The trade deadline is now just 10 days away and, while it does not seem like anything is imminent, the trade rumors keep flying as GMs attempt to position themselves in the best place possible.
MLB trade rumors roundup: Matt Garza, Jake Peavy, and more
The Matt Garza-to-Rangers talks appear to have stalled, and now it appears he may not even be the top pitcher available.
Otto Greule Jr
Matt Garza rumors continue
Matt Garza continues to be one of the most-highly talked about trade candidates this year. Despite reports that a trade was almost certain to happen before his next start, Garza remains on track to pitch for the Cubs on Monday. Though the Rangers made a strong effort to acquire the Cubs pitcher, they now appear to be at the same level as any other team looking to make a trade for the right-hander, reports CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.
The two sides appeared to have had a deal in principle that would send Mike Olt, Neil Ramirez and C.J. Edwards, but medical issues with one of the involved players put a hitch in the trade that, so far, has not been undone. The Rangers continue to look at other starting pitchers on the market as a contingency if Garza doesn't work out.
Jake Peavy’s name enters the fray
As it happens, Garza may no longer be the most desirable pitcher on the market. Jake Peavy returned from the DL for the White Sox on Saturday. Given the fact that Peavy has an extra year of team control, Heyman says he is perhaps the trade-market star this season.
In addition to a team getting more use out of Peavy, the extra year allows an acquiring team to make him a qualifying offer before he becomes a free agent. That is only permitted if a player has been with a team for a full season. Making a qualifying offer would net a team a draft pick if Peavy turns it down or an extra year of service if Peavy accepts.
Peavy has a 4.19 ERA over 12 starts this season. In 2012 he revived a career that appeared to be stagnating, posting a 3.37 ERA and 1.096 WHIP. The Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mariners, Yankees, Diamondbacks, and Orioles all had scouts at Peavy's start on Saturday, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com. He notes that not all are interested in the pitcher and rules out Arizona specifically.
As for Baltimore, they are unlikely to make a big splash on the market after acquiring Scott Feldman from the Cubs earlier in the season. Heyman says the team does not have the financial resources to make any more big trades.
Phillies players draw interest
There has been interest around the league in a few Philadelphia Phillies players, specifically Cliff Lee and Michael Young, but the 49-49 Phillies have indicated that they are not looking to sell, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. Philadelphia is currently 6.5 games back of both the NL East lead and the second Wild Card spot. The Red Sox and Yankees, amongst others, have been looking at Young to fill holes.
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