The trade deadline is merely 10 days away and the trade market has still remained relatively quiet. Things should begin to pick up over the coming week as teams are forced to make the decision on whether it is time to buy or sell.
Market for Wilson Ramos is Very Thin
It seems rather apparent that the Mets will be open for business at the trade deadline, with every expiring contract likely made available on the trade market. One of the players that is locked up past this season, that the Mets may look to move is Wilson Ramos. Ramos signed a two-year, $19 million pact with the Mets this offseason, but has shown significant regression defensively. So much so that two of the Mets starting pitchers, (Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard) have made it clear that they don’t want to pitch to Ramos anymore.
With that being said, Ramos is still one of the better offensive catchers in baseball, currently hitting .266/.344/.394 with nine home runs and 44 RBI. There is no doubt that his bat could help a contending team and the Mets would love to get him off the books next season. Unfortunately, due to the defensive liabilities and the fact that he will be a 32-year-old catcher next season, there are not many teams interested in acquiring Ramos. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, trade interest in Ramos is “scarce.”
Phillies Acquire Reliever Mike Morin From Twin for Cash Considerations
The Philadelphia Phillies added a new reliever to their bullpen on Saturday, when they traded cash considerations for right-handed pitcher Mike Morin. Morin had been designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins earlier in the week, so that the Twins could activate a pair of players off the IL.
This season, Morin made 23 appearances for Minnesota and pitched to a 3.18 ERA. While his ERA looks great, his fielding independent pitching of 4.50 runs per nine, tells a different story.
Red Sox Release Eduardo Nunez
The Boston Red Sox have released utility infielder Eduardo Nunez on Saturday, after he spent parts of three seasons with the Red Sox. Nunez was part of the Red Sox championship winning team of 2018, but was struggling mightily so far this season. This year, Nunez is hitting .228/.243/.305 with a dreadful .548 OPS.
Still, Nunez is capable of playing pretty much every position on the field except center field and catcher and could be a valuable addition to any contending team’s roster. He will be eligible to sign anywhere for the pro-rated veteran’s minimum.
Nationals Interested in Shane Greene and Sam Dyson
The Washington Nationals are in the market to add to their bullpen, as they make their push for the playoffs. Reports are that the Nationals are not only interested in adding a reliever that can help their playoff aspirations in 2019, but also one that will be under team control past this season.
Two of the Nationals potential trade targets are Detroit Tigers closer Shane Greene and San Francisco Giants setup man Sam Dyson. Dyson is pitching to a 2.68 ERA this season and has struck out 46 batters in 47 innings, but the Giants recent push to contention may keep him off the trade market.
On the other hand, Greene is playing for the last place Tigers and seems very likely to be moved at the deadline. Greene was an All-Star this season and is pitching to a pristine 1.03 ERA, while converting 22 of his 24 save opportunities.
Tigers Reportedly Want Young Establish MLB Star in Trade for Matthew Boyd
It is no secret that Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd is on the market to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Boyd, 28, is a left-handed starting pitcher that is thought to be one of the best available at the deadline. Boyd has pitched to a 4.13 ERA this season across his 20 starts, but a career-best 3.56 FIP indicates that he is one of the more effective starters in the American League. Boyd also boosts the best strikeout-to-walk rate in the AL with a 6.67 mark.
Boyd is under team control through the 2022 season, adding to his trade value. Because of his ability to help a contender now and also for years to come, the Tigers are seeking a big coup in any Boyd deal. On Saturday, Jon Heyman reported that the Tigers want to acquire an established young MLB star in any deal that includes Boyd.
