Mets Exploring Deals for Diáz, Syndergaard

Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted out that the Dodgers could be interested in Mets’ reliever Edwin Díaz. Díaz has certainly endured his struggles in Queens in 2019, but still carries a 97 mph fastball with a 34.3% whiff rate. There’s still plenty of reason to think that Díaz could revert back to his 2018 form; his BABIP has rocketed to .400 and there’s a .63 point gap between his .333 wOBA and .270 xwOBA. That being said, his exit velocity, his launch angle against, and hard-hit percentage have all trended in the wrong direction this season.

Jeff Passan of ESPN claimed the Mets would want a return greater than the one they sent to Seattle this December, which would certainly be a challenge. As Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn rocket up Mariners’ prospects lists, Díaz continues to find it difficult to find a grip on his formerly unhittable slider.

Olney also discloses that the Mets are seriously listening on offers involving Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard just pitched last night and threw seven innings of three-run ball against the Padres. Even though he hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of seasons, the potential is still tantalizing.

Even with his struggles, the 6″6′ Syndergaard still ranks among in the top-10 percent in the Majors in fastball velocity, hard-hit percentage, and exit velocity. Much like Díaz, it’s possible that this season’s struggles could be attributed to simple unluckiness. There’s been a five percent increase in his HR/FB ratio, a stat which tends to vary season-by-season, which has led his HR/9 rate to double from its 2018 mark.

Phillies, Indians Holding Talks Regarding SP 

Jon Morosi of MLB.com hears that the Phillies and the Indians have been in touch regarding a potential Trevor Bauer trade. Philadephia’s in need of quality pitching; their starters rank 16th in the Majors in ERA, 25th in FIP, and 26th in WAR.

Even though he hasn’t been able to replicate his outstanding year, he’s still an effective force in an Indians’ staff that’s been plagued by injuries. While his secondary stats (4.16 FIP, 4.11 SIERA) don’t amaze, his 3.49 ERA ranks first in Cleveland’s rotation. Teams should be lining to acquire the 28-year-old, who still has one more year of control following the 2019 campaign, should the Indians make him available.

A major issue with this proposed trade has to do with the reasoning of the Indians’ front-office. While Cleveland found themselves 11.5 games behind the Twins in early June, they’ve since surged in the race and currently sit two games behind Minnesota. It would certainly be a huge blow to both their team and the spirit of their fans if they trade away a source of consistency and excellence from their rotation.

Tigers Could Package Assets 

Morosi also notes that the Tigers could package their top trade chips in a singular deal to draw back as much prospect capital as possible. Outfielder Nicholas Castellanos and closer Shane Greene are expected to be moved within the next week while Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris, and Joe Jimenez have all been bandied around as names that could leave the Tiger organization, although the trades involve the last three names are considered relatively unlikely.

Mazara Drawing Interest 

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning Times reports there’s been interest regarding Rangers’ outfielder Nomar Mazara. Mazara has largely failed to live up his top prospect status, but teams are still intrigued by his power. While Mazara’s on pace for his fourth consecutive 20th home run, his plate discipline and contact issues rate him as a below-average hitter, according to wRC+.

Fish Swimming to Other Teams?

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com hears that the Marlins have received calls about their top starter, Caleb Smith. There figured to be a bit of trade interest in the 27-year-old, who’s in the midst of a breakout campaign. He’s struck out 110 batters in 90 innings and his slider has been one of the better off-speed deliveries in the game. Since he has another five years before he hits free agency, the Marlins would likely ask for a haul for Smith, who they hope will lead the team their next playoff berth.

Frisaro also mentions that along with Smith, Sergio Romo and Trevor Richards have gotten some interest from other teams. The 36-year-old Romo has logged 36 2/3 effective innings with Miami on the season, pitching to a 3.68 ERA. Even though his four-seamer sits in the mid-80’s, he’s made a living inducing plenty of soft contact. Richards, who’s been the focus of many Pitching Ninja videos this season due to his outstanding change-up, has some concerning peripherals (5.32 xFIP, 5.09 ERA), but can be generally counted on for middle-of-the-rotation production.