MLB Trade Rumors: David Price, Justin Upton, Mike Napoli Involved In Latest Speculation
Players that have been involved in recent MLB trade rumors continue to change teams, as Johnny Cueto has become the most recent star to be dealt. With the trade deadline just four days away, a few other big names could be switching uniforms soon.
The Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros have begun making their push towards the World Series, giving up prospects for starting pitchers that aren’t under contract next season. As teams decide whether they’ll be buyers or sellers at the deadline, the volume of trades should increase over the coming days.
Below is a closer look at three players that might be dealt by the weekend.
David Price
Cole Hamels is the top pitcher on the trade market, since it seems more than likely that he will be traded by Friday’s deadline. Price, whose name has been at the center of trade rumors, would be more valuable to a contender this year, but it’s unknown if he’ll be moved. Price’s agent, Bo McKinnis, told MLB Network Radio that he believes Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski will decide if the team will be a seller on Thursday or Friday.
Detroit is falling out of the AL Central race fast, and they aren’t playing like a team that is a real threat to win a championship. The Tigers aren’t expected to re-sign Price in the offseason, and McKinnis is not optimistic that Detroit will keep their star pitcher.
The Los Angeles Dodgers would try to land Price if he’s made available, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The San Francisco Giants may also be in the running for Price, Jayson Stark of ESPN reported. Price said he might consider signing with the Red Sox in the offseason. The 29-year-old has a 2.31 ERA this year, going 9-3 on a team that is two games under .500.
Justin Upton
The San Diego Padres are looking to trade some of their top players, and ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports that Upton is at the top of their list. While the team has made pitchers James Shields, Andrew Cashner and Craig Kimbrel available, their top priority is to get something in return for Upton, who will be a free agent in the offseason.
Upton could be a significant addition to a contender that is looking to upgrade their offense. He’s hit 16 home runs this year, though his .759 OPS is his worst mark since he was a rookie.
The New York Mets have inquired about Upton, as they look to make the playoffs with the NL’s worst offense. According to Bowden, the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs are also possible destinations for Upton, who has played for three different teams since 2012.
Mike Napoli
Napoli has struggled to hit for power and get on base at the same rate that he used to, but he’s still being sought after by teams that could use offensive help. Bill West of the Tribune Review reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates have spoken to the Boston Red Sox about acquiring the first baseman.
Napoli is currently posting career-lows in batting average (.209), on-base percentage (.306) and slugging percentage (.377). However, his numbers have improved after an awful June, and the Pirates might need a replacement for Pedro Alvarez, who Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported last week was being offered in trade proposals to “everybody.”
If Pittsburgh keeps the first baseman, which ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports will likely happen, the Pirates could try to acquire Shane Victorino. Pittsburgh has reportedly talked about trading for the outfielder, who’s had just 94 at-bats in 2015.
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