2022 MLB Trade Deadline

It’s that time of year– the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Our very own Ray Flowers is on the case this deadline day, as he will update every deal that comes down as teams attempt to prepare their rosters for the stretch run to the playoffs. Ray will touch on every relevant deal throughout the day, and he will also hit on the rumors that you need to know about through the day. Bookmark this page as Ray will be updating the piece all the way up to the deadline, every time some bit of information pops.

+++ All times PST. The deadline is 3 PM PST (6 PM EST), August 2nd.

Whit Merrifield, as I’ve noted for two months now, has basically been Whit Merrifield. His July includes a .284/.341/.506 slash line with three homers, four steals and 15 runs over 21 games. He’s not a difference maker anymore, but he’s really solid, plays daily, and now he must get vaxxed to play (talk about a sell-out). Now, the question… where does he play? Does Santiago Espinal move into a super sub role? Is George Springer out for a while and Merrifield will play in the outfield? Is Craig Biggio done in Toronto? They cannot have added Merrifield without the intent to play him daily, could they have?

Raisel Iglesias has at least 28 saves each of the last four seasons and he’s 16-for-19 this season. His 33 percent K-rate is actually a three year low but he’s still working on a 5.33 K/BB ratio as he hardly walks anyone helping him to a 1.07 WHIP which would be a three year high. He’s under control through 2025 and he just lost nearly all his fantasy value as he will slide in as a setup man. Goodness. Great move for the Braves… horrible from a fantasy perspective. I will hit up on the Angels tomm., but there is no clarity in LA.

Davidson is a great get for the Angels, a future mid-rotation starter for a team that needs to be looking to the future. We could see him in the second half this season, and in fact, he could take the rotation spot vacated by Noah Syndergaard.

HOLY CRAP… this one is insane…

Givens is a nice add. He has closed at times, but he will obviously serve as a setup man with the Mets. He can dominate with a 30 percent K-rate, but that 11 percent walk rate is rough. Decent bullpen arm add though.

This one is a shocker. Luis Severino is out until mid-September, Nestor Cortes has gotta be a worry with workload, but Montgomery is still a tough loss, especially with some worries with Jameson Taillon and his workload. Montgomery profiles as a strong option in St. Louis – strong. His outlook improves with the ballpark change. About the only piece of his game that hasn’t been there this season has been the strikeout, but the numbers beyond the actual K-rate suggest that could turn around.

Bader has plantar fasciitis right now, so this is a risk. If healthy he brings a great glove, and he has decent power and of course speed, but is he healthy? Will he get healthy? Dealing a starting pitcher for an injured outfielder… interesting and not ideal in my mind. Aaron Hicks heads to the bench when/if Bader is back.

This one is ironic, given that White was recently compared to Ross Stripling, who is now his teammate.

Noah Syndergaard has been solid, but not the Noah of old, and he is a free agent after the year. His 45 percent ground ball rate is down three percent from his career mark, while his velocity is down four mph from his peak. That explains how his K-rate has dropped from 26 percent to 198 percent this season. He’s below league average in punchouts at this point, and it is unclear if he will need extra time off down the stretch given that he threw 10 innings the last two years.

Moniak could get a shot in center field since the Angels dealt Brandon Marsh earlier today (can Mike Trout handle that spot anymore?). Moniak, a former elite prospect, has taken about four years to find his game, but he has enacted some swing changes and has improved his offensive outlook the past year. Still, he’s not a very exciting fantasy option.

2:47 PM: Hello McFly? Blue Jays… Dodgers… White Sox…

Michael Fulmer has had a nice season with a couple of saves and 18 holds along with a K per inning. However, the walk rate of 12 percent is a career worst, he’s a free agent after the year, and he’s allowed nine runs (seven earned) over his last 7.1 innings. He’s a solid depth addition, nothing more. He will set up for Jorge Lopez, and both could come on in relief after Tyler Mahle.

2:40 PM: Twenty minutes… though deals will come in after that time, so it’s not a hard out.

2:35 PM: Jon Heyman reporting that Pablo Lopez is on the Yankees radar. Mark Feinsand says the Dodgers are out.

2:34 PM: Eyes losing focus. Fingers still work. Brain still sharp.

Phillips has power, can run, plays strong defense and is a great glue guy. His hit tool is also in the shitter. Yep, I said it.

If only it would stop, but it don’t seem like it will.

2:28 PM: Thirty-two minutes…

Here’s a Dodgers power move…

They didn’t need Lamb with the addition of Gallo.

2:24 PM: Nothing but crickets from the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets today.

2:20 PM: Just got news that the Nationals are sending C.J. Abrams to Triple-A. The Nats dealt Juan Soto today and all they have to show for it – as of now – on the big league roster is… Luke Voit.

2:11 PM: Yet they signed Daniel Bard to a 2-year extension…

2:10 PM: The Dodgers could be looking to add Pablo Lopez.

2:09 PM: Willson Contreras market… doesn’t seem to include Mets according to Jon Heyman.

2:08 PM: I wussed out. Cup of Joe.

Stryffeler is 26 years old and has no innings above Double-A. Has massive K numbers, his career K-rate is like 39 percent, but he’s also walked 55 batters his last 78.2 innings. Yikes.

Casali out sure seems to suggest that Joey Bart will get all the work he can handle down the stretch to determine if he is indeed the Giants catcher of the future. In Seattle, Casali will settle in as a backup and likely to just fine.

Boyd rounding into form? He will pitch out of the bullpen.

A bit ago, Guardians said they were done. Oh well to that.

1:40 PM: Got a vote for a second energy drink in discord. Maybe a cup of coffee instead? Decisions.

Brandon Drury has had a career best season – and he will be looking to make some cash next season as a result when he becomes a free agent. He’s rocking a .855 OPS, a .246 ISO and has a mere 22 percent K-rate. He’s been effective against righties with a .793 OPS, but he has destroyed lefties (1.016). He’s also benefitted greatly from hitting in Cincy (.915 OPS, .392 wOBA). He loses value in SD as he may not find his way into the lineup as often as he did with Reds (especially when Tatis is back), though with Hosmer/Voit gone, he should play most days at least for now.

Acosta was a top-10 Padres prospect. The 18 year old is years away, but he has a lot of tools, with ample development needed. He can take a walk and can swipe a base, but his bat may never be better than average.

1:27 PM: I’m still utterly confused why Nationals GM Rizzo was doing a media interview session with two hours left before the deadline. Look I get it, they dealt the face of the franchise, but really?

1:23 PM: Hitting a bit of a lull. Can’t hit a second energy drink up, can I?

1:18 PM: Sounds like the Guardians don’t plan on making any moves.

1:17 PM: No Willson Contreras in the lineup, but there is Ian Happ.

1:10 PM: Why is Mike Rizzo doing a press conference right now about the Juan Soto trade. There are still TWO HOURS left before the deadline. I wouldn’t want my GM doing a press conference when there are still two hours left, would you? Bizarre.

Tyler Mahle has been a workhorse for a couple of years, and though he started slowly this season, his last nine starts he’s been on his game: 2.83 ERA (3.61 xFIP), 1.05 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 with a 4.00 K/BB ratio. He’s not a star, but he is a solid innings eater who produces punchouts and getting out of Cincy is a huge boost to his outlook – substantially (he has a 5.02 ERA and 1.40 WHIP at home in his career). Mahle is now a solid 4^th SP in fantasy – if he can stay healthy.

According to Baseball America, here are the rankings of the prospects while with the Twins organization: Steer 4^th, Hajjar 111^th, Encarnacion-Strand 14^th.

Ruf had a .900 OPS the last two years but the rate is way down this year at .701. He’s still hit lefties though with a .886 OPS and .270 ISO there and that plays in a platoon role. He’s been hot too.

Davis doesn’t really have a strong defensive position, but he can hit. He doesn’t have the power of Ruf, but he might be deemed a better overall hitter. The Giants love to platoon guys and you would have to think they do that with Davis, even though he’s struggled with lefties this season which is rare for him.

David Robertson has been great this season (14 saves, 2.23 ERA, 1.04 WHIP), and that isn’t something we can say about him unless we go way back to 2018. His walk rate is elevated at 11.5 percent, he’s 37 years old, and he threw all of 24.2 innings the last three years. How much does he have left in the tank long-term? A great signing for the Phillies, but a blah outlook in the fantasy game as a result. He won’t be given the closers gig, will he? Guess it is possible, though I’m deeming it unlikely at the moment. Same time, this club has been searching for a full-time closer for a couple years now, so perhaps I’m wrong. He will be in the mix, but we need team comment before we can say he is The Closer.

This note came an hour after those comments.

Brown, a 33 round pick in 2017, is a 21 year old who has yet to throw a pitch above Single-A. He has 105 punchouts in 73 innings at High-A ball this season.

Marsh is just 24 years old, and barely removed from being thought of as an outfielder the Angels would lean on for a decade. This trade seems odd – extremely odd. Young, controlable, talented… but now gone. What are the Angels doing? Through 163 career games he’s been acceptable at .239-16-56-61-14, but his 36 percent K-rate is scary bad and it means hitting even .250 would be a stretch at the moment. Still, he’s plays solid defense and is an upgrade on what the Phillies were doing at CF before his arrival.

O’Hoope has a solid 0.75 BB/K ratio this season with a .877 OPS as he’s gone deep 15 times with six steals at Double-A. He isn’t a great athlete, but he has a solid hit tool with above average power, certainly enough to hit 20 homers at the big league level. His defense is a plus as well, so he should stick at catcher as an every day player and a potential fantasy force.

As for the Angels, this would seem to signify that Jo Adell won’t be dealt, and he’s gonna get a shot, struggles and all. He can’t play center field, absolutely no shot, and it is unclear what the plan for the Angels in center field now is? Is it really gonna be the speedy Magneuris Sierra? Can Mike Trout handle the role?

12:40 PM: George Springer (elbow) is out of the starting lineup for the third time in four days. If he’s going to need some time, do the Jays just roll out Raimel Tapia as their starter and make a minor deal, or do the make a bit of a bigger pickup just in case?

12:37 PM: Luke Voit has actually replaced Eric Hosmer in the deal between the Padres and Nationals. Voit will take over at first base for the Nationals. Voit has a moderate .733 OPS this season with an increased 32 percent K-rate. He hasn’t hit lefties at all with a .541 OPS, but he’s been usable against righties with a .812 mark. This would seem to lesson the need to deal Wil Myers as well.

12:34: The carnitas burrito is hitting the spot.

12:32 PM: The Phillies are interested in Brandon Marsh.

12:27 PM: Why not… it is baseball news.

12:22 PM: The Rodon contract situation is muddying the waters.

12:20 PM: Jon Heyman said the Yankees checked in on Carlos Rodon, but he called it a “long shot.” Said that he has been linked to the Phillies and Twins.

12:19 PM : The Pirates have been quiet. Will that change?

12:18 PM: Jon Heyman reporting Jays and Angels are talking Iglesias/Syndergaard.

12:16 PM: Martin Perez has been a wonder in the fantasy game this season. Will the Rangers look to deal that today at a high point, or are they convinced they can extend him at a reasonable rate given his excellent season?

12:12 PM: Willson Contreras, Tyler Mahle, Pablo Lopez, Carlos Rodon, Noah Syndergaard, Raisel Iglesias, Whit Merrifield some of the big names still on the ledger as potentials to be dealt.

12:04: I love this day each year.

12:02: Just got an email. My dentist is now taking Express Online pay.

12:00 PM: Officially three hours to go. Last year though, there were a bunch of deals announced after the deadline, so don’t go shutting things down at the deadline itself cause deals will likely to trickle in after the clock hits 6 PM EST.

11:51 AM: Dog sleeping on the floor. Kitten nowhere to be seen. Burrito forthcoming.

11:45 AM: Still lots of guys to be moved… right? This has been a pretty impressive 24 hours already, hasn’t it been?

Joey Gallo has a pathetic .621 OPS with an insane 39 percent K-rate. Still, the guy posted a mark of .808 last season (career .801) with 38 homers. In fact, in each of the three seasons of his career where he’s had 425 at-bats, he’s gone 35-75-80. Is he really the new Chris Davis – and he’s just forgotten how to hit? Still athletic, and not even 29 years of age, I’m thinking he’s got a whole lot more to give. Where does he play once Chris Taylor is back? He can of course play OF, first base or DH, but the Dodgers seemingly have too many guys, so perhaps Gallo is the strong side of a platoon? I know average isn’t all that anymore, but are the Dodgers really going with three guys – Gallo/Bellinger/Muncy – who might struggle to hit a combined .200? Boy has baseball changed the last decade.

Beeter was the 12^th best Dodgers prospect coming into the year. He’s gone out and posted an insane 37 percent K-rate in 23 outings at Double-A, He’s also got a walk over about 13 percent as he’s searching for something off-speed. Though starting, many outlets think he profiles better in the bullpen.

Hosmer finds his home. Hosmer has a .730 OPS since the start of last season and he gives professional at-bats, but he’s a very blah offensive option who should only be interesting in AL-only formats. It isn’t clear what the Sox are doing – buyers or sellers here – and it seems odd they would block Casas, and even Dalbec, with Hosmer, so might one or both be dealt today? By the way, Casas/Hosmer have some history.

Groome was a first round pick way back in 2016. He’s had issues staying healthy, controlling the zone and working deep into outings. Still not even 24 years of age, though he has just 16 innings above Double-A ball.

11:26 AM: Reports suggesting that Eric Hosmer could be headed to the Red Sox. Not really sure what the plan is in Boston. Guess they don’t believe in Casas/Dalbec anymore?

11:20 AM: There are rumblings that Joey Gallo might be dealt to the Dodgers. I know average isn’t all that anymore, but are the Dodgers really going with three guys – Gallo/Bellinger/Muncy – who might struggle to hit a combined .200? Boy has baseball changed the last decade.

11:07 AM: Soto/Bell is a huge get for the Padres, but they gave up a ton. Think about it. Three years from now the centerpieces of the Nationals team could be Abrams/Hassell/Wood/Gore… with Soto singing a long-term extension with a team other than the Padres. The Padres won today. Will we still think the same way in 3+ years? If the Padres don’t sign him long-term, do they deal Soto 24 months from now to get some of the prospects back that they lost today?

11:05 AM: There seems to be a lot of talk about the Padres and Soto… not signing an extension. The sources are all talking about three playoff runs (this year and the next two), but not many are currently suggesting that the Padres are read to shell out $400M for Soto. As noted earlier today, would they really go $700+ million on Tatis/Soto? For now, it seems like most are thinking… nope.

11:03 AM: It appears that the Josh Hader hiccup of late was because… he was tipping his pitches. That makes sense.

10:57 AM: Brandon Drury is in the Reds’ lineup today. Is that a sign they won’t be moving him?

10:55 AM: Saw a video today. This is the second video I’ve seen of Michael Thomas running routes. He does not look right. He’s not bursting out of his cuts and is rounding them off. He just doesn’t look right for those of you that are drafting him. Sorry, one football comment. Had to be done.

10:53 AM: Starting to think about that burrito I have in the fridge.

Groshans has a divided scouting community take on his skills. Some still believe in the talent. Others worry that his hit tool was overvalued, even with his feel for hitting. He has an advanced approach, but his .644 OPS at Triple-A this season is yet another effort that isn’t impressing, but this still seems like a win for the Marlins.

Pop is 6’4” and 220 lbs., and his heater comes in at 96-97 mph. In 18 relief outings this season he has a 1.25 WHIP with a mere 17 percent K-rate though he has only walked two batters with lots of grounders.

Bass has a strong 1.41 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 4.5 K/BB ratio over 45 impressive outings. He’s no danger to pick up saves, but he’s a strong addition to the Jays bullpen.

10:38 AM: Jays to deal Jordan Groshans to MIA for Zach Pop? Groshans was a 1^st round pick in 2018 but he’s yet to hit remotely close to his pre-draft billing and this would be an extremely disappointing end to his tenure with the team if the deal happens.

10:36: Carlos Rodon is a huge piece. Former GM Steve Phillips thinks the Giants should deal him, and Joc Pederson, with how everything is playing out. Can’t disagree with that. The Giants could always go back and sign Rodon this offseason since he will become a free agent.

10:35: Where are the Blue Jays?

10:33 AM: Quickly too the dog out to the bathroom. Cat yelling at me for not letting him out too. Just didn’t have time. Had to get back to it.

10:19 AM: It sounds like the Cardinals just wouldn’t add in Dylan Carlson in a potential deal for Juan Soto. Tells you a lot about what they think about his future. He’s still working on finding it, his career OPS is .744 to date, but they must believe that the elite level prospect he was will eventually show himself at the big league level. After all, he’s only 23 years old.

10:06 AM: We are like 20 minutes in to a virtual silence on social media on anything other than the WAS/SD deal. Calm before the storm?

10:02: Eric Hosmer doesn’t want to go to Nationals. Jon Morosi is reporting options. (1) He blocks deal and is removed from the deal and it still happens. (2) Hosmer pushes to get a third team involved in the deal. I mean, I wouldn’t want to leave San Diego… it is heaven. He’s going to have to though he doesn’t want it to be D.C.

9:59 AM: Four hours in to my day today… Just cracked my low-carb Monster. Delicious. Sorry Red Bull. Went Monster today.

9:58: How does the NL respond to this massive move with Soto heading to the Padres? As noted earlier, the Giants need to be sellers now as they have no shot to catch SD/LAD and their playoff outlook has to take a hit with the top teams making moves. The Dodgers will need to respond. Do they add pitching? Maybe a Mahle/Lopez/Syndergaard? We know that Noah likes to do things with his shirt off, and he could just drive up the road and still be able to surf or suntan on the California beaches.

9:45 AM: Jacob deGrom faces a gutted Nationals team tonight in what could not be a better spot for him to make his return to the Majors. Goodness.

9:41 AM: An eerie silence on Twitter at the moment. Assuming everyone is catching their breath after, arguably, the biggest trade deadline deal in history…. if Eric Hosmer agrees, though Jim Bowden says that the deal happens, Hosmer or not.

9:32 AM: Why is this Eric Hosmer thing an issue? Is this an example of us knowing things too early, “leak” style, or did these two teams really think they had a deal completed without knowing if one of the pieces in the deal would accept it? I’m assuming this is 2022 and we know things before we should, but now that the info is out there, Hosmer has incredible leverage to get something done in his favor.

9:20 AM: The 2023 salaries of the Padres, and I misspoke earlier with the tab on the fantastic four: Machado ($32M), Tatis ($7.8M), Soto (X), Musgrove ($20M). Tatis huge money doesn’t start kicking in until 2025. Those three get about $40M. Soto gets, what, $23M in arbitration if he doesn’t sign an extension. That is just under $65M for the four next year which is phenomenal. Can the Padres really afford another massive deal (along with Tatis)? Hard to think they would be willing to pay $700M+ million to two players, isn’t it?

9:15 AM: What is Eric Hosmer holds this thing up? Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Juan Soto is the best hitter in baseball under 24 years of age – and in a landslide. He’s on a HOF trajectory with some all-time numbers. His career slash line is insane at .291/.427/.538 with a .966 OPS, .406 wOBA and 155 wRC+. Jayson Stark noted in an appearance earlier today that more than 20 players in this years Future’s Game were younger than Soto. He’s a remarkable talent who is arbitration eligible for the next two years so he’s controlled for at least that period of time.

Josh Bell had a monster season back in 2019, but the last two years he’s just been solid with a .251/.335/.444 slash line. This season though, he’s been terrific with a .3601/.384/.493 slash, and all reports suggest that he is a high character fella. Love the 0.80 BB/K ratio and the mere 14 percent K-rate. The switch hitter has a .855 OPS against lefties and .890 against righties. Should be noted that he’s really enjoyed hitting at home (.968 OPS). His addition means that Luke Voit will be getting squeezed, especially if they don’t move Wil Myers which they are currently said to be investigating doing.

Amazing.

What are the Nationals getting? According to Baseball America’s preseason Handbook, the top-2 offensive prospects the Padres had, and their 5^th guy.

Gore has an arm issue, one that isn’t thought to be surgical in nature, so there is still some hope that he will be able to pitch this season. Gore really figured things out this season after struggling mightily with his mechanics the past two years, going 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 30 percent K-rate his first eight starts. Things started to level off, and then they turned bad the last couple of outings, but his future is back to being bright. Is he an SP1? Probably not at this point, but he could settle in as a 2/3 at the big-league level.

Abrams hasn’t performed well this season, but he is an elite level prospect. He has a plus-plus hit tool, a plus-plus-plus (if there is a thing) speed piece, a great makeup, and he’s a future all-star. If the power develops as expected, he could end up as one of the top fantasy players in the game. He’s an elite talent. He’s an apparent winner here long-term, if his bicep is OK of course. He should/could be a stolen base source the rest of the way, though he and Robles are both redundant types offensively at the moment. Alas…

Gore has an arm issue, one that isn’t thought to be surgical in nature, so there is still some hope that he will be able to pitch this season. Gore really figured things out this season after struggling mightily with his mechanics the past two years, going 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 30 percent K-rate his first eight starts. Things started to level off, and then they turned bad the last couple of outings, but his future is back to being bright. Is he an SP1? Probably not at this point, but he could settle in as a 2/3 at the big-league level.

Hassell lacks one tool at the moment, power. The rest of his game profiles as all-star caliber stuff. The hit tool should carry him, even if he’s a 15 homer type, and he’s never played above High-A ball so he’s a ways away. Still, he’s at .299-10-55-49-20 in 75 games at High-A this season and he is an impressive talent.

Woods is a massive slugger at 6’7”, 240 lbs. He is obviously a ways away, just 50 games o professional experience in North America, but he’s ripped it up this season going .337-10-45-5515 with a 1.054 OPS over 50 games. A 19 year old with 15 steals who almost weighs 250 lbs. He has plus-plus power who might end up as a corner outfielder, but he’s a 30+ homer bat in the making.

Susana is an 18 year old with an impressive slider/fastball combo. His control is a work in progress, but he’s just 18 years old. A big-time arm who might have been the best arm in the international class.

Hosmer should take over the first base gig for the Nats, and is sounds like his neck is a minor issue. The Nationals had to take on his contact to get the deal done, and he’s due about $8M this year and $39M the next three years. He had an amazing start to the year, but since June 1^st the slash line is awful at .224/.287/.339. He’s not worth an addition in fantasy at this point.

8:45 AM: The Padres could be in the payroll tax zone next season, if they don’t move Hosmer/Myers.

8:35 AM: Sure seems like Juan Soto to the Padres is going to happen. Numerous sources are commenting on it like it is almost inevitable. We continue to monitor. If that happens, the Dodgers will have to respond, and it might lead to the Giants becoming sellers.

8:10 AM: Interesting that every talking head is seemingly saying deal everything possible to get Soto. I’ve said it before, but if you are dealing all that young talent to get him don’t forget you also have to SIGN HIM to a massive deal. I mean you don’t have to, you could use him for two years, but you gotta sign him to a long-term contract, right?

8:08 AM: With the insane 2-year, $19M deal they lavished on Daniel Bard, Carlos Estevez could be dealt today (also Chad Kuhl), according to Mark Feinsand. I spoke about the contract in this podcast.

8:03 AM: How do you feel about the prospect for established player deal? We all know about the Yordan Alvarez type moves, but don’t most of the deals really not work? I get it, finances and all, but it is tough to sell to your team – we’re trading out closer or our starting left fielder – and trust us, in three years this will work for us. That’s asking a lot of a fanbase.

7:57 AM: Mark Feinsand reports that the Royals could deal Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont and Michael A. Taylor. Wouldn’t be surprised by any of that, but if they deal their top 1-2 punch in the bullpen then it likely turns full-on committee, right?

7:55 AM: My cat is staring at me. That’s it. That’s the comment.

Lopez has been special this year in his transition to the bullpen with a 1.68 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 19 saves in 23 changes. He heads to a Twins team that hasn’t really settled on a closer for most of the campaign. Jhoan Duran has been dynamic as well, but he hasn’t taken over the 9^th inning. The Twins have shown a willingness to use a lefty in the 9^th – see Taylor Rogers – so I would assume Lopez becomes Closer A over Duran who is closer b. Aslo, Lopez is arbitration eligible each of the next two years. I get moving on from Lopez, relievers are so up and down, but for a team playing .500 ball, it is disappointing to see the Orioles basically bailing on the 2022 season (they also dealt Trey Mancini).

The Orioles figure to turn the 9^th inning over to Felix Bautista. In 45 outings he’s been slightly better than Lopez with a 1.66 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and a 34.4 K-rate in what has been a dominant season to date.

7:30 AM: Steve Phillips on MLB Network right now. It’s been a pleasure working with him over the years at SiriusXM. He’s a great guy who never big timed me, ever. Tons of fun to work with.

7:24 AM: IF San Diego adds Soto/Bell, the lineup could be frightening.

7:22 AM: Jacob deGrom pitches tonight. Should be a great capper to a special day.

7:18 AM: More Jon Heyman… Noah Syndergaard is drawing lots of interest from the Phillies and Jays. With some of the starting pitchers we thought could be moved gone, and others who we are hearing could he held on to, Noah seems likely to be one of the top-5 SPs who could be moved today.

7:16 AM: Jon Heyman is reporting that the Diamondbacks will not deal Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly. However, they have gotten some interest with Madison Bumgarner, and Jon didn’t say they are anti-moving MadBum.

7:14 AM: I’m going to miss watching Leave It To Beaver at 8-9 AM PST today on MeTV. That’s what I’m giving up today, and it’s a big give.

7:10 AM: Morosi also suggested that Tarik Skubal will not be dealt, a position cemented by his leaving the game last night with an arm hiccup.

7:08 AM: Willson Contreras is expected to be dealt. Jon Morosi suggested he, Happ/Robertson/Givens are all likely to be dealt. The Mets and the Blue Jays, noted below, could be trading partners. Cubs will be sellers – as we expected. The Rays might also be interested in nabbing Contreras.

7:06 AM: Says Josh Bell’s market is a bit tight, so Jon Morosi notes that Josh Bell might be added into the Juan Soto deal to enhance the return. Jim Bowden also suggested that could happen.

7:05 AM: I’m a Giants guy, born and raised in the Bay Area. Will they be buyers or sellers? They are barely treading water at the moment, and last season’s 107 victories are a distant memory. I’m thinking they deal Carlos Rodon for some youth, which they need.

7:03 AM: Ian Happ could be on the move, and Jon Morosi noted that the Blue Jays are interested with the current elbow issue that George Springer is dealing with.

7:01 AM: The Padres are targeting Juan Soto, eh? Former GM Jim Bowden suggested this as a POTENTIAL return. Note, he also listed LAD and STL and what that might look like.

6:55 AM: I got up early. Ate a granola bar. Got a Red Bull ready for about two hours. Half a burrito from last night about two hours after that. Let’s go!

6:45 AM: The Yankees are making moves, and the next might be to deal Joey Gallo. It sounds like the odds are strongly in favor of the lefty slugger being dealt.

6:44 AM: Jon Heyman is reporting that Tyler Mahle is high on the wishlist of the Phillies and the Twins.

6:43 AM: Brandon Drury appears unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Reds. That would seem to indicate that they prefer to trade him at the moment.

6:42 AM:  The Royals will not be dealing Zack Greinke.

Odorizzi gives the Braves six starters which seems odd, until you consider (A) the obvious workload concerns they have with Spencer Strider and (B) the fact that Ian Anderson has had a rough season (despite his last outing). This addition would seem to remove any excitement for Kyle Muller as there’s now nowhere for him to pitch. Odorizzi has had starts and stops, but he’s a perfectly acceptable arm to round out a rotation with a 3.75 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, though his 19 percent K-rate is concerning.

Smith becomes the LONE lefty reliever for the Astros currently on the roster. It would be a minor miracle if he picked up more than a couple of matchup based saves as he’s no higher than fifth in the pecking order out there.

Grossman seems likely to form a platoon with Eddie Rosario. With the loss of Adam Duvall, they felt they needed another veteran bat. He was great last season, but this year has been a slog with a pathetic .143 average against righties, but he has ripped lefties with a .364 mark.

Stratton has solid Statcast data, but the results of have been decidedly blah. Lefties in particular have beat him down (.416 wOBA).

The big piece is Jose Quintana who helps a Cardinals’ rotation that has been hit with injury. He’s had an out of nowhere effort on the year, and he’s allowed two or fewer runs in 4-of-6 outings including none the last two. On the year he has a 3.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a mere 21 percent K-rate, but it is possible, if not probable, that he will continue to give the Cards solid innings.

Bush will join a Brewers’ bullpen that has recently added Lamet/Rogers as they go with the depth approach after dealing Hader.

The move of Tommy Pham to Boston is an interesting one. He’s hit 11 homers with seven steals and can be an impact player offensively, but the overall results have lagged behind the batted ball data. He can still take a walk and knows how to get on base, traits virtually every big-league team prizes. He is a free agent at the end of the season if he and the Sox don’t pick up the mutual agreement ($7.5M).

Now what? Does his addition mean the team is moving on from Jarren Duran or Jackie Bradley? Or, as rumors suggest, is J.D. Martinez on his way out of town. For now, it’s tough to know if Pham will be in the lineup daily or if he’s being looked at as a fourth outfielder. My working assumption is that further moves are coming and Pham might just end up as a daily participant in the Red Sox lineup. We will have to wait through the deadline to find out.

The Astros get the #2 catcher said to be on the market in Christian Vazquez. He is a massive offensive improvement over Martin Maldonado who honestly cannot hit. It will be interesting to see how the playing time is doled out, MM is certainly a solid defender, but Vazquez is the bat. The nearly 32 year old Vazquez has been one of the better offensive catchers in the game going .282-8-42 with a .759 OPS this season. Aa for playing time, there is legit question about how things will play out, with some who cover the Astros even suggesting that Maldanado could play more.

Seems likely that Kevin Plawecki, and newly acquired Reese McGuire will form an offensively limited duo behind the dish for the Red Sox.

Yuli Gurriel is hitting .243 with seven homers and 28 RBI, and that stinks for a corner infielder. Enter Mancini. Trey is at .268-10-41 in 92 games last season, though he has hit the toilet of late (.299 wOBA in July). He has struggled on the year against lefties with a .679 OPS, but his mark is solid at .787 against righties including a .357 OBP. He can also play the outfield, and his addition also means that Yordan Alvarez can stick at DH to protect his hand, if the Astros think that is needed to keep him on the field.

The Rays get Jose Siri with the expectation that Brett Phillips is designated for assignment. Of course, couldn’t they just have kept Josh Lowe up in the big leagues and avoided this situation? If I was Lowe, I would be pretty pissed right about now.

The Orioles are calling up former elite level prospect Yusniel Diaz. The now 25 year old OF has stalled out a bit, but he might finally get his shot now. Still, in 35 games at Triple-A he’s gone just .234/.338/.339 with just four steals, so there has been little to nothing from a statistical standpoint this season to get excited about at all. At this point, he seems like fool’s gold as anything other than an AL-only addition.

Lou Trivino is merely a bullpen get for the Yankees. Good for the Yankees, but destroys his fantasy value.

Frankie Montas was one of a handful of pitchers who were difference makers on the block. His shoulder recently barked on him, but since the start of last season his numbers are impressive: 3.30 ERA, 1.17 WHP, 26.3 K-rate, 3.72 K/BB ratio. He moves to a vastly superior, winning envionrment and should also get a big boost in run support. He also moves to a much more difficult home park to pitch in. His homer wOBA is just about .290 the last two years, but he also has a league average 35 percent fly ball rate in that time so Yankee Stadium doesn’t figure to kill his outlook. His addition figures to remove Domingo German from the rotation.

The Athletics return…

JOSH HADER TO PADRES

Hader will close for the Padres and look to recover from his recent struggles that include 13 runs his last 8.1 innings.

So, the Brewers now have lefty Rogers to pair with righty Devin Williams. What will that look like in terms of the 9^th inning? Williams actually leads baseball in Holds and Solds at the moment, and he’s been excellent (1.01 WHIP, 1.94 xFIP, 15 K per nine). Meanwhile, Rogers has struggled of late (four runs in three outings and 11 runs his last 11.1 innings), but he does have a track record of 9^th inning success. The key right now is that he needs to rediscover his slider, a pitch that he hasn’t quite had a feel for since the first couple of months. He still has a wOBA under .295 against righties and lefties, and could be called upon to get the last out if the matchup sets up. Lamet should slot in as a power arm out of the bullpen as well, though Brad Boxberger is likely still ahead of him in the old pecking order.

The Brewers added Ruiz… who will be in a battle for playing time in the outfield – when he is back from Triple-A which is were he’s been sent. Christian Yelich plays daily, Hunter Renfroe is hitting a homer ever other day, Andrew McCutchen is batting .291 with a .369 OBP since June 1^st and then there is Tyrone Taylor. Ruiz will play, but might it be only against lefties like the Padres will doing? Otherwise, it appears that he’s going to have to battle Taylor for PT as the other three guys seem locked into the lineup.

EFFROSS TO YANKEES

Effross will give the bullpen depth after the loss of Michael King.

MINOR DEALS