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The Trade deadline is today at 6 PM ET.
Today’s Headlines
Paul Sewald traded to the Diamondbacks
Since signing with Seattle on a minor league deal back in 2021, Seawald transformed into one of baseball’s best relievers with a combined 2.88 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 35% K rate over the past three seasons. The former Met has converted 21 of 24 save opportunities this year and should provide an instant impact for a D-Backs bullpen that has struggled to find an effective closer. Sewald won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season.
The Mariners received infielder Josh Rojas and prospects Dominic Canzone, and Ryan Bliss. After posting a 1.065 OPS in 71 games with Triple-A Reno, Canzone got called up and was hitting .237 with a .661 OPS through his first 15 games with the D-Backs. Bliss, an infielder, posted a 1.007 OPS through 68 games in Double-A this season prior to being promoted to Triple-A.
The Diamondbacks also acquired Jace Peterson from the A’s in exchange for RHP Chad Patrick.
The Mariners, meanwhile, are also fielding calls for Teoscar Hernández.
Rays get Aaron Civale
Civale owned a terrific 2.34 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through his first 13 starts and will provide some much-needed depth to the Rays’ rotation. He’s under team control through 2025. The Rays later optioned Taj Bradley.
The Guardians received 1B Kyle Manzardo, who was ranked as the Rays’ fourth prospect. He had a .783 OPS through 73 games with Triple-A Durham.
Cubs acquire Jeimer Candelario
The Cubs secured their lineup with the acquisition of switch-hitting third baseman Jeimer Candelario who is hitting .258 with a .823 OPS. He is also just three away from tying his career season-high in home runs (19). After last night’s 6-5 loss to the Reds, the Cubs are four games back in the loss column in the NL Central.
The Nationals received SS Kevin Made, and LHP DJ Herz, the Cubs’ 14th and 16th-ranked prospects via Pipeline, for Candelario.
The Cubs also added RHP Jose Cuas from the Royals in exchange for OF Nelson Velázquez.
Mets trade Mark Canha to the Brewers
The Mets continued to sell by dealing the veteran outfielder to the Brewers in exchange for RHP Justin Jarvis. The Mets agreed to cover the majority of Canha’s salary this season. The veteran outfielder has a $11.5 M option and a $2 M buyout for next season that the Brewers will be on the tab for.
The Mets are also fielding calls for Tommy Pham.
Cubs promote Pete Crow-Armstrong to Triple-A Iowa
The lefty-hitting outfielder posted a .938 OPS in Double-A before getting promoted.
Within one rung of Wrigley.
The Cubs are promoting Pete Crow-Armstrong (MLB’s No. 7 prospect) to Triple-A Iowa, a source confirms to Jordan Bastian.
Scouting report, stats, video and more on the 21-year-old outfielder: https://t.co/bgZWrsAfpA pic.twitter.com/LsyZ8l3ukH
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 31, 2023
He’s one of the big names that could be dealt before the deadline. Verlander has a full no-trade clause but according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the general feeling is that he’d be willing to waive his NTC for a move back to Houston.
The 40-year-old reigning Cy Young winner is owed $43.3 M guaranteed next season and has a $35 M option for 2025 that would become guaranteed if he throws 140 innings next season while also finishing the year healthy.
The Tigers
Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen remain likely trade candidates. E-Rod is on a five-year deal but has an opt-out at the end of the season. Lorenzen is an impeding free agent.
The Detroit #Tigers are definitely trading starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen, it’s simply a case of seeing which team blinks first with their high price tag.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2023
Best Moments from Yesterday
Michael Harris II robs Ohtani
OK, in fairness, this ball probably hits the top of the wall, but, still, it’s a pretty nice catch.
Michael Harris II, Sho-Stopper. pic.twitter.com/o6J9wSXuGn
— MLB (@MLB) August 1, 2023
Austin Hays saves the day
The battle of the birds came down to the wire last night with the Orioles guarding a 4-2 lead in the ninth. Félix Bautista put the tying runs on base with a pair of walks to Alejandro Kirk and Kevin Kiermaier but was picked up on a terrific catch from Austin Hays that robbed Whit Merrifield of a hit.
“It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Austin Hays!” pic.twitter.com/oiGNu8ZOf5
— MLB (@MLB) August 1, 2023
Super Cal
Cal Raleigh gave the Mariners the lead and may have also taken a piece of Nick Pivetta’s soul with his second home run of the night.
Cal Raleigh’s second homer of the night puts the @Mariners ahead. pic.twitter.com/SNnAZYVXGk
— MLB (@MLB) August 1, 2023
Injuries and Transactions
Bo Bichette left last night’s game with right knee discomfort.
The Giants acquired outfielder AJ Pollock from the Mariners.
Justin Turner left last night’s game with a left heel contusion.
The D-Backs called up OF Kyle Lewis.
Thairo Estrada is set to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday.
Hunter Greene is scheduled to make a minor league start this Saturday and is targeting an August 20th return.
Articles You Should Read
8 ideal player-team fits for Deadline day.– David Adler, MLB.com.
What took so long? MLB execs discuss ‘weird,’ slow-developing hitters market. – Jayson Stark, The Athletic
Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Week 18
Prospect List: Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects 3.0
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)