With only a few days left before the MLB trade deadline, it’s hard to separate rumor from concrete information. But you can always trust MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, who provided some important deadline updates on Saturday afternoon. It includes major nuggets of information on the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the San Francisco Giants.
First and foremost, the Diamondbacks. Third baseman Eugenio Suárez is poised to be the gem of the deadline as Arizona works on a heavy sell. The expectation is that he is “almost certain” to be traded. Arizona’s 34-year-old slugger is the ideal fit for a lot of contenders, and will come at a high price despite being a rental. Offers will be heating up in the coming days.
Rosenthal also noted that Randal Grichuk is expected to be dealt. After a great 2024, he’s struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season. The 33-year-old still possesses lots of power and is a good weak-side platoon hitter against lefties. Rosenthal also noted that starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly could both be dealt, after reports that Arizona preferred to keep one of them. The Diamondbacks hold a lot of chips going into this deadline.
Another significant change is the status of the Tampa Bay Rays. A losing skid has put them at fourth in the AL East, and well out of the division race. Rosenthal reports that, if losing continues, they could explore trading Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe, amongst others.
Díaz, 33, would immediately become one of the big chips of the deadline. The 2023 batting champ is one of the best contact hitters in the game, and is hitting for power this year. With a cheap team option on the books for next year, he’s got long-term value for a team taking the long approach. Rosenthal reports that the division rival Boston Red Sox would be interested in Díaz should he become available.
Brandon Lowe would be another big chip. The power-hitting second baseman would fill a need for several contenders. Tampa’s 30-year-old All-Star also has a team option for next year, one that any team would love to pick up. If the Rays were to sell both players, they could net a few top-100 prospects and inject some juice into the farm system.
Rosenthal also noted that the San Francisco Giants are in “open season” mode. They’re going to be aggressive in pursuing starting pitching and an upgrade at second base. New president of baseball operations Buster Posey is anything but gun-shy, and will bolster this team before the month is out.
Trade season is truly upon us. Stay tuned for more updates.
