MLB Trade Rumors Roundup: Latest on Dylan Cease, Eugenio Suarez, Yankees, Cubs and More

Yahoo

3 days ago

The MLB trade deadline is on Thursday, July 31 and the activity in recent days suggests it will be a very busy time across Major League Baseball. With buyers and sellers starting to make moves, the latest MLB trade rumors point to how the market will shake out this week.
Let's dive into the latest MLB rumors as of Sunday morning, with recent intel on MLB trade candidates like Dylan Cease and Eugenio Suarez, along with what clubs like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are planning.
Dylan Cease trade unlikely for San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are buyers at the MLB trade deadline and there's a focus on adding to the lineup. San Diego's approach reportedly included a willingness to trade starting pitcher Dylan Cease, who is a free agent this winter. The Padres' front office wants a quality MLB hitter back in exchange for Cease, hoping to address its needs at catcher and left field. However, per Robert Murray of Fansided, it's viewed as a 'longshot' that Cease is traded, both due to San Diego's asking price and the lack of buyers willing to trade away a good hitter to acquire half a season of Cease (4.59 ERA).
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Boston Red Sox expected to keep Jarren Duran
A 10-game winning streak this summer has further pushed the Boston Red Sox toward being buyers at the trade deadline. However, that hasn't stopped rival clubs from calling about All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran. Boston has fielded inquiries, prioritizing cost-controlled starting pitching that could immediately plug into its rotation. So far, no club has come close to meeting Boston's demands. Unsurprisingly, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox are expected to keep Duran past the MLB trade deadline.
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Latest on a potential Luis Robert trade
A month ago, it seemed inevitable that the Chicago White Sox would trade outfielder Luis Robert Jr., even amid his career-worst season. The Athletic reporters Katie Woo, Patrick Mooney, and Will Sammon reported that two unidentified teams made 'aggressive attempts' to acquire the former All-Star outfielder during the All-Star Break, but those efforts were rebuffed. Now, according to Buster Olney of ESPN, Robert seems likely to remain in Chicago. The White Sox are hopeful his recent hot streak at the plate will carry over into August and September, boosting his trade value for a potential blockbuster deal this winter.
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Latest on Houston Astros' approach to MLB Trade Deadline
The Houston Astros have the second-best record in the American League right now and lead the AL West by four games, but they rank 16th in runs scored. Part of the problem is the Yordan Alvarez injury, with the All-Star slugger's hand keeping him out of the lineup since early May. Unsurprisingly, per Robert Murray and ESPN's Jorge Castillo, Houston is in the market for hitters. Acquiring a left-handed-hitting outfielder is a top priority, with Baltimore Orioles' outfielders Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins on the club's radar. Houston is also exploring options at third base since Isaac Paredes (hamstring) is out indefinitely. Ryan McMahon was on their radar, but they could now pivot to Eugenio Suarez.
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Los Angeles Angels' trade deadline approach
The Los Angeles Angels have been one of the uncertainties ahead of the MLB trade deadline—until now. Aidan Gonzalez of ESPN reports that the Angels' front office informed teams this week that impending free agents Yoan Moncada (third base), Luis Rengifo (second base/utility), Tyler Anderson (starting pitcher), and Kenley Jansen (closer) are available. Los Angeles is also willing to move left fielder Taylor Ward, who is under club control through 2026, but at a higher asking price. All five players are generating trade interest, with the San Diego Padres potentially a team to watch for acquiring Ward.
New Suitor Emerges for Eugenio Suarez Trade
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez is the most in-demand hitter ahead of the MLB trade deadline. While the Yankees and New York Mets have bowed out of the race, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Philadelphia Phillies recently engaged in trade talks for Suárez. Additionally, the Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Cincinnati Reds have all expressed interest in acquiring him. The All-Star third baseman is expected to be moved by the Thursday trade deadline.
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St. Louis Cardinals taking trade calls on Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado
For a moment, it looked like the St. Louis Cardinals could be a surprise contender for a wild card spot. However, the club has started to fall off and it seems to have influenced their approach to trade talks. The Athletic's Katie Woo reported that the Cardinals are willing to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado (.669 OPS) and starting pitcher Sonny Gray (4.33 ERA). However, both players have full no-trade clauses and will only waive them depending on which team it is.
New York Yankees turn focus to starting pitchers
After acquiring infielders Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon, the New York Yankees can now turn their focus to landing a starting pitcher. New York has already been linked to Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara, who despite a recent upturn in form this season, has had overall struggles, including a high ERA following Tommy John surgery. Additionally, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Yankees have expressed interest in Dylan Cease. The team has also reportedly held discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates about acquiring All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller.
Chicago Cubs interested in Adrian Houser
Starting pitching seems to be the Chicago Cubs' top target at the MLB trade deadline. They have engaged in talks with the Miami Marlins regarding Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, along with conversations with the Pittsburgh Pirates about Mitch Keller and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. However, back-end bullpen pitching is also being considered. Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported that the Cubs are interested in acquiring Adrian Houser. Released by the Cubs a year ago, Houser has been outstanding this season with a 2.10 ERA and 1.22 WHIP for the Chicago White Sox. The 32-year-old right-hander is on an expiring contract and is owed less than $1 million for the remainder of the season.
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Seattle Mariners are aggressively pursuing second bat
Less than a week after acquiring Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks, it appears the Seattle Mariners aren't done bolstering their lineup. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Mariners are 'aggressively pursuing' a deal for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. Arizona is already very familiar with the Mariners' farm system, and Suárez would be a transformative offensive upgrade at the hot corner for Seattle. While no deal is imminent, the Mariners could become front-runners with the Yankees out of the mix.
Yankees open to trading top prospect Spencer Jones
Acquiring one of the best starting pitchers available at the MLB trade deadline will cost Brian Cashman one of the Yankees' top prospects. He is reportedly willing to pay that price. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports New York is willing to move outfielder Spencer Jones. While that might come as a surprise given his success this season, 13 home runs and a .950 slugging percentage in 19 Triple-A games, Jones' strikeout issues remain a legitimate concern, as he has a 31.1 percent strikeout rate in 2025. If New York believes it can sell high on Jones for a front-line starter with multiple years of contract control, he could be moved by Thursday.
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