MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Scoop on Jeff Samardzija, Cameron Maybin and More
The MLB All-Star break is right around the corner, giving all 30 teams a chance to catch their breath and prepare for the stretch run. For most clubs, that process begins by hitting the trade market hard.
Whether building up for the pennant or tearing down the roster for future improvement, few franchises will stay stagnant during July. While players start a mini-vacation on Monday, front offices will kick into overdrive to get something done before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
With the season halfway over, here's a look at the latest trade chatter around the league.
TOP NEWS
Grading Every Team After 20 Games 👨🏫
Angels Icon Dies at 53
Ranking Stadiums from Worst to First 🏟️
Chicago White Sox Shopping Jeff Samardzija
The Oakland Athletics didn't wait around for last year's deadline, instead acquiring Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs on July 5. This year, a Chicago squad might yet again deal Samardzija before the last second.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the 30-year-old righty remains "one of the more discussed and desirable pitchers on the trade market" despite enduring an erratic campaign.
"Kansas City, Houston, Detroit, and others are in on him," Cafardo wrote. "Scouts are constantly at his games so he may be the first starting pitcher moved ahead of the trading deadline."
A year removed from posting a 2.99 ERA through 219.2 innings, Samardzija has regressed with a 4.33 ERA and career-worst 7.50 strikeouts per nine innings. Yet he has also maintained last year's improvements in the walk department, issuing 22 free passes through 116.1 frames for the Chicago White Sox.
| IP | 219.2 | 116.1 |
| ERA | 2.99 | 4.33 |
| WHIP | 1.07 | 1.27 |
| BAA | .234 | .277 |
| K/9 | 8.28 | 7.50 |
| BB/9 | 1.76 | 1.70 |
After a frenzy of offseason moves, the White Sox expected to compete in the American League Central. Instead, they're 10.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals at 37-44. That will pressure them to entertain offers for the pending free agent, who expressed his desire to play for a contender.
"I worked hard to get to this spot in free agency," Samardzija told USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "I just want to sign with a team that is competing every September with a chance to be playing in October.
Nightengale added that the hurler is "being strongly pursued by the Toronto Blue Jays." The American League East remains entirely up for grabs, and Toronto can use some pitching to complement its dominant offense.
Braves May Sell High on Maybin
When the Atlanta Braves acquired Cameron Maybin in the Craig Kimbrel trade to start 2015, they likely merely wanted a short-term filler to hold the fort down. Best-case scenario, he plays well enough for them to flip.
Maybin has done exactly that, hitting .297/.365/.422 with seven home runs and 15 stolen bases. His average, on-base and slugging percentages all represent career highs, making the 28-year-old outfielder an easy trade candidate for a rebuilding organization.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Braves will answer the phone for any Maybin inquiries:
A day earlier, he mentioned the San Francisco Giants as a possible suitor for him and the Milwaukee Brewers' Gerardo Parra:
"SF has looked for OF help. Some players discussed, among others, Cameron Maybin and Gerardo Parra. 12 HR for the SF outfielders in '15.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 6, 2015 "
The Braves unloaded Kimbrel, Justin Upton and Jason Heyward during the offseason, but they haven't bottomed out because of strong returns from Maybin, Jace Peterson and All-Star selectee Shelby Miller. Yet Maybin, clearly performing over his normal rates, does not factor into their long-term plans.
Indians Considering Deadline Status
Like the White Sox, the Cleveland Indians lag in the AL Central standings, but they are far from out of the playoff picture. In terms of gearing up for a playoff push or casting off spare parts, they're stuck in no-man's land.
Most of their nucleus is young and affordable, and nobody is charitable enough to take Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher off their hands. Per Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, that makes a successful outfield platoon their top potential trade chips:
"If they eventually sell, sources say the players most likely to be traded would be veterans such as David Murphy and Ryan Raburn, both of whom are under affordable club options for 2016.
The team continues to draw inquiries about first baseman Carlos Santana, but is reluctant to move a switch-hitter who is earning $6 million this season and $8.25 million next season with a $12 million club option for 2017.
"
If his cheap contract wasn't enough incentive to keep Santana, his .361 slugging percentage should cause Cleveland to stay put rather than selling low. Murphy and Raburn, on the other hand, are both intriguing adds for a contender.
Drawing the meatier piece of the outfield split, Murphy is hitting .329/.372/.488 with all but 11 plate appearances against righties. Raburn boasts a .303/.391/.545 slash line against lefties. Together, they make one heck of a combo.
Anyone short on power from either side could benefit from acquiring either veteran for a minimal price.
