The 2023 MLB trading deadline is August 1 of this year. A little over a week away. Trading activity got underway last Wednesday when the Orioles added the Athletics’ shooting-powered Shintaro Fujinami. It seems only a matter of time before there are more deals. Here are Saturday’s rumors to keep you up to date until then.
Giants monitor Verlander
Justin Verander
NYM•SP•#35
ERA3.47
WHIP1.16
IP83
BB26
K70
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The Giants are among teams to “evaluate” Mets right-hander Justin Verlander ahead of the deadline. according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. It’s unclear at this point if the Mets, who started 6 ½ games back in the wildcard race on Saturday, would even consider a move from Verlander.
It’s also unclear whether Verlander would be willing to waive its no-trade clause. The two-year, $86 million contract he signed with the Mets that winter gave him full no-trade protection. Despite the uncertainty, one can still understand why the Giants are keeping an eye on the situation.
The Giants, who currently share the first wildcard spot with the Diamondbacks, have received a disappointing performance from several of their rotation members. The 40-year-old Verlander has posted a 3.47 ERA (119 ERA+) and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.69 in 14 starts this season. Those grades may be below his norm, but they still represent the work of an above-average starter and would make him an upgrade over the likes of Alex Wood, Ross Stripling and Anthony DeSclafani.
Phillies looking for right-handers
The Phillies are looking for a right-hander, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As Lauber notes, the Phillies’ attacking plan is determined in part by how they feel about Bryce Harper’s work at first base. (Harper made his first start at this position on Friday.)
“If Bryce can move to first base, we can clear the DH spot and put Kyle in.” [Schwarber] “There’s a little bit more,” top manager Dave Dombrowski told Lauber. “And then we have the opportunity to decide what we want to do in left field.”
Lauber pointed to a few names that could be provided, including Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall and Angels outfielder/first baseman Hunter Renfroe. We would add Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas and Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk to the list of potential Phillies targets.
Ohtani has not discussed the future with GM
No one can say for sure whether or not Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani will be substituted as of deadline. That apparently includes Ohtani himself. He told reporters on Friday that he has not had discussions with Angels general manager Perry Minasian about his future. You can read more about this development by clicking here.