As July 30’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline draws closer, MLB teams have less than 48 hours to add to their rosters in hopes of securing a spot in the post-season.
While big names like Randy Arozarena, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Zach Eflin have already moved, there is sure to be no shortage of trades before the deadline hits.
As clubs look to land the piece that will take them over the top, rumours and speculation will continue to fly. So with that said, here is a running tracker of what MLB insiders across the industry are hearing.
4:30 p.m. ET — Yankees in ‘extensive trade talks’ to land Flaherty
USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale is reporting that the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers are “in extensive trade talks for starter Jack Flaherty.” Nightengale noted that the Yankees are planning to trade Nestor Cortes if they land the right-hander from Detroit.
4 p.m. ET — Cardinals’ Carlson drawing interest from three teams
After landing Tommy Pham and Erick Fedde, the St. Louis Cardinals could look to move outfielder Dylan Carlson. Per a report from MLB.com’s John Denton, the 25-year-old has been drawing interest from the Cleveland Guardians, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels.
3:45 p.m. ET — Giants won’t pay down salary in potential Snell trade
If the San Francisco Giants are to trade two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, they won’t be eating any of his salary, according to The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman. After signing with the Giants in the off-season, Snell has a $30-million player option for 2025, which could complicate any potential deadline deal.
3:30 p.m. ET — White Sox ‘unlikely’ to trade Robert Jr.
After shipping Erick Fedde, Tommy Pham and Michael Kopech out Monday, the Chicago White Sox seem content to hold on to star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Francys Romero reported Monday afternoon that he has been told Chicago is “unlikely” to trade the 26-year-old. Robert has struggled this season but has still hit 12 home runs in 53 games for the White Sox.
3:15 p.m. ET — Tigers scratch Flaherty from Monday’s start
Jack Flaherty is one of this deadline’s top rental pitchers available, and the Detroit Tigers won’t risk an injury on Monday. They scratched him from his scheduled start against the Cleveland Guardians. Per The Athletic‘s Cody Stavenhagen, no deal has been completed. The 28-year-old righty has a 2.95 ERA, 133 strikeouts and 19 walks through 106.2 innings for the Tigers in 2024.
2:45 p.m. ET — Athletics set to capitalize on relief market — but not for Miller
With relievers going for sky-high prices, one team that can cash in big is the Oakland Athletics. According to The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal, despite flame-throwing closer Mason Miller being on the injured list and “essentially off the table,” Oakland relievers Lucas Erceg and Scott Alexander have been drawing interest. Erceg would be an interesting addition to any team, as his fastball averages 98.8 m.p.h. and he has a 3.68 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 36.2 innings.
2:30 p.m. ET — Rosenthal calls Yankees ‘team to watch’
During an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Ken Rosenthal identified the New York Yankees as the team to watch in his mind. “They’ve got so much going on. Relievers, starters, they’re looking for another infielder as well.” Rosenthal added the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles as two other clubs that are looking to do multiple things ahead of the deadline.
11: 45 a.m. ET — Could Yankees move Nestor Cortes?
The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman “wouldn’t be shocked” if the New York Yankees moved left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, saying that his name is “definitely out there.” Cortes, 29, has been solid for New York, racking up 124.1 innings over 22 starts.
11:30 a.m. ET — Four teams leading Tanner Scott sweepstakes
The Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals are the four teams “leading the mix” to acquire Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott, per The Athletic‘s Jim Bowden. Scott, 30, is one of the top bullpen arms available on the market. Through 45.2 innings for Miami, he has a 1.18 ERA, 53 strikeouts and 18 saves.
11 a.m. ET — Braves in on Garrett Crochet
According to a report from The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman, the Atlanta Braves “are among teams considering” a trade for Chicago White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet. With pitchers Spencer Strider and Max Fried on the injured list and Reynaldo Lopez leaving his most recent start early, the Braves have been looking at adding to their rotation for the stretch run.
6 a.m. ET — Astros ‘desperately’ looking to add a starter
USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported Monday morning that the Houston Astros are “desperately trying to land a starter,” with a focus on Detroit Tigers righty Jack Flaherty and Chicago White Sox’s Erick Fedde. Houston currently ranks 18th in MLB in starting pitching ERA (4.23), and has a number of major-league calibre rotation pieces on the injured list.