MLB Trade Rumors: Yasiel Puig, Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, and David Price on the Move?
The trade deadline is less than 10 days away. The time for unloading massive contracts, getting roster help and rebuilding has begun. The next nine days will be filled with big trades and roster changes. Here are some of the biggest trade rumors around the league right now.
Cueto Likely Out of Cincinnati
Johnny Cueto is, without a doubt, the big name on trade market this year. Although an elite ace pitcher, he's in the final year of his contract so the Cincinnati Reds will more than likely trade him and get value now. The Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros have shown interest in Cueto. The Reds could very well trade Mike Leake, who is also in the final year of his contract, as well.
Busy Astros
The Astros are an impressive 52-43 this season, but the Los Angeles Angels are in first place in the AL West. The Astros have been linked to David Price, Justin Upton, and even Cueto himself. If the Astros can't get their hands on Cueto or Price, they may very well may a run at Cole Hamels. The Astros pitchers rank 10th in team ERA, but they are "serious" about adding another pitcher to their roster.
Yasiel Puig for Cole Hamels?
The Los Angeles Dodgers really love their pitching. As if Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke weren't enough, the Dodgers could obtain Hamels this year as well for Puig, straight up. The Philadelphia Phillies are the worst team in the league this year, so getting a young Puig could do them some good for the future. Puig is a very talented hitter, but he's batting just .266 this season, and many believe his antics have grown old in Los Angeles.
Yankees Staying Quiet
Despite sending scouts to look at Cueto the last two seasons, it doesn't appear as if the Bronx Bombers are going to make a huge splash this year before the trade deadline. Many fans believe the Yankees should acquire a pitcher considering C.C. Sabathia is performing terribly, and Masahiro Tanaka is still battling elbow inflammation. Hamels is a possibility but most likely not a target because of his big contract.
Mets in Search of a Bat
The Mets are still very much in this thing at 49-45, just one win behind the Washington Nationals. The issue in Queens is obviously batting. So far this season the Mets' offense ranks 29th in runs scored, 30th in batting average, 21st in home runs, 29th in runs batted in, and 29th in slugging percentage. Puig would be a good addition given his young age and hitting abilities. Dominican outfielder Carlos Gómez of the Milwaukee Brewers could very well be a trade target for the Mets. Gómez started his career in New York's farm system but was traded shortly after making his Major League debut.
David Price on the Move?
David Price is in the final year of his contract, and the Detroit Tigers are a disappointing 46-47. Multiple teams are showing interest in Price such as the Chicago Cubs. Price is having another good season with a 2.32 ERA, but the Tigers aren't reaching expectations, and it's time to get value. Dealing Price away to the Cubs in the National League could be a good move and result in a big return for the Tigers.
The MLB trade deadline is Friday, July 31.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1