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The 2022 MLB trade deadline is in 11 days. We will see some scuffles in the standings and some teams may need to prepare to be either buyers or sellers in the coming days and wait until the last possible day to determine which path to take. Meanwhile, the rumor mill is churning. Let us begin.
Major takeaway from CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson: The Nationals are expected to do whatever it takes to include Patrick Corbin (and the approximately $60 million remaining on his contract for the next two seasons) in a Soto deal . Full story here.
Also, Jon Heyman mentions that a package that might work for the Yankees would start with top prospects Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez, while a package for the Mets would start with the likes of Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty. However, Heyman reports that neither the Yankees nor the Mets would feel comfortable giving up their top-three prospects in a Soto trade.
Heyman lists both New York teams and the Dodgers, Padres and Rangers as suitable. The Cardinals were heavily rumored, and the Blue Jays were also mentioned as a Soto landing spot.
Rangers don’t want to employ Pérez
Rangers left-back Martín Pérez has completed a career year at 31. He’s 7-2 with a 2.68 ERA (147 ERA+) and is fresh from his first All-Star game. Given that he’s only on a one-year, $4 million deal and that Rangers are seven games away from third AL wildcard spot — with four teams in between — he seems like a very attractive trade piece.
Instead, according to the Rangers and Pérez, they are looking for a long-term relationship Dallas morning news, who reports that Pérez is “unlikely” to be traded before the deadline. There is another note that the two sides tend to wait until after the trade deadline to talk about an extension to allow the front office to work on other team needs via the trade.
We’re not sure if that means Rangers are buyers rather than sellers, or simply selling on margin to upgrade for next season, although we tend to think the bigger target will be next season.
Interested in Benintendi
The Royals, who were forced to blacklist all-star outfielder Andrew Benintendi during their recent trip to Canada for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, left many questioning whether AL East teams like the Yankees and Red Sox could decline to pursue him by the deadline.
That’s not the case, after Mark Feinsand. He reports that “several teams” including “some in AL East” are in action against Benintendi.
Benintendi is hitting .317/.386/.401 this season with 14 doubles, two triples, three homers, 37 RBI and 37 runs. His vaccination status is important when it comes to crossing the US-Canada border (travelling to Toronto to play the Blue Jays) as he is not allowed in Toronto without vaccination.
Rodón’s release clause applies
As highlighted by MLB Trade Rumors, Giants All-Star starter Carlos Rodón has now pitched 110 innings this season. This marking triggers his opt-out clause. The left-hander signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the Giants last offseason, but one that included the innings minimum for a get-out clause, which obviously ties into Rodon’s injury history.
It’s like betting on yourself and Rodón has clearly made the right decision so far. In those 110 innings, he has a 2.95 ERA (139 ERA+) pitch, 1.14 WHIP and 138 strikeouts. If he can stay strong for the rest of the season, he can get out and certainly make a lot more money in the open market. If he gets injured again, he can just stay on his current contract and earn $22.5 million next season. Kudos to Rodón.
The Brewers have signed left-hander Jake McGee. after Ken Rosenthal. McGee, 35, was released by the Giants last week. So far this season, McGee has an ugly line — 7.17 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, just 11 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings — but his 4.14 FIP at the surface level suggests there might be something left . Last season, McGee saved 31 games in 36 chances with a 2.72 ERA (153 ERA+ but 3.35 FIP), .91 WHIP and 58 strikeouts against just nine unintended walks in 59 2/3 innings. He’s a depth play at this point, although the Brewers wouldn’t mind if he pitched like last year.
Nationals sign Dahl
The Nationals have signed former All-Star David Dahl in a minor league deal, the club announced. Dahl, a 28-year-old outfielder, was a 2019 All-Star for the Rockies, but in 87 games between the Rockies and Rangers in 2020 and 2021, he averaged just .201/.239/.299 (44 OPS+). For those interested in finding out, Dahl is an outfielder the Nationals could field if Soto is traded. For those who don’t: It’s a minor league signing and teams do it all the time to add organizational depth.
