Cardinals Identifying Potential Trade Chips
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Cardinals have indicated that they’d consider right-handed pitcher Carlos Martinez, and young outfielders Tyler O’Neill and Lane Thomas as potential trade pieces this summer.
Martinez, 27, is due $11.5 million dollars per year while under team control for the next two seasons. When healthy, he’s produced outstanding results. Out of the bullpen this year he has a 2.91 ERA with a 1.062 WHIP, 22 strikeouts, eight walks, and just one home run allowed in 21 2/3 frames.
O’Neill and Thomas are seen as two of St. Louis’ top outfield prospects. 24-year-old O’Neil made his MLB debut with the club in 2018, and through 228 major league plate appearances, the righty has slashed .274/.316/.505 with 13 home runs. 23-year-old Thomas has logged just 14 major league plate appearances this season.
In 2018, he hit .264/.333/.489 between Double-A and Triple-A, but has slumped a bit in Triple-A in 2019 hitting for just a .745 OPS in 256 plate appearances. The pair of outfielders could be a long-term investment for a club currently in a rebuilding period, as they are both under team control until 2025.
Ray Continuing to Grow Interest
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, left-handed starter Robbie Ray’s market is continuing to grow interest. Yesterday, it was reported that the Phillies and Astros were among teams inquiring about Ray. Then, Heyman tweeted, “Yankees are also among teams interested in Robbie Ray. There are surely quite a few teams interested.” Just a few short hours later, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Brewers are also in the mix for the lefty. The southpaw is one of the top starting pitching targets on this summer’s trade market, and is under team control for the next year and a half.
Rockies Look Like Potential Sellers
With just 15 days until the trade deadline, the underperforming Rockies are raising the prospect that they will become sellers. Colorado has lost nine of their last 11 games, falling below .500 as they now sit 16 games behind the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, sources have indicated that Jon Gray and Scott Oberg are not on the trade market- yet.
Angels Acquire Anthony Bemboom from Rays for Cash Considerations
On Monday, the Angels announced that they’ve acquired catcher Anthony Bemboom from the Rays for cash considerations after Tampa Bay had designated the 29-year-old for assignment earlier that afternoon.
Bemboom had originally been drafted by the Angels in the 22nd round of the 2012 MLB draft. He was in the club’s farm system until Colorado grabbed him in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft- though the catcher never reached the majors during his two seasons with the Rockies organization.
The 2012 draft pick made his MLB debut earlier this year with the Rays, who signed him to a minor-league deal during the winter. The catcher only made five plate appearances before being placed on the 60-day injured listed for over two months due to a lingering knee issue.
Bemboom hit .250/.341/.381 with 11 home runs over 636 plate appearances in Triple-A.
After a nasty collision at home plate on June 7 with Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick, Angels’ starting catcher Jonathan Lucroy will miss at least three more weeks undergoing surgery to repair a nasal fracture. Bemboom will add depth at the catching position while Lucroy is on the shelf, backing up Dustin Garneau and Kevan Smith in the starter’s absence.
Edwin Jackson Designated For Assignment
The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled right-handed pitcher Jacob Waguespack from Triple-A Buffalo and designated veteran righty Edwin Jackson for assignment in a corresponding move to make roster space.
Jackson, 35, has appeared with an MLB-record 14 teams since his debut with the Dodgers in 2003 and could soon make his way to a 15th if the Jays don’t act on him during the next week. If the veteran is passed through the waivers or released, he will likely sign with another team on a minor league deal and try to work his way back onto a big-league roster after a disappointing 2019 season thus far.
During his stint with Toronto, Jackson pitched for the worst results of his career. He has owned an 11.12 ERA- allowing 12 home runs, 13 walks, and adding 19 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings pitched.
