The 2016 MLB trade deadline is approaching quickly, and teams are scrambling to fill their biggest needs.
The non-waiver trade deadline is August 1 this year, pushed back a day from the usual deadline due to the fact that July 31 falls on a Sunday.
It's been a relatively quiet week so far, but there are still a number of big names on the market who could be on the move this weekend. Here's a look at the latest rumors around some impact players on the block:
Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
While the Chicago White Sox are listening to offers for their ace Chris Sale, there haven't been any concrete rumors linking him to any teams with a serious interest. However, Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball has reported that the New York Yankees are the latest team to enter the discussions.
Heyman notes that while the Yankees are sellers this year, having already parted with closer Aroldis Chapman, they now have the farm-system depth to pursue another blockbuster trade.
Even if the Yankees aren't contenders in 2016, they can reasonably pursue Sale due to the fact that he's under contract through the 2019 season. According to Spotrac, he is set to earn $39.5 million over the next three seasons—a relatively modest sum for a legitimate ace.
Heyman also mentions the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers among the teams with the ability to put together a package to potentially acquire Sale.
Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres
Perhaps the best indication of just how weak the trade market is for starting pitchers is this update from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal:
Sources: #Orioles trying hard to get Cashner. Not necessarily front-runner; #Marlins, #Rangers still in, possibly others.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2016
It's hard to believe anyone would be "trying hard" to snag Cashner, who is 10-23 with a 4.47 ERA over the past two seasons, while calling Petco Park—one of the most pitcher-friendly stadiums—home.
That said, it's easy to see why a pitching-deprived team like the Orioles would be making every effort to find even a marginal upgrade. The Orioles are desperately trying to replace Ubaldo Jimenez and his 7.06 ERA, and may also want an upgrade over Yovani Gallardo (5.37 ERA) and Tyler Wilson (4.98 ERA).
Due to his modest numbers and the fact that he hits the free-agent market at the end of the season, the Padres likely aren't asking for much in return for Cashner.
Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy remains one of the biggest bats on the trade market.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that the Cleveland Indians are interested, while Rosenthal has added that the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers are among the teams talking to Milwaukee.
Based on the number of teams interested in Lucroy and the lack of other impact catchers on the trade market, the Brewers could be in position to drag out the discussions in an effort to squeeze a blockbuster offer out of one of the interested franchises.
Further increasing Lucroy's value is the fact that he's under contract for the 2017 season for just $5.25 million.
Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks
According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, the Arizona Diamondbacks are on the verge of dealing reliever Daniel Hudson.
Hudson was lights out early this season, posting a 1.55 ERA with a .130 opponents batting average through his first 30 games, according to Baseball-reference.com. In recent weeks, however, Hudson has fallen flat.
Over the course of his past 12 outings, according to the same source, Hudson has surrendered 25 runs in just eight innings of work.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that three teams have "heavy interest" in Hudson, but he did not name the teams.
The Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals are among the teams who have been linked to other relievers and may have an interest in Hudson as a cheaper option to some of the other names on the market.
Due to his struggles and his expiring contract, Hudson should come with a relatively cheap price tag.
Contract and salary information courtesy of Spotrac, unless otherwise noted.
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