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TRADE RUMORS: EAST DIVISIONS UPDATE
Red Sox, Mets look to add bullpen depth
07/08/2019
By MLB.com Staff

Boston may own the AL's best record, but they've managed to do with a pitching staff that's largely underachieved for most of the season. Archie Bradley and Brad Boxberger have been the only two consistently reliable relievers that the Sox have had in 2019 (thanks, JBJ!), and they'll likely be one of the more aggressive teams at the deadline. Bret Barberie, who took over for Dave Dombrowski as the team's top personnel decision-maker after he stepped down due to health issues post-2018, has stated that the Sox will need to make multiple moves to get better after July 31st, and that the bullpen is likely the top target. They also could be in the market for a starter, but they may end up leaning on a veteran rotation that got it done in the postseason last year on their way to a World Series title. --Evan Jones

With Scott Schebler already in hand from the Reds for outfield prospect Joe McCarthy, the Rays are looking to add more to make a run at the Indians for the second wildcard. According to the Tampa Bay Times, general manager Erik Neander is in the market for a catching upgrade or to deepen their bullpen. There are not a shortage of catching options, but they appear to be zeroing in on two main targets -- Miami's J.T. Realmuto and Texas' Yasmani Grandal. Grandal's Rangers are still in the hunt, just a few games back of the Rays, so it's unlikely at this point they'll be willing to deal their starting catcher, but Realmuto would be a good catch for the Rays. It will cost more in prospects and capital to pry him from the Marlins since he's controlled through 2020, but is a significant upgrade over both Kevin Plawecki and Jesus Sucre. --Brian Smith

Toronto has lost nine of their last ten, and has slipped out of the wildcard picture barring a late July run. GM Ross Atkins hasn't come out and stated it publicly (and won't until a trade actually happens), but it's assumed that Marcus Stroman is available, as he's received heavy interest in the right-hander in the past week according to the Toronto Sun. First baseman Justin Smoak is also a candidate to be moved, with first base prospect Rowdy Tellez destroying Triple-A right now. The Jays are also shopping infielder Devon Travis and Gold Glove outfielder Kevin Pillar, but they each have an additional year of control in 2020, and are less likely to be moved unless Atkins gets a deal he can't turn down. --Brian Smith

The Mets are hamstrung with bad contracts from Jay Bruce and Juan Lagares, as they have expressed interest in adding to their anemic outfield offense aside from Michael Conforto. Yoenis Cespedes and Bruce have dealt with injuries that have reduced them to pinch-hit and platoon roles; while Lagares, who still plays outstanding defense, is slashing .206/.281/.323 in 285 plate appearances. With that in mind, Sandy Alderson would be better off supplementing his strong starting rotation with some bullpen depth to help bridge the gap between the rotation and closer Anthony Swarzak. --Evan Jones

Washington manager Dave Martinez has said that getting outfielder Michael Brantley back from his hand injury is like "getting a big-timer" at the deadline, but they have a ways to go to catch the Dodgers, who are five games ahead of the Nats for the second wildcard position. Los Angeles already strengthened their pen with Trevor Rosenthal from the Royals, increasing the pressure on Mike Rizzo to make a move. Most of the bigger-name pitchers that might possibly be available for them are still on teams hanging around in playoff races, but there could be some moves to make in the meantime, such as upgrading the offense. The Nats need to upgrade the offense, especially at first base, where they are now relying on a platoon of Jose Marmolejos and veteran Ryan Zimmerman. A few players to watch for here would be the aforementioned Justin Smoak, and Justin Bour, who is currently with the Twins. Washington would also love to have either one of J.A. Happ or Danny Duffy, but are waiting for one or both of them to fall out of contention. --Jason Frampton

Teams are expressing interest in Miami second baseman Starlin Castro, but as a third baseman instead, according to the Miami Herald. St. Louis has shown the most interest in the wake of Matt Carpenter's injury setbacks that led to season-ending surgery on his thumb, but the Angels, Mets, and Yankees have also inquired with the Marlins' front office. Castro has a $16M team option for 2020, so there is little risk for an acquiring team; but the Marlins will likely not net a huge return for who will essentially be a rental player. --Evan Jones