Robert Murray and Mark Carman touched on a Mets trade target, some interest between the Braves and Jacob deGrom and more.
The Baseball Insiders Podcast returned this week after a restful holiday weekend for both Mark Carman and Robert Murray. With the trade deadline now less than a month away, you can be sure that potential trades and possible deadline deal dominated the conversation.
Bert also shared a little bit about his profession as a listener asked, “Do you reach out to teams or do they reach out to you?” Murray said one of the biggest aspects of his job as an MLB insider is to establish relationships and keep the conversation going.
So there you have it, boys and girls. Free advice on how you too can become a baseball insider like FanSided’s very own Robert Murray. But enough about Bert and Carm, what is happening behind the scenes in baseball?
Are the Atlanta Braves really the favorites to land Jacob deGrom?
If you didn’t happen to see the tweet from ESPN’s Buster Olney, he suggested that if two-time Cy Young Award-winner Jacob deGrom opts out of his contract with the New York Mets this offseason, the Atlanta Braves would be the favorites to land him.
First things first, deGrom would have to opt out of the remaining two years and $60M-plus left on his current contract. While that seems like a chunk of change for some, and it is, deGrom could easily earn more on the open market.
FanSided’s Robert Murray hadn’t heard specifically that the Braves would be interested, so perhaps Olney is just hearing some rumors on that front. However, if deGrom becomes a free agent after this season, any team willing to write a big enough check would at least kick the tires in an attempt to sign the four-time All-Star.
Will Orioles trade OF Trey Mancini to the New York Mets?
Speaking of the New York Mets, they’re likely to be in the market for a bat at the trade deadline. One name that has come up is Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini. The 30-year-old is having a terrific season and owns a .781 OPS.
The Mets are lacking another big bat besides Pete Alonso and Mancini would certainly fit the bill. The Orioles will undoubtedly be sellers at the deadline, so a potential deal between Baltimore and New York makes a lot of sense.
Another trade that might make sense for the Mets would involve Cincinnati Reds starter Luis Castillo. New York has been rumored to be after the right-hander for sometime. With Cincinnati sitting squarely in the basement of the National League, the Reds will surely be selling at this year’s trade deadline.
Could San Francisco Giants LHP Carlos Rodón be on the move?
This is purely speculative, but also quite possible. San Francisco Giants’ starting pitcher Carlos Rodón is just a few innings away from triggering an opt out clause in his current contract. With that in mind, would the Giants be looking to trade the 29-year-old at the deadline?
During the Baseball Insiders Podcast, Robert Murray said that he’d recently spoken with an MLB executive about the possibility. Murray’s theory was well received by that executive, and if the Giants continue to fall further down the standings in the NL West, there’s a chance we might see that happen.
Quick hits from the Baseball Insiders Podcast:
- Things are shaping up to be pretty weak trade deadline. Frankie Montas might be the biggest name move before Aug. 2, so don’t expect too many surprises.
- Chicago Cubs reliever Mychal Givens will be a player to watch as the deadline approaches. Many teams will be looking to bolster their bullpen, and Givens could certainly help.
- The Houston Astros will be looking to add a catcher and a first baseman at the trade deadline. Washington Nationals’ slugger Josh Bell could be a natural fit in H-Town.
- Look for the Minnesota Twins to target a frontline starter.
- Both Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds seem unlikely to be moved at the deadline.
- The St. Louis Cardinals will be looking to add pitching, but adding Frankie Montas seems unlikely.