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New York Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- New York Times
MLB trade targets to address the biggest need for each contending team
With the trade deadline seven weeks away, MLB front office executives have begun to call and text their counterparts to get an idea of early needs and possible trade targets for each team. Only five teams are 10 games or more out of a wild-card spot right now — the Athletics, White Sox, Pirates, Marlins and Rockies — and none of them have a lot to dangle at the trade deadline. That means most of the contending clubs will be waiting to see what direction — buying or selling — teams like the Orioles, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers and Diamondbacks are going. Those latter five clubs are loaded with talent to make game-changing trades, for themselves and contenders, but at this stage it's unclear which players ultimately will be available. Advertisement Although lots of conversations are happening now, there probably won't be a flurry of trades until after the All-Star break (at least). But that hasn't stopped contending teams from getting their target lists ready, their scouts in the field evaluating players and their analytic departments hard at work, anticipating who might become available if some of these teams falter over the coming weeks. After reaching out to decision-makers from each of the clear contending teams to learn their biggest needs, I thought it would be fun to identify possible trade targets they could consider as well as a single 'favorite target' for each club (with two exceptions, noted below). Let's start to mull how these contenders could approach the deadline. Biggest need: Bullpen depth Possible targets: Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks; Seth Halvorsen, Rockies; Dennis Santana, Pirates Favorite target: Seth Halvorsen The Mets' biggest need appears to be bullpen depth and, as usual, the trade market will offer plenty of possibilities. My favorite option would be Halvorsen, a right-handed reliever who has a 4.91 ERA over 26 appearances and three saves for the Rockies. His fastball averages 100.1 mph. He also ranks in the 78th percentile in off-speed run value, the 92nd percentile in ground-ball rate, and the 90th percentile in extension. Halvorsen, 25, made his major-league debut in 2024 and finished last season with a 1.46 ERA in 12 outings. Wait until the Mets' analytics and pitching staff get a hold of him. Biggest need: Starting pitcher Possible targets: Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Jeffrey Springs, Athletics; Edward Cabrera, Marlins; Tyler Mahle, Rangers; Kyle Freeland, Rockies; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Trevor Williams, Nationals Advertisement Favorite target: Zac Gallen The Cubs could use one more starting pitcher and Gallen would be the perfect target even though he's having a down year (4-8 with a 5.15 ERA). Two years ago, he was the starting pitcher for the NL All-Star team and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting. Last year, he went 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA. Gallen would need to have three to four strong starts before the deadline for the Diamondbacks to get the strong prospect package they'd want, but if they fall further out of contention, they might have to trade the impending free agent. He needs to improve the command and late finish on his fastball to get back to where he needs to be. Biggest need: Getting their roster healthy The Dodgers are not expected to be active at the trade deadline, if they're able to get their roster healthy. Three of their top starting pitchers — Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow, not to mention Roki Sasaki — are currently rehabbing, trying to work back from injuries. That's three top-of-the-rotation starters, along with a rookie who is viewed as having that type of ceiling as well. If the Dodgers can get that trio healthy and maintain the health of their current rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May, they really won't need any more pitching help considering some of their starters would be moving to the bullpen to provide more depth for that unit. In addition, their lineup doesn't have any glaring needs, and they have the position player depth to withstand injuries. For now, I didn't list trade targets for the Dodgers. However, they have endured a rash of pitching injuries, and if they get closer to the deadline and don't have more of their top pitchers healthy or closer to returning, they could add yet another starter. Biggest need: High-leverage reliever Possible targets: Félix Bautista, Orioles; Mason Miller, Athletics; Kenley Jansen, Angels: Kyle Finnegan, Nationals; Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox; David Bednar, Pirates Favorite target: Félix Bautista The Phillies' front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I'm sure they will do so before the trade deadline. If the Orioles don't get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies' best option to take over the ninth inning. Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season. He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form. Advertisement Biggest need: Offense, probably 1B or DH Possible targets: Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels Favorite target: Ryan O'Hearn The Giants' biggest need is at first base after designating LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and replacing him with journeyman Dominic Smith. Their long-term solution at first base is top prospect Bryce Eldridge, but the 20-year-old was just promoted to Triple A and is not ready for the majors. Therefore, their targets for first base or DH will be limited to shorter-term solutions, though Eldridge should be ready either in September or sometime next season. O'Hearn, 31, is my favorite target for the Giants because he's been the Orioles' most consistent player, slashing .316/.397/.500 with nine homers, 24 RBIs and a 158 OPS+. An impending free agent, O'Hearn could be a perfect short-term solution as a bridge to Eldridge, or even a long-term solution as the future DH of the Giants if they decided to extend him. Biggest need: Left fielder Possible targets: Taylor Ward, Angels; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Kyle Stowers, Marlins, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Diamondbacks; Adolis García, Rangers Favorite target: Jarren Duran The Padres have been trying to mix and match in left field since Jurickson Profar departed in free agency to the Braves. They would like to find a longer-term solution. Enter Duran, who last season led the AL in doubles and triples while hitting 21 homers and stealing 34 bases. He got off to a slow start this year but is batting .271 with 18 doubles, seven triples, four homers and 13 steals. The Padres are again targeting Duran, league sources told The Athletic's Dennis Lin, which makes sense considering the Red Sox have his replacement, Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, ready to step in. However, Boston needs starting pitching help in return, and the Padres really don't have that to offer. They could dangle their top prospects, but I'm not sure Boston would bite on that type of offer for Duran, who is under team control through 2028. A more realistic trading partner for San Diego could end up being the Angels with Taylor Ward, who has 18 homers and 45 RBIs, but he doesn't get on base (.261 OBP) and profiles as an average type of player. Advertisement Biggest need: 'We just have to play' The Cardinals have been one of the biggest surprise teams in baseball and appear to be a legitimate postseason contender. And it's interesting how they've been getting the job done — with solid consistency in the starting rotation and lineup, from top to bottom. Outside of second baseman Brendan Donovan, they don't appear to have another All-Star on the team, and yet everyone seems to contribute just enough to win games. The Cardinals don't have any glaring needs, nor do they appear to have the financial resources or top prospects they'd want to trade to make a splash at the deadline. So, if nothing changes between now and then and they stay in the race, don't expect big moves from their front office. Instead, the Cardinals want their young major-league players to continue to develop, and could follow that path rather than look for reinforcements. For that reason, I did not list trade targets for them at this point. Biggest need: Bat on the left side of the infield Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Miguel Vargas, White Sox; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Josh Smith, Rangers Favorite target: Miguel Vargas On and off the field, the Brewers are missing Willy Adames, who departed in free agency to the Giants (although Adames has struggled mightily in San Francisco). They miss his offense the most and are looking to improve the left side of their infield, either shortstop or third base, with an offensive upgrade. Vargas could be an option because of his versatility; he could play either infield corner or left field. He is only 25 years old and won't be arbitration-eligible until 2027. Vargas has a 109 OPS+ with 15 doubles, nine home runs and 29 RBIs this season in 245 plate appearances. Biggest need: Third base Possible targets: Alec Bohm, Phillies; Eugenio Suárez, White Sox; Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays Favorite target: Eugenio Suárez Suárez began his major-league career with the Tigers in 2014, so it would only be fitting if he returned for the back end of his career to help the Tigers get to the World Series. He is batting .228 with a .303 on-base percentage but has produced 18 homers and 48 RBIs. An impending free agent, Suárez would help Detroit lengthen its lineup and supply more three-run homers. He has belted 30 or more homers in three of the past four seasons and is on pace to do it again this year. Advertisement Biggest need: Second or third base Possible targets: Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays; Luis Arraez, Padres; Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Ryan McMahon, Rockies Favorite target: Luis Arraez The Yankees would like an offensive upgrade for both DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza and can do so at either second or third base since Jazz Chisholm Jr. is willing to play either position. I like the fit with Donovan because he's a solid two-way player, but the Cardinals are not interested in moving him since they're in the race. I think Lowe would be a great fit with his left-handed power and the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, but I can't see the second-place Rays trading him to a division rival in the middle of a pennant race, and I'd say the same thing about Bichette and the Blue Jays. That might leave Arraez as the best realistic fit. Arraez is not a great defender, but he's won a batting title each of the past three years and would create extra traffic on the bases for New York's sluggers to drive home. I'm just not sure how the Yankees and Padres would fit as trade partners. Biggest need: Left-handed hitter Possible targets: Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Luis Arraez, Padres; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Josh Smith, Rangers Favorite target: Brandon Lowe The Astros could use another left-handed hitter in their lineup. Enter Lowe, who has a 110 OPS+ and 13 home runs this season. He could become the Astros' everyday second baseman, allowing Jose Altuve to spend all of his time in left field, which is where he should be playing at this stage of his career. Lowe's contract includes an $11.5 million team option for 2026, so the Astros could control him for two postseason runs. Tampa Bay always needs to get younger and is always open to trading players, like Lowe, when they near free agency. Biggest need: Catcher Possible targets: Hunter Goodman, Rockies; Keibert Ruiz, Nationals; Dalton Rushing, Dodgers; Gabriel Moreno, Diamondbacks; Agustín Ramirez, Marlins; Drake Baldwin, Braves; Sean Murphy, Braves; Samuel Basallo, Orioles; Ethan Salas, Padres Favorite target: Sean Murphy It seems like the Rays are always searching for their long-term solution at catcher but never seem to be able to acquire an impact player for the position, which could happen again this trade deadline. Their best target could be Braves veteran Sean Murphy, who is under team control through 2029. He makes $15 million per year, which should be affordable even for Tampa Bay. The Braves have 24-year-old Drake Baldwin, who should be their everyday catcher, and Atlanta could put the financial savings from dealing Murphy toward acquiring more starting pitching at the deadline. Perhaps the Rays could trade one of their starters for Murphy. He is above average in game-calling, framing, blocking, pop time and throwing, and he also ranks in the 79th percentile in barrel rate. Advertisement Biggest need: A starting pitcher Possible targets: Walker Buehler, Red Sox; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zach Eflin, Orioles; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Nick Martinez, Reds; Zack Littell, Rays Favorite target: Merrill Kelly Kelly has been one of the most underrated, consistent starting pitchers in baseball since 2022, when he went 13-8 with a 3.37 ERA over 33 starts. In 2023, he went 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA. Last year, he battled injuries but still posted a 4.03 ERA over 13 starts. This year, he's 6-2 with a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts and he's been healthy aside from some leg issues. He will be a free agent after this season, so it would be a rental for the Blue Jays. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, they could acquire a couple of mid-level prospects in exchange and then in the offseason look to re-sign Kelly, who prefers to finish his career with Arizona. Biggest need: Left-handed hitter Possible targets: Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins Favorite target: Kyle Stowers The Twins are searching for a left-handed hitter and their two best realistic options could end up being Stowers or Sánchez of the Marlins. Stowers is having a breakout season, slashing .280/.347/.479 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and a 127 OPS+. He can play either outfield corner and won't be arbitration-eligible until 2027. The prospect price would be costly, but might be worth it if the Twins can find the right match with Miami. Biggest need: Right field Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Taylor Ward; Angels; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Adolis García, Rangers, Jesús Sánchez, Marlins Favorite target: Jesús Sánchez The Guardians would love to pry Abreu from the Red Sox with the argument that he's blocking Anthony, the game's best prospect, but it appears Boston believes there is a scenario where there's room for both. Reynolds and García are probably too expensive for the Guardians, which might leave Sánchez as the best option. Sánchez, 27, is under team control through 2027 and is making only $4.5 million this year. He is slashing .262/.342/.402 with six doubles, five home runs and six steals over 46 games (187 plate appearances). Advertisement Biggest need: Corner outfielder Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Lawrence Butler, Athletics; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Taylor Ward, Angels; Adolis García, Rangers; Andy Pages, Dodgers; Heliot Ramos, Giants; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Jordan Walker, Cardinals; Austin Hays, Reds; Miguel Andujar, Athletics; Heston Kjerstad, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels Favorite target: Taylor Ward The Royals rank last in MLB in home runs and need to add power and length to their lineup. Ward would be a nice fit in left field. He is slashing just .209/.260/.482 but has 12 doubles, 18 homers and 45 RBIs. Combined with the recent promotion of top prospect Jac Caglianone, trading for another power bat could completely change the complexion of their lineup. As good as the Royals' starting pitching, bullpen, defense and offensive contact is, the right acquisition could be the final piece needed to get them back to the playoffs as a wild-card team. Biggest need: Corner infielder Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Alec Bohm, Phillies; Ben Rice, Yankees; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Coby Mayo, Orioles; Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals Favorite target: Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks The Mariners need a corner infield bat and Naylor would be the best trade target. His left-handed power would be a difference-maker in the middle of the Mariners' lineup and, as an impending free agent, would come with no long-term financial commitment. Naylor is slashing .290/.346/.457 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. Last season, he had 27 doubles, 31 home runs and 108 RBIs in helping lead the Guardians to the ALCS. And speaking of Diamondbacks, I also think a reunion with Suárez makes sense for Seattle. (Top image: Zac Gallen: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images; Jarren Duran: Brian Fluharty / Getty Images)
New York Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The Mets' bullpen is good. Here's why they should still add at the trade deadline
DENVER — The New York Mets kept any concerns over the depth of their bullpen to a minimum last week as they reeled off five wins over a seven-game road trip, arriving home with the National League's best record (42-24). They also returned with the second-best bullpen ERA in MLB (2.91), behind only the San Francisco Giants (2.32). Advertisement Still, potential issues lingered in the background of their success. Even if a keen eye was necessary to spot the reasons, the need for a trustworthy late-inning lefty and another even slightly above-average right-handed reliever appeared worth addressing ahead of the trade deadline. There were multiple instances during a four-game series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles where deploying a high-leverage left-hander made sense, if only the Mets had one, and if only A.J. Minter (lat) weren't out for the season. The scenario in the eighth inning of the Mets' 4-3 win in the second game of the series made sense for a lefty. With the Mets holding a one-run lead, Freddie Freeman (left-handed batter), Andy Pages and Max Muncy (left-handed batter) were due up. The Mets summoned Ryne Stanek, who pitched a scoreless inning. Another scenario made for a lefty occurred the next day. If he were healthy (or if they had someone similar), the Mets likely would've attempted to close the game with Minter instead of right-hander Huascar Brazoban, with Muncy set to lead off the ninth inning with the Dodgers trailing one run. Muncy ended up hitting a home run to tie the score, and Los Angeles won in 10 innings. In the seventh inning of that game, with Muncy and left-handed batter Michael Conforto among the batters due up, lefty Brandon Waddell, who entered the season as a depth starter, successfully filled a lane for a left-hander reliever when he recorded three outs without allowing a run. Sometimes the Mets get burned for not having a late-inning lefty, but most times, they do just fine. Since May, the Mets' right-handed relievers have faced 49 left-handed batters in high-leverage spots. In those situations, they have a 3.18 ERA. Among the 16 teams with righties who have faced at least 30 left-handed batters during that span and in that situation, the Mets' ERA is the fifth best. Despite those respectable results, against talented lineups with elite left-handed batters like the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets will likely need additional help. Those are the kinds of clubs the Mets would see come October. A potential problem for the Mets: The lefty reliever market looks weak, said multiple people with knowledge of who is available in trades. That is subject to change, though. Plenty of time remains before the July 31 deadline. The expectation is for the Mets to continue to monitor the situation. Advertisement Either way, lefty reliever Brooks Raley, whom the Mets signed just before Minter went down with an injury, looms as an important part of the puzzle. As of last week, Raley, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, was said to be feeling good while throwing live bullpen sessions. People close to the player suggest he could begin appearing in rehab games by the end of June. On the conservative side, Mets officials view him as a second-half contributor. In the meantime, the Mets will also likely keep an eye on the waiver wire and hope to work their magic with anyone they might scoop up. The latest success story is lefty José Castillo, whom the Mets acquired for cash on May 15 after the Arizona Diamondbacks had designated him for assignment. With Arizona, the 29-year-old, who is out of minor-league options, allowed eight runs on 10 hits over 6 1/3 innings. With New York, Castillo has allowed five hits and three walks with nine strikeouts in seven scoreless innings. Castillo and club officials attribute his success with the Mets to the club simplifying his approach (he is using just a slider and two-seam fastball) and making him feel like he belongs — not any kind of major makeover with his pitches. Ahead of acquiring him, the Mets did their homework on his personality and learned they first needed to instill confidence in him and lay out a plan. Castillo pitched well in 2018 as a rookie, but injuries have disrupted his career ever since, leaving him wondering if he belonged in the big leagues. 'When I was in Arizona, I put this immense amount of pressure on myself to try to get results with every pitch I threw,' Castillo said. 'When I got here, I spoke with (Mets manager Carlos Mendoza) and the pitching coaches, and all they did was say, 'Go out there and compete. Don't pitch with any pressure. Just play the game you've always played.' That's been the key for me.' In Castillo's view, his stuff isn't quite as sharp as it was seven years ago, but he's getting there. Whether he reaches that point in New York remains to be seen. He could evolve into a more important pitcher for the club. He could be gone in a week. He could also last as something in the middle. The point is, the Mets want to find out. Advertisement Given the way the Mets have identified and developed arms under president of baseball operations David Stearns and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, New York deserves the benefit of doubt when making pitcher acquisitions. On Monday, they optioned Waddell and replaced him with Justin Garza, a right-hander they recently acquired from the Giants in a cash deal. Ideally, the Mets would like to leave some room to give internal options a chance. It worked last year with Dedniel Nunez. Possible minor leaguers who have yet to debut in the majors and could help this season include Felipe De La Cruz (lefty), Ryan Lambert, Jonathan Pintaro, Dom Hamel and Dylan Ross, among others. It's important for teams to produce pitchers with club control, and that's especially true in the volatile, up-and-down world of bullpens where there's seemingly never enough quality depth. Given all that context, the Mets could still use another slightly above-average reliever, at least, regardless of handedness, to give them some additional cushion. Back-to-back lopsided wins inside a three-game sweep against the historically bad Colorado Rockies over the weekend enabled the Mets to ease up on the usage of their main set-up relievers. Recently, and particularly since Minter was lost for the season, such opportunities for the Mets were hard to come by. Without Minter, New York had leaned heavily on right-handers Brazoban, Stanek and Reed Garrett as bridge relievers to closer Edwin Díaz. During a stretch of just over two weeks starting May 21 and ending Friday, New York used or at least warmed each reliever on nearly an every-other-day basis. Within that span, Garrett (9 1/3 innings) and Brazoban (nine innings) were among just six relievers in MLB (excluding bulk or traditional multi-inning pitchers) to log at least nine innings. 'We have been using them pretty hard,' Mendoza said before Saturday's game. 'That's not sustainable. We have got to be careful here.' Advertisement Enter the Rockies (12-53), who obliged by losing in blowouts on Saturday and Sunday. Garrett did not pitch at all in the series. Stanek, Brazoban and Díaz logged an inning each on Friday. The Mets are off on Monday. In his second appearance since returning from the injured list, Paul Blackburn effectively piggybacked in relief of starter Tylor Megill on Sunday, covering four innings and saving the bullpen. The Mets went into Saturday or Sunday knowing they would utilize Blackburn in such a role on either of the days. Could the Mets use that route again? New York's recent increased usage of its setup relievers was the product of playing a bunch of close games; Mendoza otherwise has operated mostly judiciously. San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adams leads MLB with 33 appearances. Garrett (28 appearances) leads the Mets, followed by Diaz, Brazoban and Stanek (26 each). Jose Butto is next with 24. Behind All-Star-worthy seasons from Garrett and Díaz, the Mets' bullpen is demonstrating that it is good. The construction of the late-inning group charged with getting the ball to Díaz also indicates the Mets know what they're doing: Garrett was a waiver-wire pickup, and they bet on bouncebacks from Brazoban and Stanek in deadline deals last year. Based on their track record, the Mets may not have to part with much to effectively supplement the group. Nonetheless, a need is peeking out for additional quality. (Top photo of Reed Garrett: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Where does Brad Marchand rank among the all-time best trade deadline moves?
When Brad Marchand was traded from the Boston Bruins — with whom he had spent his entire NHL career — to the Florida Panthers on March 7, few could have predicted the veteran forward's impact. That's particularly true considering his age (36 at the time) and the fact that he was sidelined with an upper-body injury when the trade happened. But the 2011 Stanley Cup champion has been huge for the Panthers in the playoffs so far. Advertisement His goal 8:04 into double overtime in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final — his second of the night — which secured a 5-4 win for Florida and evened the series with the Edmonton Oilers at one game each, was the latest example. On the latest episode of 'The Athletic Hockey Show,' Mark Lazerus and Max Bultman debated whether Marchand is establishing himself as one of the greatest trade deadline acquisitions in NHL history. A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the 'The Athletic Hockey Show' feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Mark: I want to talk about Brad Marchand because our producer Chris, who's great and always comes up with good ideas for the show, threw this out there this morning and it almost made my head explode. I wanted to start banging my head against the wall. He asked, 'Is Brad Marchand the greatest trade deadline acquisition ever?' Recency bias drives me nuts in general. We were watching the French Open men's final this morning, and so many people were like, 'That's the greatest match I've ever seen.' It was amazing, don't get me wrong, but I've seen several Federer-Nadal matches that were better than that. I say that to say, let's remember that other people have existed in the 100-year history of the NHL. So tell me, is Brad Marchand the greatest trade deadline acquisition ever? Max: I don't know, because my Rolodex of trades doesn't go back that long. The pick was originally a second(-rounder), and it's now upgraded to a first because of how far they've gone. So that probably hurts the case a little bit, because that was one thing that was a big separator. Mark: Are we factoring in the cost as well? Max: I would, but maybe not. Don't you think we should? Mark: If they win the Cup, who cares? If they win the Stanley Cup, it doesn't matter what the cost is; it's worth it. Advertisement Max: Absolutely, but it's especially good if you do it for a second-round pick versus a first. The point is, it's among the best, and probably the better question, more so than Marchand specifically, would be, 'Is this the best deadline ever?' Because they also got Seth Jones, and he's been really good. The only thing I can go back to are some of the Tampa Bay trades. They got Brandon Hagel and Nick Paul in the same year; that was a fantastic deadline. They also had the year when they got Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow, which resulted in a couple of Stanley Cups. That's the one that jumps out, although I do like Marchand. Mark: They also had the one where they gave up 37 draft picks for Tanner Jeannot, too… Max: That one would not be so high on my list. Mark: But in all seriousness, when Chris sent that out, I had seven names immediately pop into my mind, and I went back and I looked at their numbers. Just three years ago, let's not forget what Artturi Lehkonen did for the Colorado Avalanche. He had eight goals in 20 games, I think it was around 14 or 15 points. Just clutch, clutch, clutch, repeatedly winning, and he had a couple of overtime winners in there. I go back to 2015 and the year I covered Antoine Vermette. He had three game-winning goals in the last two rounds, including two in the Stanley Cup Final — that's pretty good. The one I really came to was 2014 and the L.A. Kings. Marián Gáborík had 14 goals in that postseason in 26 games. Two years before that, with the Kings again, Jeff Carter had eight goals and five assists in 20 games. Go back to Marián Hossa. The Penguins didn't win in 2008, but Marián Hossa had 12 goals and 14 assists in 20 games for the Penguins that year. Now go back two years before that. Remember Dwayne Roloson? The Oilers didn't win either, but they picked up a goalie at the deadline. We never see that, and he had a .927 save percentage, taking the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final. Then I would go back to the year I was born, 1980. The quintessential and stereotypical trade-deadline glue-guy acquisition, Butch Goring, had 19 points in 21 games that year and was a huge part of four straight Stanley Cups. Advertisement So let's just dial it back on Brad Marchand is all I'm saying. He's a great player, and narrative-wise it might be the best one. Just because it's Brad Marchand, and he makes everything more interesting, more fun and more controversial. But come man, let's dial it back a little bit. Max: He's been at the center of a lot of this, partly because of the history, like you said. Looking back at the Leafs series, he's just been such a Leafs killer that there's been so much spotlight on him through all that. There's the great 'Dairy Queen' bit that Sportsnet has been doing that I do find very amusing, and obviously he had the huge goals in this game. Seven goals is pretty good, but when you put it statistically in the Gáborík context, that's a pretty hard one to beat. Mark: These were just off the top of my head, too. I'm sure I'm missing completely obvious ones from the gap in my own knowledge from the 1990s and the early 2000s. This was off the top of my head, and I'm not exactly Sean McIndoe here and I don't have this encyclopedic knowledge of hockey history. So let's just dial it back. Brad Marchand has been a fabulous trade-deadline acquisition. But I'm not even sure he's been the best one for Florida this year because Seth Jones has been their No. 1 defenseman. He's playing more minutes than Gustav Forsling and he's been a terrific fit. I know he had a turnover in the last game that led to a goal, but he also scored a great goal and he's been huge for the Florida Panthers in these playoffs. Max: That's why I say I would almost rather zoom out and say, 'Is this the best deadline ever?' But for it to be a discussion, they have to win. You can listen to full episodes of The Athletic Hockey Show for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (Top Photo: Michael Chisholm / NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
After landing the right free agents, Cubs will turn to more pitching at trade deadline
For fans of the Chicago Cubs, this roaring start to the season has brought another kind of scoreboard watching: Following the underperforming teams that entered the year with playoff expectations, to see which ones crater before the July 31 trade deadline. Have the Atlanta Braves hit 'rock bottom,' or would a deeper spiral put Chris Sale on the trade market? With Corbin Burnes needing Tommy John surgery, could the Arizona Diamondbacks get buried in the National League West and thereby make Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly available in trade negotiations? Will any front office in the American League East concede this year and reload for the future? Stay tuned. Advertisement Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer anticipates it will be a seller's market and recognizes that pitching will be his club's biggest need this summer. Identifying starting pitchers and formulating an individualized player plan also happen to be organizational strengths. Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, who have led the rotation while All-Star pitchers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele are on the injured list, represent two good examples of the Cubs Way. Tommy Hottovy, the longtime pitching coach who works closely with the front office to evaluate free agents and trade targets, has identified several traits the Cubs generally seek. Taillon and Boyd have command of multiple pitches, an ability to consistently throw strikes, a desire to improve and natural leadership qualities. When Taillon signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Cubs after the 2022 season, he added the sense of professionalism and expectations that he previously experienced with the New York Yankees. Always eager to talk ball and share information with teammates, Taillon is a great resource for young pitchers. As the Cubs finished with 83 wins and outside the playoffs in the last two seasons, Taillon became a voice of reason, expressing a mixture of disappointment, frustration and optimism. 'There's still a lot of season left, but this is the type of group that I envisioned,' Taillon said. 'This is what I envisioned us doing when I was here. You could feel it in that room. And I know it was probably annoying to hear us keep saying it: 'We know we're right on the verge of it.' And this year, you're just kind of feeling it all coming together.' The Cubs are 40-25 after Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, where the American League's best team handed rookie pitcher Cade Horton the first loss of his major-league career and won a three-game series that, for early June, had some playoff parallels. Advertisement To get through October, the Cubs know they will need more pitching. Horton, 23, came into this season with only 122 2/3 professional innings on his resume. Ben Brown has shown flashes of brilliance, matching up against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and winning at Dodger Stadium, yet at this point, he has a 5.37 ERA and a negative WAR. Colin Rea has been a positive contributor, though his greatest value probably comes as a swingman. Steele, meanwhile, is recovering from season-ending surgery on his left elbow. Javier Assad hasn't thrown a major-league pitch all year while dealing with an oblique injury. Imanaga, who has been sidelined with a strained left hamstring since May 4, is expected to return later this month. In the interim, the Cubs will continue to lean on Taillon (6-3, 3.54 ERA) and Boyd (5-3, 3.01 ERA). Together, they have accounted for 145 innings and 17 of the club's 26 quality starts. Their know-how and attention to detail are also part of the team's identity and culture of preparation. 'To get to where you want to be,' Boyd said, 'you have to approach each day like it's the only thing that matters.' One year ago, Boyd was coming back from Tommy John surgery, throwing in a showcase setting and trying to get traction on a major-league deal. The Cleveland Guardians shrewdly signed Boyd, who wound up starting three playoff games last October. When the Cubs invested in a lefty who has good stuff and a great reputation as a clubhouse influence, they anticipated the rising cost of pitching and finalized a two-year, $29 million contract before the Winter Meetings. As good as Boyd, 34, has been for the Cubs, his last full major-league season came in 2019, a data point that can't be ignored as Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins explore their pitching options over the next seven-plus weeks. Advertisement 'I don't know what tomorrow holds, right?' Boyd said. 'I just know what I'm going to do when the ball is in my hand. That's the (way) it was (last May and June) when I didn't have a team and I was throwing in front of teams. I don't know what's going to happen in September. I don't know what's going to happen in August or July or tomorrow, for that matter. 'But when the ball is in my hand, I know what I'm going to do. I know what I'm commanded to do. I'll do that day after day. Whatever comes tomorrow, we'll deal with it.' Given how the Cubs have successfully incorporated Boyd and Taillon — even Imanaga was largely overlooked and undervalued by the rest of the baseball industry when coming out of Japan — it wouldn't be surprising if their pitching infrastructure has some ideas about how to get Sandy Alcantara back on track. Alcantara, a one-time Cy Young Award winner, has a 7.89 ERA through 12 starts after Tommy John surgery with the Miami Marlins. No matter how the Cubs bulk up their pitching staff at the trade deadline, they will keep emphasizing the importance of getting strike one and putting pressure on the opponent. Cubs manager Craig Counsell will continue searching for different ways to get 27 outs, using openers, leveraging the best bullpen arms and relying on a solid game-planning system. Cubs pitchers can also attack hitters, knowing Gold Glove-caliber defenders are positioned all over the field. All those elements aren't entirely new, and reinforcements will be needed, but certain parts of the Cubs' blueprint are being accentuated. 'We had a great core in place,' Taillon said. 'We've added to it really well, and we've played really well, but there's a lot of year left. I think we've still got a lot of great baseball ahead of us.' (Top photo of Jameson Taillon during Saturday's win: Duane Burleson / Getty Images)
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Cubs to 'Aggressively' Pursue Starting Pitching and Bullpen at Trade Deadline
Cubs to 'Aggressively' Pursue Starting Pitching and Bullpen at Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After a strong start to the 2025 season, the Chicago Cubs are sitting atop the National League Central. The reason for such early-season success has been the incredible offense the Cubs have put together. But, there is still a need to improve the pitching staff, both in the rotation and the bullpen. Advertisement According to a new report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline. Nighengale writes, "The Cubs are seeking a front-line starter and relievers," as the teams trade targets. With Justin Steele done for the year, Javier Assad dealing with a setback in his recovery, and Shota Imanaga also banged up, the Cubs have a clear need in the starting rotation. There may not be a lot of options on the table at starting pitcher, but the Cubs have the Minor League prospects to beat out the competition for a top-of-the-line starter available on the market. Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) looks on after throwing a pitch against the Athletics during the second inning at Sutter Health Szczepanski-Imagn Images After Corbin Burnes suffered a season-ending injury, the Arizona Diamondbacks could move Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline. If the Boston Red Sox fall out of it, they could move Walker Buehler. There will be options available, but the Cubs will have competition for those arms. Advertisement The same goes for the Cubs' desire to aggressively pursue bullpen help. This comes after the Cubs' bullpen had the best ERA in baseball among bullpens in May, with an impressive 2.37 ERA. Even more impressive, the Cubs' bullpen since April 19th has been the best in baseball, allowing the lowest ERA (2.46), the fewest home runs allowed (7), the lowest batting average (.191), and the lowest WHIP (1.04). Despite the Cubs' bullpen putting together such a strong stretch, there is still concern over the long-term viability of the bullpen. Adding an arm, especially a top-end talent like Mason Miller or Pete Fairbanks, would elevate the Cubs' bullpen ever further. After a great start to the year, the Cubs are expected to be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline. With a stacked offense, the Cubs will look to improve their bullpen and add one of the top starting pitchers available on the market. Advertisement Related: Trade Proposal Would Send Sandy Alcantara to the Cubs for Two Prospects Related: Chicago Cubs Get Bad News on Paul Skenes Trade After Latest Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
