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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
White Sox should move dominant starter Adrian Houser at trade deadline
The Chicago White Sox may not be having a good season, but they aren't as bad as they were last year or nearly as bad as the Colorado Rockies this season. At 31-62, the White Sox need to focus on the future and acquire as many assets as possible for veteran players. Centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. has been in trade rumors for years at this point, but Robert hasn't been the same player he was in 2023. Robert is as talented as they get, but he has just eight home runs and 32 RBI while slashing .185/.272/.311 in 75 games this season. The best veteran asset on the White Sox may be right-hander Adrian Houser. Houser, 32, has had a phenomenal season since signing with Chicago on May 20. In his first start against the Seattle Mariners, Houser pitched six shutout innings in a 1-0 win. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Through nine starts, Houser is 5-2 with a 1.56 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He has three straight winning decisions against the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and Toronto Blue Jays. Houser went seven innings allowing just one run on seven hits and two walks against Toronto on Wednesday. With the trade deadline just three weeks away, former Major League Baseball executive and current writer for The Athletic Jim Bowden answered 25 trade deadline questions, including one about a return for Houser. 'The return in a Houser trade would likely be two mid-level prospects with some risk and possible reward,' wrote Bowden. Two mid-level prospects don't sound like a lot, but it could be and the White Sox would be cashing in on a guy who hasn't been good in three years. More MLB:
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tigers trade pitch replaces Jackson Jobe with $77 million ace
The Detroit Tigers realistically have a sound enough farm system to make any trade around the deadline. Heading into the July 31 trade deadline, the Tigers should feel confident in improving their roster if the ownership and front office are willing to take on bigger contracts. Advertisement Ultimately, the Tigers could find a way to be creative and land cheaper talent, but if they have the chance to add a star who is on a big deal, they should consider it. When proposing ideas for the top trade candidates on the market, Sportsnaut proposed one to land Mitch Keller, who is on a five-year, $77 million deal. 'Starting pitching hasn't always been an area of need for the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, Jackson Jobe underwent Tommy John surgery in June, and Jack Flaherty's ERA sits at 5.40 over his last 14 starts. Given this club's aspirations and the fact that Jobe will miss most of next season, it might be wise to acquire another long-term starter. The Tigers absolutely have the depth and talent in their farm system to pull off a trade for Keller. If they are willing, Detroit could even expand the deal to include Pittsburgh's All-Star closer, David Bednar,' they wrote. MORE: Tigers urged to add starting pitching help after terrible Mariners series Keller was an All-Star during the 2023 campaign, a year in which he posted a 4.21 ERA. During this season, he's arguably been better than ever with his 3.58 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 119.0 innings. His strikeout numbers aren't ideal, which is worrisome, but if he could be used as a third or fourth arm in the Tigers' rotation, they'd be in a good spot come October.
New York Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
The 6 MLB front office executives under the most pressure this trade deadline
MLB front offices have only nine days left until the trade deadline and the pressure is mounting on every team, from the buyers to the sellers to the clubs that are in between. Contending teams are trying to find ways to improve their rosters for the pennant race and the postseason through trades. They're also trying to add organizational depth to protect against unexpected injuries the rest of the way, since MLB changed the rules six years ago to eradicate trades via waivers in August. Advertisement It's another tricky trade marketplace for executives to navigate due to the dearth of sellers and a playoff picture with only eight teams — the Orioles, Athletics, White Sox, Marlins, Braves, Nationals, Pirates and Rockies — more than six games out of a wild-card race. Life as a general manager or president of baseball operations at the trade deadline is an intense time, and every front office — regardless of market, track record or place in the standings — is under the microscope to some degree. But certain front offices, from clear sellers to aggressive buyers, face more pressure to deliver difference-making deals than ever before. Here are the front offices and executives under the most pressure to make significant moves this trade season. No executive is under more pressure at this trade deadline than Elias, with many in the business believing his job could be in jeopardy. He has been one of the best in the industry in terms of amateur draft selections, from his days rebuilding the Astros to his tenure with the Orioles (November 2018 to present), including this year's draft, with many analysts believing the Orioles 'won' the 2025 MLB Draft. However, in Baltimore, he hasn't yet turned his strong drafting track record into a World Series-caliber major-league team, though the Orioles did win 100 games in 2023 and make the postseason the past two years. This season, anything that could go wrong has gone wrong, and now Baltimore must sell at the deadline and prepare for next year. The good news for the Orioles is they're in a strong position to take advantage of their misfortune and a thin trade market. If the Diamondbacks don't become sellers at the trade deadline, the Orioles will be the headliner among selling teams, with the most talented players to offer. Elias appeared on my MLB Network Radio show on Sunday, and he made it clear that players on expiring contracts will be at the top of their list to move, but he didn't rule out trading other players and is in the process of doing his due diligence. With the trade deadline looming, it seems like phones are ringing in the Warehouse ☎️ @Orioles | #Birdland 🔗 — MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) July 20, 2025 If the Orioles can make strong deadline deals, it could go a long way toward establishing them as legitimate contenders in 2025, once their pitchers get healthy and their young position players start to play at higher level, which many of them can do. So, let's look at what the Orioles have to offer in deals: It starts with position players like DH Ryan O'Hearn and center fielder Cedric Mullins and includes veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton and relievers such as Gregory Soto and Seranthony Domínguez. All of them are impending free agents. The Orioles could also consider deals for players like closer Félix Bautista (under team control through 2027) and outfielder Ramón Laureano (2026 club option) as well. Advertisement A strong deadline could save Elias' job. A lackluster one could result in the Orioles bringing in someone new to the front office to work under Elias or maybe even showing him the door. I believe he'll get the job done. Cherington has had nearly six years to rebuild the Pirates, and although he's assembled a competitive pitching staff, he hasn't built an everyday lineup that's good enough to compete. He is under a lot of pressure to make deals at this trade deadline to improve their offense in all phases. The good news for Cherington is he has plenty of pitchers he can dangle, including starters Mitch Keller and Andrew Heaney and relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana. If the Pirates trade Keller (signed through 2028), they could promote top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, who is at Triple A, and they will be getting back another bright young starter, Jared Jones, sometime next year, after he has recovered from the elbow surgery he underwent in May. If Cherington can make trades in the coming days that turn the above-mentioned four veteran pitchers into eight hitting prospects who are close to the big leagues, it could go a long way toward keeping him in Pittsburgh a few more years. If not, he could be unemployed come October. Hoyer and his GM, Carter Hawkins, are signed through the 2025 season, and both deserve contract extensions for the great job they've done in hiring manager Craig Counsell and rebuilding the Cubs' roster into a legitimate World Series contender. They've also excelled in building a strong farm system. However, if ownership hasn't extended their contracts by now, there's pressure on both to keep adding at the deadline to get this team over the top. Chicago is in a fierce race in the NL Central with the Brewers, who have won 11 in a row to overtake the Cubs atop the division. Milwaukee looks formidable, especially with the addition of hard-throwing rookie Jacob Misorowski and veteran Brandon Woodruff off the injured list. Advertisement The Cubs need to be active at the deadline. They're focused on acquiring a starting pitcher and an upgrade at third base as well as bullpen and bench reinforcements. They have a stocked system to trade from, led by outfield prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara. After two straight seasons in which they went 83-79, the Cubs are in a much stronger position this year, but Hoyer and company need to deliver at this deadline. Hired in November 2020, Minasian has had nearly five years to build the Angels into a contender, but hasn't been able to do it, and needs to start showing progress. He has put together a strong young core of position players, led by shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O'Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and outfielder Jo Adell. However, on the pitching side of the equation, the Angels haven't improved during his tenure; this year, their major-league staff ranks 26th in ERA and 29th in WHIP. In addition, Minasian has needed to do a lot of patchwork-type transactions because the farm system just hasn't produced. Minasian is signed through the 2026 season, but even with a year and a half left on his contract, there is no guarantee he'll be allowed to finish what is his second deal with the club. (He signed a two-year extension through 2026 in August 2024.) This trade deadline is important for Minasian and the Angels regardless of what direction they decide to go: trying to buy and win now or (what I would do) looking to sell so they're stronger in the future. It might not even be his call, as Angels owner Arte Moreno could dictate the decision, but either way, the key goal Minasian must have is to improve their overall pitching in the short- and long-term at every level. The Mariners' window to win a World Series won't stay open forever and the club must take advantage of its strong starting pitching and the MVP season of catcher Cal Raleigh. Seattle fans have been frustrated with the organization's lack of impact moves in the past, and that will only mount if it doesn't do enough to upgrade at the trade deadline. Seattle is perhaps just one impact bat and one reliever away from having a legitimate chance to win the first World Series in franchise history. Ownership is willing to increase the payroll to make a big trade or two happen and Dipoto is willing to trade from the club's top-ranked farm system, which is loaded with trade bait. Advertisement There can be no excuses this year. The Mariners must add those missing pieces and give themselves their best chance of winning it all since Lou Piniella managed the club to a 116-win season in 2001. O'Hearn of the Orioles, Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks, Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, and Kyle Stowers of the Marlins are among the big bat targets that make sense, and there are a number of available relievers who could fit the bill for Seattle. The Mariners have everything at their disposal to make trades, but the pressure is on to get deals over the line and this front office has to operate with urgency. DeBartolo, whom the Nationals hired as interim GM earlier this month after firing president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, has a relatively rare opportunity in this role to keep the job longer term, but that's likely only going to happen if he has a solid trade deadline. In the offseason, the Nationals are expected to hire a new president to oversee both baseball and business operations, but that doesn't mean DeBartolo couldn't remain as the GM. He is not expected to trade any of the club's young core players in the coming days, instead probably trading around the edges of the roster, including the bullpen and bench, to pick up prospects. However, he could make a big impression if he goes outside the box and can land a haul for one of the core players not named James Wood or MacKenzie Gore. It might make a lot of sense for the organization, if the right deal presents itself, and at the same time improve his chances of staying in the GM role long term. However, if DeBartolo's trade deadline is a dud, it could mean he never gets another opportunity in the big chair. As a former GM, I'm rooting for him to be creative and make a name for himself by going big and bold at the deadline and helping expedite the Nationals' turnaround. (Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic. Photos: Mike Elias: Diamond Images via Getty Images; Jed Hoyer: Michael Reaves / Getty Images; Ben Cherington: Mike Carlson / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB insider identifies Red Sox biggest needs ahead of trade deadline
The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have some things in common — especially when it comes to the MLB trade deadline. Prior to Saturday's game between the two teams, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal identified Boston's three biggest needs at the deadline. Coincidentally, Chicago is also in the market for the same type of players. 'Both also are looking for the same thing: A starting pitcher good enough to take the ball in a postseason series,' Rosenthal said. 'The problem is very few of those pitchers are likely to be available, and these teams have other needs as well. Both are looking for a corner infielder — the Red Sox a first baseman and the Cubs a third baseman. And both, like all contenders, are also likely to explore bullpen help.' The Cubs are atop the National League Central standings, while the Red Sox sit third in the American League East. While Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito appear to be finding a groove, starting pitchers not named Garrett Crochet haven't been consistent. First base has also been an area of need for months for the Red Sox after Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon. Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have filled in since then, but getting a solidified first baseman would certainly benefit the Red Sox. The bullpen has been up-and-down all season. And with Tanner Houck remaining on the injured list after his rehab assignment, pitching became an even bigger need for Boston. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been adamant about using the trade deadline to bolster the Red Sox. And with the team in the mix for a Wild Card spot, it will be interesting to see how the needs are met. More Red Sox coverage How Red Sox star Alex Bregman's 'training day' ended in big pinch-hit homer Red Sox lose out on veteran free agent reliever Craig Breslow scouted over weekend (report) Failed bunt led to Boston Red Sox' first lead after 24 innings; 'Big moment' Red Sox CBO pulls back curtain on trade deadline plans Red Sox pitcher 'with nearly unhittable fastball' cracks MLB's Top 100 prospects Read the original article on MassLive.
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
What I'm hearing on Mets trade deadline: How others expect New York to fill pitching needs
With approximately a week and a half left before the MLB trade deadline, rival evaluators say they admire the New York Mets' farm system, noting its improvement, quality and depth. It is deep in terms of sought-after pitchers and up-the-middle position players. What the industry is eager to learn: How much are the Mets willing to subtract from it in order to address major-league needs? Advertisement Beyond their farm system, the Mets are willing to deal from their major-league infield depth, league sources said. They have four young infielders in Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña all vying for playing time at third base and second base when Jeff McNeil plays center field. With limited opportunities — obviously stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso are locked into shortstop and first base, respectively — it would only make sense for the Mets to have conversations with other clubs about their younger infielders if it means helping them elsewhere. The Mets' main priority is supplementing their bullpen. They need multiple relievers. Their preference is to find help through trades. If New York somehow does not find a deal to its liking that meaningfully improves its bullpen, the Mets are open to using top starting pitcher prospects Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell in shorter roles in the majors, people briefed on their plans said. The Mets don't appear to be committing to such a decision, but it is among the possibilities. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns used a similar strategy in the past. While with the Milwaukee Brewers, he broke in future top starters Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta as relievers for teams in playoff hunts. However, there is more risk in going such a route compared to acquiring a proven reliever. Industry sources expect the bullpen market to feature many options. The level of quality at the top remains unclear. Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, who isn't a free agent until after the 2026 season, is available. It is still up in the air as to whether other closers under club control such as the Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase, the Athletics' Mason Miller, the Minnesota Twins' Jhoan Duran and the Baltimore Orioles' Félix Bautista join Bednar on the market. Such impactful relievers are also relatively affordable, meaning the cost for teams interested in acquiring them is high. Teams with such closers are looking to land a top prospect in return. Buyers know they are going to pay a premium at this time of year. For teams like the Mets, the challenge is parting with something good but not too good; no team wants to surrender a future All-Star for a reliever. In previous years, Stearns has not acquired such a reliever at the trade deadline. While with Milwaukee, he largely didn't have to — the Brewers were typically strong in the backend of bullpens — and worked under a much tighter financial budget. Last year, his first with the Mets, he acquired relievers who were either undervalued because of performance or salary (Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton) and/or represented upside with club control (Huascar Brazoban). Advertisement But unlike Stearns' Brewers teams, the Mets do not feature multiple elite backend relievers. The Mets have just one: Edwin Díaz. Thus, the need is greater than in the past, which, in theory, means there should be more openness. At this juncture, it is unlikely that the Mets add to their starting rotation solely for depth purposes, people briefed on their plans said. In other words, even if an injury pops up, it is unlikely that the Mets would jump into the market for a back-of-the-rotation starter. Sproat and McLean are among the reasons why the Mets feel good about their depth. It is tough for the Mets to acquire a mid-rotation starter given their current alignment of Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas. None of them has pitched poorly enough to warrant a demotion to the bullpen. If the Mets end up trading for a starter, it would have to be someone who represents a major upgrade — an ace-level pitcher all but guaranteed to start a playoff game. Such a player may not exist on the market. The upside of the Mets' rotation relies on Senga and Manaea staying healthy. With both pitchers, the ability to remain healthy is a valid concern. At least six innings have been completed by a Mets starting pitcher just five times over their last 35 games, and Peterson is responsible for all five occurrences. Senga and Manaea returned recently from respective stints on the injured list. Neither is built up yet to provide consistent length. The Mets expect that to change. (Photo of Mets reliever Ryne Stanek: Ishika Samant / Getty Images)
