The MLB trade deadline is coming up fast on Tuesday, July 30.
Teams are scrambling to finalize their trades before the market closes for the season. With the draft behind us, it’s time for serious deals and rumors are flying everywhere. Here’s a roundup of Monday’s highlights.
The Braves have signed Whit Merrifield after losing Ozzie Albies to a fractured forearm, which will keep him out for eight weeks. Merrifield was released by the Phillies after hitting .199/.277/.295 in 53 games this season but had an All-Star performance last year with the Blue Jays, hitting .272/.318/.382 in 145 games. The Braves also called up prospect Nacho Alvarez to make his big-league debut and possibly fill in for Albies.
Rays Scouting Yankees
The Rays have been keeping a close eye on the Yankees’ system as they finish their season series on Monday. According to Bryan Hoch from MLB, this could mean a potential trade deal between the two teams is in the works . However, it might also just be general scouting without any immediate plans for a trade.
Fans might think this scouting means something big is about to happen.
The Rays have several players who could be good fits for the Yankees, like Zach Eflin, Randy Arozarena, and Isaac Paredes.
Tigers Scouting Orioles
Meanwhile, the Tigers have been checking out the Orioles’ Triple-A team in Norfolk. Jon Morosi from MLB reports that Baltimore has shown interest in left-hander Tarik Skubal. Norfolk has some notable prospects like Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, and Connor Norby. But just because they’re scouting doesn’t mean Skubal will definitely end up with an Orioles jersey anytime soon.
Mariners Place Ty France on Waivers
First baseman Ty France has been placed on outright waivers by the Mariners according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times (https://x.com/RyanDivish/status/1815179208316031118). This isn’t quite like release waivers; France can still play until he’s either claimed or traded or clears waivers entirely. If he clears waivers but refuses a minor league assignment due to his service time, he can become a free agent while still getting paid his full salary.
France has a 94 OPS+ this season and is set to earn nearly $7 million this year. If another team picks him up off waivers, it would help Seattle clear some payroll space.
What do you think about these moves? Let us know!
