The rumors are flying quickly as we approach the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline, and some big names could be on the move.
There aren't a lot of teams looking to sell compared to past seasons. It appears more teams are convinced they can make a run at the playoffs and would rather be buyers or just stay put. In other cases, the losing teams just don't have enough to draw interest in the open market.
However, the limited options could raise the stakes on any potential deal. There are still high-profile players who could be moved, but it might take a lot to complete a trade.
Here is a look at a few noteworthy players who should create plenty of bidding in the final few days before the deadline.
Taijuan Walker, SP, Seattle Mariners
A foot injury has kept Taijuan Walker out of the lineup since July 5, but that hasn't stopped opposing teams from making calls about the pitcher's availability.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today provided the latest on the young starter:
According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, Walker recently completed a simulated game, and while he was pain-free, also offered an honest assessment of his performance.
"It was better," Walker said of his effort compared to a previous bullpen session. "My fastball command is a little off still. I thought my breaking ball was good, my slider was good and I had a few good changeups. But my fastball command needs to be better."
The positive news is it seems Walker will be returning to the mound before long, if not immediately.
Still, a team that targets the 23-year-old pitcher might be looking more toward the future than anything else. The talented player is under team control until after the 2020 season and has shown plenty of ability in his young career. This season, he has a solid 3.66 ERA to go with 80 strikeouts and just 18 walks in 86 innings.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports notes the Mariners aren't likely to trade Walker:
With that said, they are 6.5 games out of first place in the AL West, which is a reachable distance, but moves need to be made. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com previously reported the team's interest in Jay Bruce, and adding a slugger of his nature would require giving up some major prospects.
Seattle won't give up Walker for nothing, but it's clear there is at least a possibility of a trade. If the team wants a big addition, giving up the pitcher remains on the table.
Boone Logan, RP, Colorado Rockies
Although Aroldis Chapman set the market for high-end relievers, teams hoping to upgrade in their bullpens could potentially get a much cheaper option in Boone Logan.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network notes the Toronto Blue Jays are one of the teams interested in the left-handed reliever, who compares favorably to Chapman this season:
Of course, this comes with a caveat that Logan is mostly a matchup pitcher who has faced more than twice as many left-handed hitters as right-handed hitters. In this respect, the southpaw has been excellent this year while holding lefties to a .147 batting average while tallying 26 strikeouts and just three walks.
Then again, Logan has also been solid against right-handers with a .161 batting average against in 31 at-bats. An interested team could potentially expand his role if he continues to perform this well against all batters.
While the pitcher makes perfect sense for the Blue Jays, there is a long list of squads trying to acquire relievers this summer. Even though Logan is a far drop from a proven player like Wade Davis or Andrew Miller, a high demand for solid relievers could create a bidding war.
The Colorado Rockies aren't necessarily sellers at this stage, but they would be smart to get value where they can find it.
Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox
No one in baseball has seen more headlines in the past few weeks than Chris Sale. The Chicago White Sox are obviously listening to trade offers, but the question is if any of the teams will be able to complete a deal.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Texas Rangers are a team hoping to swing a big trade before the deadline:
After acquiring Cole Hamels a year ago, it's clear the organization is not afraid to be aggressive for a legitimate upgrade. Meanwhile, Heyman cited a source that said "the Rangers are determined" to acquire Sale. Outside of the Rangers, he also lists the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees as potential landing spots, among others.
In reality, just about everyone in the league would be interested in adding a legitimate Cy Young candidate that is still in his prime and under contract for a reasonable price.
The problem is it will take quite a bit to actually convince the White Sox to make a deal. Jim Bowden of ESPN.com provided a breakdown of what each team would have to give up in a potential trade, including a Rangers offer of Nomar Mazara and either Joey Gallo or Jurickson Profar as well as other prospects.
Obviously, this would be a hefty price for anyone. However, the Rangers have the best record in the American League and know they could legitimately contend for a World Series title. If they can add Sale to a rotation of Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, this pitching staff could be deadly in the postseason.
Mazara and Gallo could be stars down the line, but when you have a chance of winning a championship, you have to take it.
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