MLB trade deadline approaches with Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers exploring options
New York Yankees target elite reliever
As the MLB trade deadline on Monday, August 3, approaches, teams are looking to reinforce their rosters. The New York Yankees, despite their bullpen having the second-lowest ERA in the Majors, are reportedly pursuing San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. The Padres acquired Miller last July in a package that included prospect Leo De Vries. A scout described Miller as “the best there is.” The Yankees may make a significant push for Miller, though top prospect George Lombard Jr. is considered “untouchable.” New York’s depth in starting pitching and prospects could facilitate a serious pursuit of Miller, who has a 0.86 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched.
In a separate trade idea, the Mariners could receive infielder/outfielder/designated hitter Casey Schmitt and left-handed pitcher Erik Miller from the Giants. This move aims to address the Mariners’ need for a right-handed bat against left-handed pitching and another high-leverage reliever. Schmitt is having a strong season and performs well against left-handed pitching. Erik Miller, a 28-year-old left-handed power arm, has been an effective reliever for the Giants for three seasons. In return, the Giants would acquire right-handed pitcher George Kirby, who is making $6.55 million and is arbitration-eligible for 2 1/2 more years. This trade would also help the Giants replace left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray, who is expected to be traded.
Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in Skubal talks
The Philadelphia Phillies, despite a strong rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and Cristopher Sánchez, are reportedly still monitoring the market for Tarik Skubal. While it is noted that the Phillies might struggle to win a bidding war for Skubal, they have not abandoned their interest. Skubal has shown improvement since returning from elbow surgery in mid-June, recently pitching seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Detroit Tigers, who have been on a 26-16 run since the start of June, might keep Skubal. However, if they decide to trade him, the Los Angeles Dodgers are seen by rival evaluators as the best potential trade partner. Detroit is in need of outfield prospects, and the Dodgers have several highly-rated players such as Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, and Eduardo Quintero. The Tigers might also seek an MLB-ready replacement for Skubal, with the Dodgers potentially offering Justin Wrobleski or Emmet Sheehan. The possibility of Skubal joining the Dodgers is viewed as a significant roster enhancement for Los Angeles, potentially keeping him away from other contenders like the Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, or even the Yankees.
Other potential trade scenarios
The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring catcher Hunter Goodman, who is controllable through 2029 and arbitration-eligible next year. Goodman has shown strong offensive performance, particularly on the road, with a high barrel rate and bat speed. This acquisition would address the Red Sox’s need for a middle-of-the-order bat. In exchange, the Colorado Rockies could receive left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, and catcher Carlos Narváez. Early, 24, has a 3.44 ERA in 17 starts this year and is on track to return from elbow inflammation. Witherspoon, 21, is a 2025 first-round pick with high upside. Mayer, a 2021 first-round pick, could benefit from a change of scenery, while Narváez would provide an everyday catcher for the Rockies.
The San Diego Padres could potentially acquire right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Mets. Peralta has had a challenging season with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.438 WHIP before the All-Star break, and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. The Padres might aim to help Peralta regain his form, which included a 2.70 ERA last season. In return, the Mets could receive left-handed pitching prospect Kash Mayfield, the Padres’ 2024 first-round pick, who has reached High A and recently participated in the Futures Game.
Another proposed deal involves the Cubs acquiring right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha, 35, who was an AL All-Star this year and is controllable through 2027 with a team option for 2028. Wacha has maintained sub-4.00 ERAs for the past five years. The Royals could receive infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw, 24, who projects to have 15-20 home run power, and outfielder Kevin Alcántara, 23, who is having a strong season in Triple A. The Texas Rangers could also use another hitter and might look to acquire infielder/designated hitter Luis Arraez. Arraez has won batting titles with three different teams from 2022 to 2024 and is having a strong season both offensively and defensively. The Giants could receive left-handed pitching prospect Dalton Pence and third-base prospect Yolfran Castillo in return. Pence, 23, has reached Double A and has shown impressive numbers, while Castillo, 19, is an infielder from Venezuela who has played at two different A-ball levels this year.
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Source: bleacherreport.com
