIRES PROSPECT FOR VETERAN ARM FROM CHC
The Blue Jays send RHP David Phelps to the Cubs in exchange for P prospect Thomas Hatch
PHI TAKES ON VARGAS SALARY FROM NYM
The Mets shed $2 million in salary as the send LHP Jason Vargas to the Phillies
MIL SENDS PROSPECT TO PIT FOR STARTING PITCHER
The Brewers send P prospect Cody Ponce to the Pirates in exchange for RHP Jordan Lyles
NYM SENDS MULTIPLE PROSPECTS TO TOR FOR ALL-STAR PITCHER
The Mets send two prospects to the Blue Jays in exchange for RHP Marcus Stroman
These deals have impacted the market around the league, especially in regards to pitching. Some question why the Mets (who’s playoff chances are very slim) went out and acquired a talent in Marcus Stroman that many believed to be heading to a contender. Now many teams are left scratching their heads and looking elsewhere. Names like: Madison Bumgarner, Edwin Diaz, Noah Syndergaard, and Zack Wheeler are just a few of the names of pitchers that remain in circulation. These are very important names, along with many more to look out for as the clock continues to tick.
Many teams are searching and remain very active. Last week’s SneakerReporter Buyers and Sellers list is one that have included below to refer back to when evaluating who may still be active:
BUYERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
NEW YORK YANKEES (62-33)
1st in AL East
Team Need: PITCHING DEPTH
Potential Target: DET- SP MATTHEW BOYD
HOUSTON ASTROS (61-37)
1st in AL West
Team Need: POSTSEASON STARTER
Potential Target: TOR- SP MARCUS STROMAN
MINNESOTA TWINS (59-36)
1st in AL Central
Team Need: MIDDLE RELIEF
Potential Target: SF- RP WILL SMITH
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (64-35)
1st in NL West
Team Need: MIDDLE RELIEF
Potential Target: PIT- RP FELIPE VAZQUEZ
ATLANTA BRAVES (58-40)
1st in NL East
Team Need: VETERAN PITCHING
Potential Target: ARI- SP ZACK GREINKE
CHICAGO CUBS (52-44)
1st in NL Central
Team Need: LINEUP BALANCE
Potential Target: MIA- SS MIGUEL ROJAS
SELLERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
TEXAS RANGERS (50-46)
3rd in AL West
Team Need: ROTATION DEPTH AND A BIG BAT
Potential Trade Piece: OF HUNTER PENCE
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (50-48)
4th in AL West
Team Need: SALARY FLEXIBIITY
Potential Trade Piece: SS MATT HARVEY
SEATTLE MARINERS (39-60)
5th in AL West
Team Need: PROSPECTS AND SALARY FLEXIBILITY
Potential Trade Piece: SP MARCO GONZALES
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (49-48)
2nd in NL West
Team Need: PROSPECTS AND SALARY FLEXIBILITY
Potential Trade Piece: SP ZACK GREINKE
CINCINNATI REDS (43-51)
5th in NL Central
Team Need: OVERALL DEPTH
Potential Trade Piece: OF YASIEL PUIG
PITTSBURG PIRATES (45-50)
4th in NL Central
Team Need: YOUNG CATCHER
Potential Trade Piece: 2B ADAM FRAZIER
Other teams to watch include Boston, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. These four will be possible buyers. Remember that any team out of contention can be viewed as a possible seller.
We look forward to covering the deadline all day! Follow us on Twitter @MLB_SR for up to date news regarding the deadline and all MLB coverage
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