MLB Trade Rumors & Free Agent Buzz Around League: Troy Tulowitzki, Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees & Mets Involved
We're just over 30 games into this Major League Baseball season, but a lot of general managers appear to be busy. Many players are requesting trades, and there are still valuable free agents on the open market who can help a roster.
Let's dive into some of the biggest MLB rumors from around the league.
Rafael Soriano Could Find a Home in South Beach
Rafael Soriano has been one of the most underrated closers in baseball over the years. The last three seasons he has recorded 42, 32 and 43 saves. The Dominican reliever also led the league with 45 saves in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He may be 35 years old, but the Miami Marlins are very "interested" in Soriano according to league reports. The Marlins are just 15-19 this season, and Steve Cishek leads the team with just three saves. Sounds like a good fit.
Troy Tulowitzki to the Big Apple?
The big name on the trade market right now is Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies are in last place in the National League West, and it may be wise to get value for him while they still can. Tulowitzki has played his entire career for the Rockies dating back to 2006, but many MLB experts feel as if the New York Mets and Yankees would be the best fits. That makes sense considering both the Yankees and Mets have had great pitching this season, and both could use an upgrade in power hitting. Tulowitzki is a .299 career hitter, and he is batting .298 this season for the Rockies with a .481 slugging percentage.
Cole Hamels on the Move?
Most people knew the Philadelphia Phillies would struggle this season, as they are currently 11-23, which is good enough for last place in the National League East. There's virtually no chance the Phillies will be able to trade Ryan Howard because of his enormous contract, but they have been involved in pitching trade rumors. According to multiple reports, the Phillies could trade Hamels away before the MLB trade deadline, and possibly even pursue Soriano in free agency. Hamels still has five years left on his contract. The fifth year has a team option worth $20 million.
Cubs and Mets Could Do Business
Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer believes his team and the Mets will be involved in a trade sometime this season. The obvious reason being because the Mets have a good pitching staff while the Cubs have good infielders. Both the Mets and Cubs have a winning record, but they could help each other out with a trade.
The MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31.
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