Mark P
Squints
You’re Matt Arnold, congrats! What are you going for at the deadline?
Mark P
I think my first priority is to figure out how to change this Freaky Friday scenario, but if that can’t be fixed by July 31, I’d look to add lineup depth. Even with Hoskins not out for too long, I’d consider bolstering first base anyway, or at least try to get a versatile player that can help all over the infield
I feel like “Willi Castro would be a great fit here” applies to like 20 teams, but he’d be a great fit in Milwaukee if the Twins decided to sell
Angels fan
Arte is going to buy again isn’t he? The Angels are not a playoff team but I just know he will be delusional again and trade away prospects to make sure people keep coming to the stadium
Mark P
Right now the Angels are a game under .500 and four back of a wild card. I agree with you that I doubt they’re getting into the playoffs, but given how starved the Angels and their fans are for winning, I won’t blame the club for trying to make some moves and stay competitive
Cashman
is Lagrange and schlittler untouchables along side Lombard?
Mark P
Lombard feels like the only prospect the Yankees absolutely wouldn’t part with.
Mark
The Rangers trade deadline plans are?
Mark P
They might not entirely know themselves, given that they’re a .500 team that might yet turn to selling. Their needs are obvious — Hitting with a capital H (particularly in the corner infield slots) and in the bullpen.
Guard
What would Emmanuel Clase or Cade Smith bring back in a trade
Mark P
Frank Burns
Any way the Cubs trade Caissie for anyone who is just a 2 month rental?
Mark P
Highly unlikely. They have other prospects they can offer before putting Caissie up for grabs. Chicago surely only moves Caissie (if at all) for a controllable asset.
Trader Jerry
If I go all out at the trade deadline, do I have any untouchable prospects or should I put all on the table and go all in?
Mark P
Emerson or Montes very likely aren’t going anywhere. I hesitate to call anyone entirely “untouchable” depending on what another team might offer in return, plus the M’s are deep enough in prospects that they afford to perhaps lose one or two of them and still have a very good future system.
Mookie Betts
So glad I am the new Andrelton Simmons. No more hitting and slugging for me. Just defense.
Mark P
What a bizarre and unexpected turn of events for Betts. As good as he has played at shortstop, I feel like the move for the Dodgers here is to perhaps just put him back in right field, or perhaps at second base? As jarring as the change would be, it might get Betts’ bat moving again.
Small Sample South Side
Gallen, Kelly, Suarez… what are the Diamondbacks’ priorities if they sell at the deadline? To me, they’ve got the most to gain as far as dealing rentals
Mark P
Guest
Yankees need to go all in with Judge in his prime at some point??
Mark P
A $288MM payroll doesn’t count as “going all in”??
The Dodgers
Are they going to hope everyone comes back healthy or will they make a big trade? What player do you think they are targeting?
Mark P
Taker55
Given the 4 starting OFs plus Stanton and then Jones ready, is it crazy to think the Yanks would deal Grisham or Dominguez for help elsewhere?
Mark P
I feel that might be playing with fire to consider Stanton truly OF-capable, or to count on Jones heavily in his first taste of big league action. For instance, if you trade Grisham and then Bellinger gets hurt, you get the inopportune situation of Judge back in CF
Kevin
Why does MLB not allow draft picks to be traded? Might that change in a future CBA, and if so, what would be the biggest effects?
Mark P
I agree that it would be a great idea, and the players seem for it, and Rob Manfred seemed at least open to it when asked a year ago. While negotiating anything into a CBA is like pulling teeth, this seems like one of the relatively benign “who is actually hurt by this?” changes that all parties could find some common ground on
Ang T
How often do teams sign someone to say, a minor league contract, in anticipation they’ll need the depth after a big league player is traded?
Mark P
Teams are signing guys to minors contracts basically all the time, so it’s usually not as clear-cut a sign as one might think. Like, the “you can never have too much pitching” mantra always applies whenever a club adds a depth arm, for instance.
Walter
Phillies trade Ranger Suarez and Aiden Miller to the Red Sox for Jarren Duran. Who says no? Phils have plenty of SP and Red Sox have plenty of OF. Surplus for surplus.
Mark P
Tom
Does the Bohm injury change the Phillies plans?
Mark P
They were probably looking for infield help already, so perhaps not? But if Bohm’s timeline ends up being over a month or something, I can definitely see them getting more aggressive in a pursuit of specifically a third baseman
The likelier move is that the Phillies could get a second baseman and rely on the in-house group to handle 3B, since there would be nowhere else to play Bohm when he returned
Chris
honest question, but how does Betts playing SS affect his hitting? Like how would moving back to the OF actually help him hit again?
Mark P
My theory is simply that it’s a mental thing, in that Betts has been so focused on excelling at defense that it has caused his hitting to suffer. We probably also shouldn’t underrate that brutal illness Betts had back in March, which could very well have set him back a lot more than we realize
Ross Atkins
What to do with Adison Barger? Ideally he is my everyday third baseman but due to injuries in the outfield and my potent bat we keep penciling him into RF. Ernie Clement and now Wil Wagner are doing a capable job handling third base and we do have a plethora of left handed hitting OFers starting to show promise. So where should I play him or is he super trade bait?
Mark P
Barger might be just about the last guy Toronto trades right now. His ability to play both 3B and corner OF is so valuable, not to mention his obvious hitting breakout. Obviously teams will ask about Barger first before lowering expectations and getting around to Lukes, or maybe Loperfido, Clase, Wagner, etc., but Barger has played himself into being a building block
Nick
Over/under on years until the Rays open a new stadium, now that they have a new owner? Maybe 3.5?
Mark P
Rayban
what kind of return would Taj Bradley and Zack Littell bring the rays?what kind of return would Taj Bradley and Zack Littell bring the rays?what kind of return would Taj Bradley and Zack Littell bring the rays?
Mark P
…Jack Torrance?
Littell’s return would be limited since he’s just a rental, and because his peripherals are all pretty dicey apart from his incredble walk rate. Bradley would bring back a lot more due to the added control, and the upside he possesses as a former top prospect from just a couple of years ago
Bendix
Are the Marlins buyers? We’ve been on the best teams in baseball since June.
Mark P
Bustin Aarnes
So what’s up with Dalton Rushing? The dodgers DFA’s franchise legend Austin Barnes just to give him 75 not good plate appearances over two months?
Mark P
The idea seems tied to Rushing’s development, in that having him in the catchers’ room working on game plans alongside Smith, the coaches, and the pitching staff will help him evolve behind the plate.
Frankly, I suspect Rushing might be on another team after July 31, and this promotion might’ve been something of an extended showcase. While Rushing hasn’t exactly been tearing it up, that won’t stop teams from being very interested in him as a trade chip.
The Old New School
How much has the use of analytics really changed the nature of scouting? I know it can help find diamonds in the rough, but those diamonds in the rough would still stack up well to the eye test, right?
Mark P
Analytics can tell you stuff like “this pitcher has a really good slider, he should use it more.” Whereas scouting can tell you why a pitcher isn’t already using his slider more — it could be because he just isn’t comfortable throwing it, or it hurts his arm, or he’s stubborn, etc.
Teams will always, always need scouts to access the actual human element, since players aren’t numbers and metrics.
John
What’s your take on Adley?
Mark P
As much as teams draft by “best available,” it was a little eye-opening to see Baltimore take catchers on back-to-back picks with such high selections.
Evaluators aren’t super-high on Irish or Basallo remaining at catcher, so that might factor into future plans. But just by perception alone, common sense would seem to say the O’s either are losing a little faith in Rutschman, or perhaps simply aren’t confident in their ability to lock him up for the long term.
I’d posted about this before, but it stands out as odd to me that despite all these top prospects and building blocks, the Orioles have yet to sign any of them to an extension.
Jake
Royals should trade Estevez; what might they be able to get for him?
Mark P
The Royals just traded for Adam Frazier, so they’re not in sell mode yet. Estevez would draw a ton of interest if he was shopped, but since he’s also under contract for 2026, moving him would set KC back for next year, in addition to throwing in the towel on 2025
Reddy
Chances there will be a “bombshell” trade at the deadline a la Doncic in the NBA? And if that does happen, what team and/or player do you see involved?
Mark P
The Doncic trade was so singularly shocking that it’s hard to imagine what the MLB version of that would even be. The Devers trade was already pretty big on the “wait, what??” scale, yet it wasn’t a complete shocker given the bad blood that was clearly present between Devers and Red Sox management.
Aroni
Does Ben Rice have any trade value?
Mark P
Tons, but chances are the Yankees move one of their catchers
Curt
Could you see the Brewers going for Naylor or O’Hearn?
Mark P
Stowers
If Marlins decide to sell, would they part with Stowers in a trade and what would he cost?
Mark P
Miami is on a roll, in large part because Stowers is looking like a cornerstone of the rebuild. No way is he being dealt.
Guardians fan
What type of move if any do you Cleveland doing?
Mark P
I’m not sure if I explicitly wrote this in the Guardians deadline preview, but the Guards rarely do that big in terms of buying or selling at midseason. They tend to save their major moves for the winter, apart from dealing rental free agents.
So with the assumption that the Guards will take advantage of their easy schedule and be over .500 by the deadline, I think they’ll pick up a middle infielder and an outfielder. Not necessarily a full-time starter in either position, but at least a platoon bat that can provide some offensive spark.
Appa Yip Yip
Jake Bloss for Eugenio Suarez?
Mark P
Arizona would want way more than just Bloss for Suarez
Nats
Do I have any one of value to trade for a somewhat decent return outside of a long shot Gore? I have this suspicion someone might just offer a haul for him that the Nats just couldn’t refuse.
Mark P
DeBartolo basically closed the door on the idea of Gore being traded today, even if the interim GM left a sliver. This is another type of trade that, if it happens, is likelier to happen in the offseason and at the purview of whomever the next full-time Washington GM/PBO ends up being
Eric A
Schwarber has to be a priority extend for the Phils, right? I know the age thing but after watching him blast a homer to win the ASG from one knee, think you have to do it, right?
Mark P
I agree. It’s an imperfect roster fit, but Schwarber has been so good for them that a new contract seems like a semi-must.
Justin Verlander
Are my days with the Giants numbered? Will I be traded at deadline to a contending team who needs post season pitching experience ?
Mark P
Unless it’s the Astros, I’m not sure what contender would jump at the chance to get a 42-year-old who looks like he might’ve finally hit the wall.
NMK
Should the Mets acquire a mid-rotation arm (potentially longer-term) with the goal of moving Clay Holmes back to the pen? Assume that wouldn’t preclude a trade for another reliever as well.
Mark P
In theory, Manaea’s return gives the rotation a shot in the arm, but you’re right in that Holmes is already into uncharted territory innings-wise. Moving him back into the pen might work as an obvious answer, yet I’m not certain if moving Holmes back to relief and then rebuilding his arm strength back up next winter is necessarily something the Mets want to do
Ben Cherington
What does a successful deadline look like for me in Pittsburgh? Please help, I need ideas.
Mark P
Bring in some quality hitters who start producing immediately.
Adam
The Phillies’ window is closing. They have Wheeler for two more years and who knows what’ll happen with 2027. I say go all-in and trade two out of Miller, Painter and Crawford. Agree?
Mark P
Trip
Would you say reliever is going to be the #1 trade deadline “run” position? Don’t see enough relievers out there for all the teams looking for one (or two)…
Mark P
Reliever is always the “run” position since basically every contender always needs bullpen help
J-Law
I want to believe in Lawlar.. but he is often injured and looked overmatched earlier this year. How does he fit into the DBacks plans?
Mark P
He’ll be their starting third baseman next year once Suarez moves on. That seems more or less settled. Lawlar has indeed not looked good at the MLB level, but over a sample size of 56 PA, that’s nothing.
There are certainly concerns over his injury history and whether or not he’s a true piece of Arizona’s future, but the D’Backs won’t know until they give him an extended chance to play
Florida Cards Fan
Cards just got kicked by DBacks!! And will likely get swept tomorrow with Mikolas starting. Do you think there’s any hope Bloom will influence their trade deadline decisions so the so called “team reset” actually starts?
Mark P
It’s not like Bloom’s texts are being returned by Mozeliak with the Wayne Knight-in-Jurassic Park “ah ah ah” finger-waving GIF. Bloom surely has a big voice in the Cardinals’ direction already, and will be working in concert with whatever they’re doing at the deadline.
M
Who is the best player the mariners can get for Harry Ford as a headliner? Someone controllable for several years. Junior Caminero?
Mark P
Caminero is maybe the last guy the Rays would trade, but in general, Ford has plenty of value. Seattle would be justified in asking for Caminero back in a Ford trade offer, even if the Rays wouldn’t go for it.
Beyond Tampa, I have to believe the Padres have reached out about Ford multiple times, given their dire catching situation and the fact that Ford seems to be ready for the majors right now. On paper, the Mariners and Padres don’t match up great in terms of roster needs
Pirates Fan
If you are the new Pirates GM would you rebuild or retool? How would you go about it?
Mark P
This is all far easier said than done, but I would overhaul whatever the organization is doing in preparing and developing young hitters for the big leagues. I wouldn’t rebuild since the Pirates have so much good young pitching that it’s a true asset, and a major step towards finally competitive.
Paul
Is it probable that the Pirates sell low on the likes of Keller, Hayes, Bernard, and possibly even Reynolds to shed payroll at this year’s deadline? Or is it possible that if any of them are traded at all?
Mark P
I’m assuming that was an auto-correct from Bednar, since a team so close to Scranton can’t move noted office manager Andy Bernard!
Feels like Bednar is being dealt, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Keller goes too. Reynolds is less likely since he isn’t hitting and his value is in sell-low mode now, and Hayes I have trouble seeing moved at all given his injury history and lack of offense.
Cleve
How do the Guardians fix the outfield’s total lack of production?
Mark P
Technically it isn’t “total” because of Kwan, but I see your point.
They’ve put a lot of undue pressure on DeLauter, but calling him might help out if he can play well as a rookie. But I’d get a proper center fielder if one can be found, or a veteran utility type that can play RF to spell DeLauter a bit or move into the middle infield to help that situation out
Justin
Is Tyler Heineman the best catcher in baseball?
Mark P
DeBartolo and Co.
Thought experiment: Cade Cavalli hasn’t looked entirely great, but he’s had flashes of the prospect/first round pick he used to be. What are the odds a team can see him as a change of scenery candidate with, say, Nathaniel Lowe and we can get a couple decent prospects back?
Mark P
If you’re a Nats team that is still in clear rebuild mode, is that a risk you want to take? I’m sure plenty of teams would have interest in Cavalli, yet if you’re DC and have invested all this time and effort in Cavalli’s rehab and development, having him break out in another organization before you’ve given him any kind of chance in the majors would be a real setback
StuckIn LF
Any thoughts on whether Vaughn Grissom has any future value? He was bypassed by the star kids in Boston but seemed to display some skills.
Mark P
He’s absolutely a change of scenery candidate. The Red Sox have plenty of other infield candidates far more entrenched on the depth chart.
Guest
What do you see the Tigers doing at the deadline
Mark P
It’ll be interesting to see how Scott Harris approaches his first “go for it” deadline, and how aggressive he may or may not get. Detroit could clearly use another RH bat and bullpen help, and one could make the case they have the young pitching depth that makes a Suarez trade feasible
Lots of teams will be in on Suarez if the Diamondbacks make him available, obviously, but the Tigers have the chips to get Arizona’s interest
Brewers
Agree with your idea to bolster 1st base. What would it take to get O’Hearn from the Orioles? One of the young pitchers do it (Myers or Patrick)?
Mark P
The O’s would happily take either for a rental player who, in the long run, was an absolute found money asset for them. The question might be if Milwaukee is comfortable moving a controllable pitcher for a rental 1B, but the Brewers might have enough rotation depth that they’d consider it worth it.
At what point…
How long do teams wait after the ASB to determine if they have what it takes to make a run for the postseason and be buyers? For example, the Cardinals just dropped their first two games in dramatic fashion. How would that affect the managers thoughts on selling/buying?
Mark P
Iowa
Mitch Keller team next week?
Mark P
Since the deadline isn’t until the 31st, the Pirates
Guest
Is there a reason the Mariners and Orioles haven’t lined up on trade?
Mark P
preller Jr
Would Ryan Ohearn cost much for Preller in a trade? He’d easily slide in as a DH/1B platoon with Arraez.
Mark P
O’Hearn would also be a great fit for the Padres.
He doesn’t “cost much” in the macro sense of being a rental player, yet there will be enough teams looking for a bat that the Orioles should be able to get a decent return back
Tim
Looks like Paredes just had a significant hamstring injury for the Astros. Does this put them in the Suarez race or should they start selling with all the injuries? Framber would get a good haul back
Mark P
Trade
Kevin Alcantara for Merrill Kelly?
Mark P
the D’Backs would definitely do it, and the Cubs would have more hesitation. As obvious as this statement is, it depends on how they value Kelly, since some teams wouldn’t have much interest in a pitcher whose peripherals are so generally so-so
We’re two hours deep into the conversation, so it’s time to hang it up. Thanks so much for all the questions, and (barring any pre-deadline madness) the Weekend Chat should be back next weekend
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