The MLB trade market is heating up as the deadline is now less than a week away.
Contenders are scrambling to address their biggest needs before the August 1 deadline, and talks surrounding some of the biggest names are intensifying.
Here's a rundown of the latest rumors surrounding some of the biggest names on the market.
Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy remains one of the biggest bats on the trade market, and it appears as though a trade may be imminent.
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provided the latest update on Thursday afternoon:
Will this be Jonathan Lucroy’s last day with #Brewers? I hear talks ratcheted up with more than one team in last 24 hours. One call away.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) July 28, 2016
ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick recently reported that the Cleveland Indians, seeking a replacement for the injured Yan Gomes, are believed to be a front-runner for Lucroy. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal also reported on Thursday that the Detroit Tigers are in the mix.
Lucroy is coming off his second All-Star selection in the last three seasons and has been flirting with a .300 batting average throughout the season.
In addition to his immediate value, the asking price for Lucroy is increased due to his team-friendly contract. The 30-year-old is under contract for the 2017 season at just $5.25 million.
David Robertson, White Sox
With Aroldis Chapman already shipped out of New York, the biggest impact reliever on the market may now be Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson.
According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, executives from other teams have speculated the White Sox are motivated to move Robertson because of his contract.
The 31-year-old Robertson is under contract through 2018 and will earn a combined $25 million in the final two years of the deal.
While he's been reasonably productive this season, converting 24 of his 28 save opportunities, the hefty contract could prevent teams from giving up any substantial prospects in return for Robertson.
Olney mentioned that the Boston Red Sox have "discussed Robertson internally" and speculated that the Washington Nationals may also be a fit.
It's certainly no coincidence that Olney mentions two teams ranking near the top of the league in payroll. Most other small-market teams in search of relief help, such as the Indians, likely cannot afford to add Robertson's contract to their books.
Wade Davis and Ian Kennedy, Royals
The Kansas City Royals are in the process of selling off parts from their 2015 championship roster, and closer Wade Davis could be the first big name to go.
The asking price is reportedly extremely steep—ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported they want more than what the Yankees got for Chapman. But a recent report from Yahoo's Jeff Passan indicates there may be another way for teams to nab Davis without dismantling their farm system:
Sources: Royals trying to package Ian Kennedy in a potential Wade Davis deal. Dodgers a strong match. Covet Davis and can take on Kennedy $.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2016
The Royals signed Ian Kennedy to a five-year, $70 million contract in the offseason, but they are apparently already having buyer's remorse.
The 31-year-old Kennedy has a 4.41 ERA in 20 starts this season and has surrendered a league-high 26 home runs.
Due to his age and contract, Kennedy has no value on the trade market and would simply be added to a deal as a salary dump.
All contract info courtesy of Spotrac.
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