The 2016 MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching and front offices around the league are being forced to make final decisions about whether to buy or sell before Aug. 1. It's a decision complicated by the hotly contested playoff races in both leagues.
There are still six teams with a realistic shot of claiming the two wild-card berths in the NL. And the group is even more crowded in the AL, where as many as eight teams could still make a legitimate case about their postseason hopes.
So it should be a nice market for sellers with so many organizations looking to bolster their rosters before the stretch run of the regular season. Let's check out some of the latest buzz and analyze what it could mean for the teams and players involved.
Texas Rangers Chasing Chris Sale
Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale remains one of the most impactful potential additions on the market despite the recent bizarre clubhouse incident that resulted in a five-day suspension. The 27-year-old left-hander is 14-4 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while striking out 133 batters in 139 innings across 20 starts this season.
A lot of pitchers have been bantered about in the weeks leading up to the deadline, but none compare to Sale, who's been a true ace for the past five years. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Rangers are the most active team trying to pry him away from Chicago:
It's no surprise the White Sox are asking for a lot in return. Not only is Sale one of the best starters in the league, but he's also under team control through 2019, according to Spotrac. So a team is trading for three-plus years of the lefty, not just a few months like a rental trade.
The Rangers would be a terrific landing spot for Sale if he does get moved. They already feature one of the AL's top offenses and a strong one-two punch in the rotation with Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels. Another top-tier starter would make them perfectly built for the playoffs.
Several Teams Targeting Mark Melancon
Mark Melancon has been lights out since arriving to the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the 2013 season. He's posted a sub-2.00 ERA twice and is on pace to do it again this year while striking out around a batter per inning. Being able to have that type of confidence in a closer is invaluable.
Given the fact so many contending teams could use bullpen upgrades, it's no surprise his name has recently popped up in the rumor mill. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported there are at least three teams involved in the talks, including the Washington Nationals:
Exactly what the Pirates want in return beyond another reliever isn't clear. That said, their demands can only go so high because Melancon is set to become a free agent this winter, per Spotrac. So they risk losing him for nothing if they don't move him.
The Nats' urgency to find help for the back end of their bullpen has likely risen over the past week. Jonathan Papelbon has struggled mightily and they don't have a clear option to replace him already on the roster. Melancon would immediately fill the void.
Could Prized Prospect Lucas Giolito Get Moved?
Washington Nationals pitcher Lucas Giolito hasn't enjoyed a ton of success over his first three starts in the majors. He posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP while tallying more walks (nine) than strikeouts (five) in 11 innings. However, those numbers aren't representative of what's to come for the 22-year-old rising star.
He's rated as the No. 4 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com. His numbers in the minor leagues, which include a sub-3.00 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning, suggest those type of lofty rankings and expectations are within reason.
So if the Nationals are looking to make a major splash before the deadline, putting Giolito on the market would certainly make that possible. Jon Morosi of MLB Network provided the details of at least one idea that's been tossed around:
Giving up one of baseball's top prospects for a closer would be a risk. That said, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the Yanks wouldn't even do the deal straight up. It will be interesting to see whether it could be the foundation of an even bigger blockbuster, though.
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