Price, a former American League Cy Young Award winner, is still under team control through the 2015 season, but the Rays' history is clear: They prefer to deal potential free agents sooner rather than later, maximizing the return on their assets. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
As trade talks heat up ahead of baseball’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the biggest name available will be a left-handed starting pitcher — and another lefty ace could join him on the market.
With the Tampa Bay Rays tied for last place in the American League East, Rays general manager Andrew Friedman likely will burn through the anytime minutes on his phone this month, fielding calls from suitors hoping to land 28-year-old left-hander David Price.
Price, a former American League Cy Young Award winner, is still under team control through the 2015 season, but the Rays’ history is clear: They prefer to deal potential free agents sooner rather than later, maximizing the return on their assets.
The team sharing the AL East cellar with the Rays, the Boston Red Sox, still hope to reach a long-term agreement with left-hander Jon Lester. The three-time All-Star will be a free agent after the season, and his asking price could approach that of Price.
The Sports Xchange polled its baseball correspondents and asked them if the team they cover would be a buyer or a seller at the end of the month. Here are the team-by-team answers:
NL WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
It already is clear which way the Diamondbacks are going. The only question is who will go. Salary considerations will be a factor. The D-backs agreed to pay $2.05 million of the remaining $4.5 million owed RHP Brandon McCarthy in sending him to the New York Yankees for LHP Vidal Nuno, and the more money the are willing to eat, the more likely it is that 2B Aaron Hill, 3B Martin Prado or OF Gerardo Parra could be dealt. LF Mark Trumbo is probably better at first base or in the American League.
COLORADO ROCKIES
The return to health of some injured players will continue to give the Rockies a boost, as well as the illusion that they are adding pieces. However, given their woeful record, the Rockies will listen and be ready to sell off parts if deals make sense. RHP LaTroy Hawkins, RHP Matt Belisle and LHP Jorge De La Rosa could be on the block, though De La Rosa can be a free agent at the end of the season. The possibility of trading stars such as SS Troy Tulowitzki and RF Carlos Gonzalez looms as an offseason matter, not something likely to happen in the next few weeks.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
The Dodgers have a decision to make. Since taking over the team two years ago, team president and CEO Stan Kasten has said the stratospheric payrolls would not continue forever. Investment was made in rebuilding the farm system to produce future talent. If the Dodgers are truly committed to that, they won’t part with blue-chip prospects like OF Joc Pederson, SS Corey Seager or LHP Julio Urias to make a big move at the trade deadline.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Padres are definitely sellers. They are more than one or two position players away from having any semblance of an offense. But how much pitching would they give up to add offensive prospects? Aside from maybe 3B Chase Headley, who is always stronger after the All-Star break, the Padres have few position players who would interest anyone. OF Seth Smith is having a solid season, but San Diego recently extended his contract and removed him from the immediate market.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Asked recently if he planned to make any moves before the trade deadline, Giants GM Brian Sabean said yes … as soon as he figures out the team’s chief need. Three positions are vying for the top spot on that list — center field (presuming Angel Pagan is unable to shake his back injury), second base (unless Marco Scutaro defies his age and has a pain-free second half) and closer (if Sergio Romo cannot win his old job back). One problem: The Giants’ farm system isn’t stocked with the type of talent that is going to make prospective sellers come calling.
NL CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS
The Cubs’ biggest bargaining chips — RHPs Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel — were traded to the Oakland A’s in early July, and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said the club would pause after that deal. But that doesn’t mean he is through. Perhaps a contending club might make a bid for a left-handed reliever such as James Russell (0-1, 2.54 ERA, one save) or Wesley Wright (0-1, 2.36 ERA). Both were the subject of trade speculation this month.
CINCINNATI REDS
The Reds could be buyers at the trade deadline, possibly looking to acquire an outfielder to give them more flexibility while playing without 2B Brandon Phillips and 1B Joey Votto out for an indefinite period due to injuries. RF Jay Bruce is among those who filled in for Votto at first, which necessitated playing Skip Schumaker in right. With Phillips also out, Schumaker could be called upon to play second. Manager Bryan Price must decide where to weaken the team’s defense the least.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
It all depends. The Brewers could use some help in the bullpen, but they would like to see whether injured RHPs Jim Henderson and Tyler Thornburg can return and contribute down the stretch. A versatile bat off the bench would be beneficial, but unless the Brewers find a way to move 2B Rickie Weeks, there just isn’t a lot of space on the roster. Milwaukee may have already made its signature move for the season, having summoned young RHP Jimmy Nelson from Triple-A Nashville. Don’t expect too many major moves; the Brewers lack the young assets that sellers covet.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Pirates will be buyers, though it seems unlikely they will make a major move. GM Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle are happy, for the most part, with their current roster, though the Pirates would consider adding bullpen depth and perhaps a bench bat. Pittsburgh made a move in late July, sending RHP Jason Grilli to the Los Angeles Angels for RHP Ernesto Frieri in a swap of closer. Frieri is off to a poor start with the Pirates (13.50 ERA through seven appearances).
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Buy, buy, buy — but with a caveat. GM John Mozeliak is unlikely to deal prospects like OF Randal Grichuk, OF Stephen Piscotty or OF James Ramsey for a power bat, and he certainly will end the conversation if someone asks for rookie OF Oscar Taveras. However, inserting RF Allen Craig into a package could make a big trade work if someone wants to take on his contract, which runs until 2017 at just over $6 million per year. The recent emergence of 2B Kolten Wong makes it doubtful that St. Louis would trade for a power-hitting infielder such as Texas 3B Adrian Beltre.
NL EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES
Because they are in contention, the Braves likely will be a buyer. However, other than acquiring a situational lefty to help struggling southpaw Luis Avilan or adding a bat to the bench, few moves are likely to be made. Of the eight regulars, all are under contract through 2015 or longer. There is no way the Braves would move any of the infielders, and there is no way they could unload CF B.J. Upton’s $15 million albatross contract that runs through 2017. Atlanta possibly could add a top-of-the-rotation starter, but it would balk at trading some of its best young players (LHP Alex Wood, RHP Lucas Sims) for a short-term fix.
MIAMI MARLINS
The Marlins could be interested in being bargain buyers to try to improve this year’s team. They made such a move last month when they acquired RHP Bryan Morris from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a draft pick. Since the trade, Morris has a 0.40 ERA in 18 appearances spanning 22 1/3 innings. If things stay about as they are, the Marlins could make similar low-budget moves. However, a losing streak before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline could turn the Marlins into sellers, but the franchise would run the risk of alienating a large portion of the fan base that is already wary of team ownership following previous sell-offs.
NEW YORK METS
RHP Bartolo Colon, 41, could be dealt to a team focusing on winning this year. Otherwise, the Mets don’t have many veterans to offer other than 2B Daniel Murphy, who is unlikely to go anywhere during the season. LHP Jonathon Niese and RHP Dillon Gee certainly would have value to contenders, but their injuries this season reminded the Mets how necessary it is to retain rotation depth. For the most part, the Mets likely will stand pat in hopes of making a playoff run without impeding the long-term plan.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
There is reason to expect the Phillies will back up the truck and ship as many veterans as possible out of town in the next few weeks, in the hope of replenishing their farm system and restoring some hope for the future. LHP Cliff Lee and RHP Jonathan Papelbon are the veterans most likely to be dealt, provided Lee is healthy after spending much of the season on the disabled list with a strained elbow. The fact that Papelbon said he would welcome a trade out of town might hasten his departure.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Nationals will do whatever it takes to give them the best roster to play postseason baseball. With SS Ian Desmond and All-Star RHP Jordan Zimmermann possible free agents down the road, the window for the Nationals may not be as long as some think. GM Mike Rizzo could tinker with the team’s bench. Two prospects that other teams may ask for would be Double-A OF Michael A. Taylor and Class A RHP Lucas Giolito, both of whom played in Sunday’s Futures Game. However, don’t look for Rizzo to part with either one.
AL WEST
HOUSTON ASTROS
The Astros are locked in the throes of a protracted rebuilding process, and they remain at least two years away from contention. Trading veterans should be a priority, but two of their veteran offseason acquisitions, RHP Scott Feldman and CF Dexter Fowler, dealt with injuries that depressed their trade value. RHP Chad Qualls is pitching brilliantly as the closer (1-1, 1.95 ERA, 10 saves). Should the team develop other closing options through improved health, Qualls could be a trade candidate for a contender seeking help.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
GM Jerry Dipoto told ESPN that he wants “one more piece for that bullpen” after trading RHP Ernesto Frieri to the Pittsburgh Pirates for RHP Jason Grilli in an exchange of closers, and acquiring LHP Joe Thatcher from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Angels spent the season running a shuttle between Los Angeles and their minor league affiliates for bullpen help. Various outlets linked the Angels to two right-handed closers, the San Diego Padres’ Huston Street and the Texas Rangers’ Joakim Soria. Both have a $7 million club option for next year. Another acquisition might be unnecessary if Grilli and Thatcher perform well.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
GM Billy Beane insisted shortly after acquiring RHP Jeff Samardzija and RHP Jason Hammel that he wasn’t done considering moves. He likely would take a bucket of batting-practice balls for RHP Jim Johnson right now. However, unloading the reliever, who is making $10 million this year, probably would rank as his most likely move before the July 31 deadline. A rental second baseman (Chase Utley?) would trump even the Samardzija deal for the low-budget team.
SEATTLE MARINERS
GM Jack Zduriencik has been in building mode since the day he arrived in Seattle in the fall of 2008, but he doesn’t have the luxury of time anymore. The team hasn’t publicly acknowledged Zduriencik’s status beyond this season, so he is not as concerned about the future as he once was. The Mariners could use another bat, particularly a right-handed power hitter. Another starting pitcher also could come into play if Seattle is tired of waiting on LHP Roenis Elias and RHP Taijuan Walker to find some consistency. However, with a young team and with injuries hampering some of the organization’s top prospects, Seattle might not have enough ammunition to make a big move.
TEXAS RANGERS
The Rangers will be sellers. LHP Neal Cotts and RHPs Jason Frasor and Joakim Soria are the subject of the most speculation. Texas will be looking to fortify an outfield that lacks depth. OF Alex Rios is expected to be placed on the market. Texas has a $13.5 million option on Rios for 2015, a hefty price for a corner outfielder who is on pace to hit fewer than 10 home runs this year. GM Jon Daniels has said that with all the pieces expected to return from injury next season, he expects his team to compete in 2015. That outlook, too, might affect the way the Rangers approach the deadline.
AL CENTRAL
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
If the White Sox opt to look to next year, they have some talent a contending team might savor. 1B/DH Adam Dunn, has no postseason experience, but his big left-handed bat could be a welcome addition to a playoff team. 2B Gordon Beckham and All-Star SS Alexei Ramirez also were the subject of rumors, with minor league middle infielder Carlos Sanchez waiting in the wings. LHP John Danks enhanced his trade value by going 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA over his past 10 starts. 1B Jose Abreu and LHP Chris Sale aren’t going anywhere, and LHP Jose Quintana and RF Avisail Garcia are unlikely to be moved, too.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
GM Chris Antonetti is biding his time on the decision with the Indians hovering at .500. Two players whose names are likely to come up should Antonetti decide to sell are RHP Justin Masterson and SS Asdrubal Cabrera. Both can become free agents after the season, and Cleveland has prospect Francisco Lindor ready to step in next year as the starting shortstop. Antonetti won’t be dealing from a position of strength should deal Masterson and/or Cabrera because both players are having terrible years. If the Indians are buyers, they could use another starting pitcher and a right-handed hitter.
DETROIT TIGERS
Detroit’s list of problems entering the season is largely down to one. The Tigers can be expected to add back-end bullpen help either as the July 31 non-waiver deadline approaches or in the month afterward. RHP Joe Nathan rarely touches 93 mph with his fastball, his location comes and goes, and his slider flattens out far too often. The Tigers closer hit a prolonged rough patch after a good beginning. A correction to his arm angle helped, but at age 39, the wall can hit players while they’re blinking.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
It is hard to say if the Royals will be a buyer or a seller as the trading deadline approaches. They are still in position to challenge for a playoff spot, even if losing three of four to the Detroit Tigers last weekend took some of the drama out of the American League Central race. Kansas City built for this season with its young nucleus for some time. The acquisition of RHP James Shields for the organization’s top prospect (OF Wil Myers) prior to the 2013 season makes it more likely that the Royals will not be sellers. However, whether there will be enough incentive to be buyers remains to be seen.
MINNESOTA TWINS
A 10-game homestand to start the second half will play a major role in helping Minnesota decide whether to play for 2014 or to look to the future. If the Twins choose to buy, they have the young pieces other teams would want in return for a rental player. If the Twins decide to sell, they possess veterans with trade valuable. DH Kendrys Morales and C Kurt Suzuki are only signed through the end of the season. OF Josh Willingham struggled with injuries and inconsistency during the first half, but he is a right-handed power hitter — a commodity always in demand. He also is playing in the final year of a three-year contract.
AL EAST
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
The Orioles might not do much, as they are set in most places. They have six solid starting pitchers and one of the best bullpens in the majors. Baltimore reportedly was watching Colorado LHP Jorge De La Rosa, but that might not be much of an improvement. With Caleb Joseph and Nick Hundley doing well behind the plate, GM Dan Duquette said recently that he is not really looking for another catcher to fill the gap left by injured starter Matt Wieters. The Orioles might stand pat or just make a minor move to help their bench unless another injury occurs.
BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox recently sent C A.J. Pierzynski packing, and RHP Jake Peavy reportedly is on his way out via trade. With two weeks before the deadline, and with August still there to make deals — remember the 2012 trade with the Dodgers that saved the Red Sox’s immediate future? — the Red Sox have time to determine if they remain in contention. Should they become sellers, RHP Koji Uehara, LHP Andrew Miller, LF Jonny Gomes and C David Ross could be shopped. The big questions is whether Boston can re-sign LHP Jon Lester or if the team would try to deal the All-Star for top value.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The obvious answer is sell. The realistic answer, knowing how the Yankees operate, is that they will attempt to buy unless they begin the second half by completely falling out of both the division and wild-card races. GM Brian Cashman already said he is ready to rock-and-roll, and it is certain he means more than just acquiring RHP Brandon McCarthy and LHP Jeff Francis. The Yankees may not have the prospects to go big-game hunting, but that won’t stop them from trying.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Rays never take a firm buyer-or-seller stance, and they rarely are active at the trade deadline. This time around, though, it is much more likely they will sell. LHP David Price is getting more expensive and is a 1 1/2 years away from free agency, giving contenders a chance to buy him for two pennant races. If Tampa Bay is ready to admit that this year is a lost cause, it is time to trade him. If the Rays trade Price, will they also trade someone like UT Ben Zobrist, a potentially valuable piece for a contender? What about CF Desmond Jennings, who looks expendable with the rise of Kevin Kiermaier, or corner OF Matt Joyce?
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The Blue Jays consider themselves buyers because no team in the AL East is out of the race and they need help. Second base stands out as a need, although 3B Brett Lawrie could be shifted to second if the best available player is a third baseman. The bullpen needs shoring up and, while the rotation was a pleasant surprise, there is a lack of depth. GM Alex Anthopoulos is keeping an open mind. “We’re not looking at any spots and saying we’re not open to something if a player can make us better,” he said.
