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20 hours ago
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MLB insider expects Astros to be aggressive at trade deadline
The Houston Astros have one of the weaker farm systems in baseball, especially for a team sitting atop their division. But, despite their weaker farm system, the Astros and general manager Dana Brown can still make moves at the deadline. And during an appearance on Foul Territory, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes the Astros, despite their weaker prospects, will be involved at the deadline. Rosenthal had a firm stance that the Astros would be aggressive at the deadline. "I do think they will be aggressive," Rosenthal said. "The one thing they have also needed and have talked about is a second baseman, preferably a left-handed hitting second baseman. If the Rays go over the next ten days, maybe they make Brandon Lowe available... I do expect them to be aggressive." Houston has a couple of areas it could look to improve. A left-handed hitting batter has been one mentioned often as a potential fit for the Astros. With Yordan Alvarez out, there is a severe lack of left-handed hitters in the lineup. While Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who'd fill the lefty hitter and second base needs, would be an ideal pickup, the odds aren't great. The Rays are in solid shape to contend, just 1.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox for the Wild Card spot. MORE: Astros writer reveals 'ideal outcome' at MLB trade deadline But if he were to be available, as Rosenthal says, Lowe would be a great option. Outside of second base and a lefty hitter, the Astros could also use a left fielder and another starting pitcher, ideally one who'd take over as the team's number three starter. Being aggressive at the trade deadline could be more challenging for the Astros than for other teams. A weaker farm system could lead the Astros to get creative at the deadline, especially if Rosenthal's expectation for the team to be aggressive comes true. Sitting atop the AL West, the Astros should take this chance to bolster their roster. If every player can get healthy, and they can add a few of the positions of need, the Astros could be one of the top teams in the league and contend for a World Series in 2025. MORE MLB NEWS: Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline Padres linked to MLB insiders' 'least valuable player' at trade deadline Guardians trade negotiations 'frustrating' MLB teams ahead of deadline Tigers 'likely' to add a high-leverage reliever at trade deadline Trio of Cardinals relievers most likely to be moved at MLB trade deadline Tigers 'strongly interested' in pair of Twins righty relievers
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a day ago
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MLB rumors: Yankees decision to cut DJ LeMahieu will negatively alter trade deadline plans
A prominent MLB insider says the New York Yankees' decision to move on from DJ LeMahieu and eat the remaining money on his contract will hurt their plans to upgrade third base before the trade deadline. In his first two seasons in New York, LeMahieu played like an All-Star. It seemed like Gotham had revitalized his career. However, following a strong showing in 2019, the infielder's body started to slowly fall apart, and eventually, his production. Related: That is why it wasn't necessarily a surprise when the club decided to move on from the soon-to-be 37-year-old last week. However, in doing so, they will now owe him $22 million through next year. While the Yanks have always been known for throwing around money, they have tried to reel back their spending over the last couple of years. Well, owing a good chunk of change to a player no longer on the roster could have a negative effect on upgrading third before the deadline, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 'The $22 million the Yankees are obligated to pay DJ LeMahieu makes a rental such as Arizona's Eugenio Suárez a more logical fit for them at third base. Than a player such as St. Louis' Nolan Arenado or Colorado's Ryan McMahon, who is signed beyond 2025,' Rosenthal wrote. 'Suárez would be owed about $5 million at the deadline. Arenado would be owed more than $10 million this season, plus $27 million next season. McMahon about $4 million this season and $16 million in both 2026 and '27.' Suarez is having a big season and earned All-Star honors for the second time. Posting 29 homers and 75 RBIs over the first half. However, it does hurt their flexibility and options. While Suarez has been very good, a case could be made that Arenado or McMahon is a better fit for the Yankees. Related: Related Headlines Dallas Mavericks shut Cooper Flagg down after 31-point performance in Vegas Summer League Jayson Tatum reportedly recruiting 7x All-NBA player to Boston Celtics Rival teams 'expect' Jonathan Kuminga to sign with this NBA team Golden State Warriors linked to former $170 million All-Star in NBA free agency
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a day ago
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Yankees Expected ‘To Get After It' Before Trade Deadline: 6 Blockbuster Trade Targets, Including Chris Sale
The New York Yankees are right in the thick of the Wild Card and American League East race. Pinstripes general manager Brian Cashman is always active before the trade deadline. However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested Friday the Yanks may be more aggressive than usual to improve the roster this month. 'The Yankees are definitely going to get after it,' Rosenthal said on the 'Foul Territory Show.' 'Brian Cashman has said, 'We're going to town.' And they have very obvious needs. Starting pitcher being one. Bullpen help is the most important thing they can do. And yes, third base. Especially with Jazz [Chisholm] back at second. They want to improve in all of those areas.' If the Yankees do go big game hunting before the July 31 MLB trade deadline, here are six stars they could target in a blockbuster deal. Sandy Alcantara Sandy Alcantara has had a tough time trying to recapture his elite form in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. However, scouts around the game expect the 2022 NL Cy Young to return eventually. That could come just in time for the playoffs and make him a massive addition in October. His rough season will help make a deal easier. Furthermore, he has two years left on his deal at an affordable rate. Related: Eugenio Suarez Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Eugenio Suarez has been linked to New York for weeks. While he will be a rental and will surely test his value in free agency after the season, he would be a huge addition for the second half. The 34-year-old is having the best season of his career and is on pace to potentially hit 60 home runs this year. Pairing him with Aaron Judge over the final months of the season will strike fear in AL rivals. Zac Gallen Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen wouldn't be a blockbuster addition on his own, but there is a good chance he would come in a huge deal that includes Suarez. He has had a down season in 2025. Nevertheless, he is a rock-solid pitcher who adds more depth to the rotation, and he was a big part of Arizona's trip to the World Series two years ago. Related: Emmanuel Clase Emmanuel Clase is an elite closer who could very well be up for grabs before July 31st. Having a back end of the bullpen that features the three-time All-Star, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver is the kind of trio that can help carry a team to a World Series title. While he won't come cheap, he is under team control for three more seasons. Chris Sale The Atlanta Braves have claimed they won't trade Chris Sale before the MLB trade deadline. But with the team nearly 10 games out of the final Wild Card spot, what is the point of holding on to the nine-time All-Star? With him having one more year left on his deal, the Braves might be able to squeeze some premium prospects out of New York in a deal. Adding a future Hall of Famer like Sale for the stretch run would be huge. Related: Ryan McMahon The New York Yankees have been linked to Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon for months. They have the pieces to get a deal done. However, the Rockies have few impact players on the roster, and they are not known for making big in-season trades. If they can get top 10 prospects from the Yanks system, they should seriously consider moving the one-time All-Star. Related Headlines 'All-Time Low': Pirates Reporter Reveals Why Bryan Reynolds Won't Be Traded at Deadline '1 Percent Chance': Pirates Reporter Shares Bleak Take on Paul Skenes Extension Prospects Top MLB reporter: Teams Will 'Laugh At' Luis Robert Jr. If He Makes This Demand Did Kyle Schwarber's All-Star Game Heroics Drive Up His Price With Free Agency Looming?
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a day ago
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Baltimore Orioles listening to trades for Trevor Rogers, Felix Bautista
The Baltimore Orioles are 'likely' to be sellers at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, meaning the future of several players is uncertain. Some Baltimore players, such as Ryan O'Hearn and Zach Eflin, seem likely to be dealt as upcoming free agents; however, what about two pitchers who are under team control in 2026? According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles are 'listening' to trade offers for starting pitcher Trevor Rogers and closer Felix Bautista. Rogers, 27, has been excellent since joining the Orioles in 2025, while Bautista, 30, has been elite over the past two months. Specifically, the 27-year-old starting pitcher has a 1.53 ERA in 35.1 innings pitched this season. While Baltimore is listening to offers for Rogers and Bautista, it seems 'unlikely' that either will be dealt in the next two weeks, according to Rosenthal. It wouldn't be the first time plans have changed, but the Orioles could receive an offer that is too good to refuse for Rogers and/or Bautista, especially when the starting pitcher market is not as strong as the reliever market. Rogers is under team control through 2026, while Bautista has two more years left, so a trade package for either player would have to be significant. For now, the Orioles are focused on dealing their upcoming free agents, but a massive offer for Rogers or Bautista could change their minds ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Related: Detroit Tigers linked to Gold Glove third baseman from Baltimore Orioles Related Headlines '1 Percent Chance': Pirates Reporter Shares Bleak Take on Paul Skenes Extension Prospects Yankees Expected 'To Get After It' Before Trade Deadline: 6 Blockbuster Trade Targets, Including Chris Sale Top MLB reporter: Teams Will 'Laugh At' Luis Robert Jr. If He Makes This Demand Did Kyle Schwarber's All-Star Game Heroics Drive Up His Price With Free Agency Looming?
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a day ago
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Top MLB reporter: Teams Will 'Laugh At' Luis Robert Jr. If He Makes This Demand
The only thing lower than Luis Robert Jr.'s .190 batting average is his trade value. The Chicago White Sox held onto the former All-Star too long and will not be getting the prospect haul they once thought they would receive for Robert. The White Sox are even willing to pay down some of Robert's contract that pays him $15 million this year. He has club options for 2026 and 2027 at $20 million each. Two years ago those club options seemed like a no-brainer to pick up, but now, Robert will be viewed as just a rental if he is traded. However, Robert should not be under the illusion he can demand an acquiring team pick up those options. 'I would expect if he gets traded, the team that acquires him will be operating under the premise that they're not picking up the option,' The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal told the 'Foul Territory' podcast. 'He can't demand them to pick up an option, and teams would laugh at him if he did that anyway. That's my expectation that any team that acquires him looks at him as a rental.' Robert's production has dropped dramatically since hitting 38 home runs in 2023 and being named an All-Star. In an injury-plagued 2024, the White Sox center fielder hit .224/.278/.379 with an 85 OPS+ and 1.4 bWAR in 100 games. It's even worse this season, as he's slashing .190/.275/.325 with a 67 OPS+ and 0.0 bWAR. If a team does acquire Robert, they can use him as a platoon player against left-handed pitching. He has an .886 OPS against southpaws in 2025, compared to a .508 OPS against right-handed pitchers. But teams should not be under the illusion that Robert will magically transform himself into an All-Star again once out of Chicago. Related Headlines Did Kyle Schwarber's All-Star Game Heroics Drive Up His Price With Free Agency Looming? MLB Reporter Predicts Phillies 'Geared Up to Do Something Huge' At Trade Deadline Disgraced former NFLPA boss reportedly used union funds for jaunts at strip clubs Three Key Battles to Watch at New York Giants Training Camp
