Latest news with #deadline
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
A key piece in Cardinals bullpen, Phil Maton is prepared to be traded at deadline — again
ST. LOUIS — Phil Maton has done this drill before. He is no stranger to trade deadline deals. The 32-year-old has been traded three times in July throughout his nine-year career. With the St. Louis Cardinals expecting to shop their rental relievers, the odds of a fourth trade are high. If he had a choice, Maton would remain with the Cardinals. But he also knows his role as a high-leverage reliever often comes with the most turnover. It's an unfortunate reality of the business. Advertisement 'It's hard enough to be a big leaguer. It's even harder to stay in the big leagues,' Maton said. 'Especially as a reliever. It's hard to get contracts and constantly keep coming back and having teams want to pay you money over bringing up young talent.' It's no secret relievers are volatile; it's what makes them so valuable come the deadline. Maton's value is at a high. He entered play Monday with a 2.35 ERA over 40 appearances. He's dazzled in late relief for St. Louis, registering a whiff rate and strikeout rate both over 30 percent. He's done so with one of the slowest average velocities in the game, but one of the best spin rates. 'You think about where this team is without Phil,' manager Oli Marmol said over the weekend, 'it gets ugly real quick.' The Cardinals clubhouse has lauded Maton all year, with veterans admiring his demeanor on the mound and rookies crediting him for passing along his staunch preparation techniques. There is internal hope within the clubhouse that he'll remain with the club. But as Thursday's deadline trickles near, Maton is facing reality — and is again prepared to be on the move. 'You just have to try to look at it as a positive,' he said from the home dugout at Busch Stadium on Monday. 'It's not always what you want to do, but it's always something to learn. There's always an opportunity to improve and there's always different personnel where you go. So you just try to make the most of all those opportunities.' Phil Maton's 3Ks in the 11th…and Sword. ⚔️ — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 21, 2025 Not all trade scenarios are created equal. Maton was in Triple A when he was first traded from the San Diego Padres to the Cleveland Guardians, a move he described as 'probably saving my career.' He began establishing himself over the next three seasons and was admittedly caught off guard when Cleveland dealt him and catcher Yainer Diaz to the Houston Astros in 2021 on the day of the trade deadline. Advertisement 'The Houston trade was very surprising to me,' Maton recalled. 'We were saying goodbye to other guys on the Cleveland team. I was heading out of my hotel room to go to the field and had to turn right back around and pack my stuff.' It was in Houston where Maton emerged as a durable arm, though. He missed the Astros' entire 2022 playoff run (and World Series championship) due to a broken finger he sustained punching a wall after the final game of the regular season. He elected free agency after the 2023 season, where he logged a 3.00 ERA over 68 appearances with a 10.1 strikeout-per-nine-innings rate. Maton signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, but struggled in the first half. With the Rays selling, he figured he'd be on the move. He was right. Maton was traded to the New York Mets in early July and became a pivotal member of the bullpen during the team's second-half run to the postseason. 'The trade last year wasn't all too surprising,' he said. 'The front office and people in Tampa are awesome people, they're very transparent. 'They don't like spending money. I wasn't throwing well. There was an opportunity to offload my salary, and they took the opportunity. We saw it coming, we knew it was going to happen.' Now Maton is back in familiar territory. He should be a coveted reliever this week. The trade deadline always favors the sellers, and while the Cardinals have not definitively declared themselves as such, their 55-53 record and place in the standings (nine games back in the National League Central, three games back in the wild-card) suggest they will be. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak is prepared to wait out contending teams as he fields interest in Maton, closer Ryan Helsley and set-up men Steven Matz and JoJo Romero. All but Romero will be free agents at the end of the year; he has one remaining year of team control. Maton is arguably the most ideal acquisition of the four pitchers, at least from a cost perspective. He signed a one-year, $2 million deal with St. Louis in March and is owed roughly $700,000 for the remainder of the season. But contending teams also will be intrigued by his veteran pedigree and extensive postseason experience. His performance this year won't hurt either. Advertisement There is some irony in being so highly desired after Maton spent the majority of the offseason unsigned, and that does play into why he would like to stay with the Cardinals. 'After dealing with all the teams in the offseason and their disinterest, I would prefer to stay here,' Maton said. 'This is where we signed our contract for, and where we committed our summer to. But we weren't really negotiating from any place of leverage this offseason, from a no-trade clause standpoint or anything, so whatever they do, it is what it is. But I've enjoyed my time here.' Maton, however, has been in this game long enough and understands how the business operates. His wife, Katelynn, has started packing their apartment in St. Louis — just in case. The Cardinals, who hold the leverage here, are in no rush to part with any of their players. Maton knows the next few days could be grueling as traction starts to pick up, but similar to how he pitches, he'll do his best to block out the noise. 'Regardless of what happens, we'll be ready to stay here or go,' he said. 'I'm just trying to keep my mind off it as much as possible.' (Top photo of Phil Maton pitching: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
NY shooting, Trump's Putin deadline and Murdoch's deposition
Follow on Apple or Spotify. Listen on the Reuters app. A gunman armed with an assault-style rifle kills four people inside a Manhattan skyscraper before killing himself. U.S. president Donald Trump sets a new deadline for Russia to act on Ukraine. And Trump asks a U.S. court to speed up a deposition of Rupert Murdoch in the president's Epstein defamation case. Today's Recommended Read can be found here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit to opt out of targeted advertising. Further Reading Shooting at Manhattan skyscraper leaves 5 dead, including gunman Trump sets new deadline of 10 or 12 days for Russia to act on Ukraine Trump asks for swift deposition of Murdoch in Epstein defamation case Exclusive: Trump team hears pitches on access to Myanmar's rare earths Famine is 'playing out' in Gaza, warns global hunger monitor
Bloomberg
16 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Trump to Give Putin New Ukraine Truce Deadline
US President Donald Trump said he would shorten his timeline for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to reach a truce with Ukraine or face potential economic penalties. On July 14, Trump announced a 50-day deadline on Russia, threatening to impose stiff economic penalties on Putin if he did not end hostilities with Ukraine. The Kremlin hasn't commented publicly so far on Trump's new deadline. Bloomberg's Adam Blenford reports. (Source: Bloomberg)
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Harrison Bader, Twins react to Chris Paddack trade as more rumors swirl
MINNEAPOLIS — After the clubhouse learned Monday that Chris Paddack was traded — a move signaling a larger sell-off by the Twins — Harrison Bader said goodbye to the pitcher. The subject of numerous trade rumors himself, Bader offered encouragement and bid farewell to Paddack, who, along with Randy Dobnak, was traded to the first-place Detroit Tigers for minor-league catcher Enrique Jimenez. The two also shared a laugh, perhaps with the knowledge both will find themselves in a better spot to contend by Thursday's 5 p.m. CT trade deadline. Advertisement Bader is prepared for the possibility he could — and likely will — be traded. Though the outfielder acknowledged his uncertain status, he didn't seem fazed. Instead, Bader headed out to take batting practice and focus on his daily routine. 'There's a long way to go, regardless of uniform,' Bader said. 'I'm excited for every ounce of opportunity that comes my way, regardless of what uniform that might be in. But overall, we've got a job, and I try to focus solely on the things I can control, which involves day-to-day preparation to go out and play baseball. That stuff takes care of itself.' One of five remaining free-agents-to-be, Bader didn't start Monday's series opener against the Boston Red Sox as rumors swirled about his future. With the Band-Aid ripped off, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Bader, Willi Castro and Danny Coulombe traded before the deadline. Veterans Ty France and Christian Vázquez are also pending free agents and therefore available. But the bigger questions surround whether the Twins would make a painful deal and trade Joe Ryan, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran or Brock Stewart. Despite Paddack's trade signaling to everyone in the clubhouse that the Twins are open for business, manager Rocco Baldelli thought his club could handle the emotional news without it becoming a distraction. 'I haven't seen the demeanor change in any way,' Baldelli said. 'Just because you're making some deals and maybe trade some established players off the club, it really doesn't dictate what's going to happen for the rest of the year. You can't let it dictate your mental state and how you get ready to play and how ready you are to play. I'm not going to approach it with our club until you see what happens and then you figure it out based on what you see.' Minus Paddack, Baldelli and the Twins are left to solve a difficult puzzle for a rotation already short on arms. Along with the injury to David Festa, the Twins suddenly are down two starting pitchers, with open slots listed for games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Advertisement Baldelli said the Twins are in line for a bullpen day Tuesday — reliever Pierson Ohl will be promoted to take Paddack's spot, according to a team source. Meanwhile, it's believed Bailey Ober will rejoin the rotation Wednesday. Though he was traded late Monday afternoon, Paddack is listed as Wednesday's starter for Detroit. Noting how quickly deals come together, Paddack spoke with his agent, Scott Boras, early Monday and suspected a deal might happen soon. But even he was surprised by how quickly the deal was finalized. 'It's just crazy how fast it can turn around,' Paddack said. 'World just got twisted upside down, to say the least. It stinks. This business is out of our control sometimes. I was really pulling for us, as a Twin. I was hoping we would make some moves and go get that wild-card spot. I'm excited for this new opportunity with a new team.' The Tigers are one of four teams who pursued Paddack, which likely is why they were willing to include Dobnak in the deal, with Detroit taking on the remainder of both pitchers' salaries, about $4.6 million. In exchange, the Twins received Jimenez, who immediately becomes the best catching prospect in the organization despite being only 19 and playing in Rookie League baseball. The Twins believe Jimenez will hit well enough if he develops power. They also trust that he has an above-average arm and supplies good defense. Still, Jimenez is not close to helping the big league club. Said one rival scout of Jimenez: 'Good player. It's a real prospect.' Previously, the prospect of adding minor leaguers versus major leaguers was only a possibility; now, it's the Twins' reality. Baldelli and Bader said they'll remain focused on the players within the clubhouse. Though the moment can be emotional, Bader expressed excitement for Paddack. Advertisement 'You've got to be realistic,' Bader said. 'He knew that it was a possibility, given his contract status. He's been honest and realistic with his teammates about it. Paddack's a good guy, someone I've definitely grown fond of as the season has progressed. … If anything, I'm excited for him, not sad. It's a great opportunity. This game is very funky, but it really is beautiful in the opportunities it provides you with. He's certainly got an opportunity, so I'm excited for him.'
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Facing deadline uncertainty, Eugenio Suárez is focused on the one thing he can control — hitting
DETROIT — This is how it has been for Eugenio Suárez over the past couple of weeks. Everyone wants to know what he is thinking. Everyone wants to know where he is going. When you're at the center of MLB's trade deadline, uncertainty runs rampant. Now, everyone wants to know if he's healthy. 'Always, I'm getting messages from somewhere, somebody,' Suárez said before Monday's game at Comerica Park. ''Where are you going?' I can't say anything because I don't know where I'm going. I don't know if I'm going, either, if I'm going to leave Arizona.' Advertisement That was before the game. A few hours later, in the ninth inning, Suárez took a 96 mph fastball from Tigers reliever Will Vest off his right index finger. Suárez reacted sharply, jumping, shaking his hand and briefly falling to his knees. When a Diamondbacks trainer ran onto the field and began to examine Suárez's finger, he pulled his hand away. Suárez later said X-rays on the finger were negative. But there are more tests ahead, so add another layer to all the uncertainty. 'The pain was so bad,' Suárez said. 'It felt so painful right after the hit by pitch.' Suárez — who was also hit in the left hand during the All-Star Game but avoided injury — exited the game, and a host of executives around the league were likely holding their breaths. Suárez is on an expiring contract. His team has a 51-56 record. He is perhaps the best bat available on the trade market. There is a long list of suitors — Mariners, Cubs, Astros, Phillies, Reds and more — reportedly coveting his powerful bat. In his postgame press conference, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo had minimal information to offer. 'It was very tender to the touch,' Lovullo said. 'We all saw that his reaction wasn't great. He's getting X-rayed right now, and we'll hope for the best news possible. We'll call him day-to-day until we get more information.' Twenty minutes after Lovullo spoke, Suárez finally entered Comerica Park's visiting clubhouse. He playfully poked a reporter. He said his fingernail had turned blue right after being hit. But he also held the swollen digit up for everyone to see, even bent it slightly. 'Right now, it's painful, obviously,' Suárez said. 'But the good news is the X-ray was negative. We'll see after tomorrow what else they're gonna do. But right now, I'll do my best to try to be back soon.' Advertisement The trade deadline is Thursday, and up until then, the baseball world will be waiting for more information on Suárez's finger. The Diamondbacks have already traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Mariners. More selling seems inevitable. The 34-year-old Suárez is in the middle of what could be the best season of his career. He has belted 36 home runs and entered Monday leading MLB with 87 RBIs. Before the game, before the injury, Suárez had tried to surmise life in the eye of the rumor mill. 'Right now,' he said, 'my mind is fine. I've been praying a lot for calm and (to) stay focused on my job and not think about anything else.' Suárez has been traded before, from the Tigers to the Reds, from the Reds to the Mariners, from the Mariners to the Diamondbacks. But all those trades came in the offseason. 'When you have a trade in the offseason, everything changes (but) you start from the beginning,' he said. 'Now, the middle of the season, you don't know where you're going, you don't know what's going to be your role or what's going to happen.' I'm sorry that we let you down 😭 — Brandyn Garcia Enthusiast – JNaylE (@jnaylEnthusiast) July 23, 2025 Suárez made a point to say he values the Diamondbacks and his time in Arizona. Last week, the Diamondbacks dropped the final game of a homestand to the Houston Astros. Afterward, Suárez stood by himself, foot planted on the top step of the dugout. Suárez knew he was headed on the road, and there was a chance he would not return as a member of the Diamondbacks. Like most athletes in his situation, he said he is trying — hard as it might be — to focus his thoughts elsewhere. It's difficult, though, not to envision what it would be like if he got traded across the hall in the next two days. The Diamondbacks are in Detroit. The Tigers could be one of the teams in on Suárez. Acquiring him would give the Tigers a potent middle-of-the-order bat but also limit the unique versatility on which Detroit prides itself. Advertisement Suárez signed with the Tigers as a teenager out of Venezuela. He came up through the Detroit system and made his debut in the Olde English D. He remembers Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez greeting him in the dugout after his first major-league hit, which was a home run. That was way back in 2014. The Tigers traded him for Alfredo Simon later that winter. 'There's a lot of rumors about Detroit,' Suárez said. 'But I don't know. Like I said, I just think about trying to win games on (this) side of the clubhouse. … Obviously it's going to be weird because I don't want to face my own team.' Everywhere he's been, Suárez has left behind a trail of positive reviews. He can be a gregarious personality. A shining light in a clubhouse. Even as he spoke to reporters before Monday's game, Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo chirped from the background: 'He's (not going) anywhere. I'm telling you guys. He don't go anywhere. … A hundred people for Geno? That's all right.' Suárez has done and seen almost everything this game has to offer since he debuted as a young Tiger in 2014. But he has never played in a World Series. If he is traded, that will likely be the goal anywhere he ends up. 'I mean, obviously if you see my numbers, there's a lot of teams (that are) going to want my services,' Suárez said pregame. 'I don't take it for granted. I've been working so hard for this opportunity to be who I am right now, to be in the position that I am in right now.' Suárez — if he's healthy and able to hit — could be the bat that puts somebody over the top. In a way, that leads to a span of days with extreme stress. In a way, it's exactly what Suárez has been working toward his whole career.
