2018 Trade Deadline rumors/speculation

[BostonRoss]

I would not go for Harper right now. Cost would be way out of proportion to benefit

Maybe, but since he is having an off year and is a rental, the price might be a bargain if he returns to form.

[zambonir]

I don't think Harper's current struggles would affect his price. He's still Bryce Harper and there's too much other baggage (sentimentality, the Nats not being totally out of it, even the QO comp pick) for the Nats not to insist on a premium price. Particularly from the Phillies. And, as with Machado, the Phillies probably aren't as motivated as other division leaders with more advanced win-now windows.

Plus, what if he doesn't bounce back this season (and why would he, at this point)? What would you actually want to give up if he only adds one win compared to Williams?

[Austinfan]

Given Williams has a .900 OPS his last 40 games or so, Harper's gonna have to really bounce back to add value over Williams.

[zambonir]

Well, if the trade was really possible, that would be the debate. Can Nick Williams keep doing that for the next two months? Can Harper suddenly snap back to previous form? Unless you're sure the answer is "no" and "yes," there's no reason to do it, and even then,Klentak would likely balk at the price, and maybe even the potential impact on clubhouse make-up (normally I'd say who cares about such things, but Harper does seem like a bit much for a team with no stars, and the Phillies do have that "all we got is all we need" vibe right now.

[teabag259]

I worry about the rotation moving forward. All of them. It’s a collectively young group and outside of Arrieta none of them have pitched in meaningful September (or even August) baseball. Fatigue could start setting in and the pressure of a pennant race could be huge for a bunch of kids. I’d advocate going out and getting a veteran starter.

[zambonir]

I agree but there's just not anybody that good available. You either get someone like Hellickson or Matt Harvey just to have 'em, or you get heisted for someone controllable like Wheeler or Archer.

We'll see, 21 hours left. But they can also get pitching in August. You can always find fungibles then, and even a star's not out of the question (i.e. Verlander).

[tom81]

If somehow they can get Bumgardener or deGrom I’d be willing to make a trade. Without that there is no guarantee of an upgrade and I don’t buy the notion that our guys just won’t be good enough. I’d rather keep the chemistry intact and let the bet ride.

[donaldorc]

I worry about the rotation moving forward. All of them. It’s a collectively young group and outside of Arrieta none of them have pitched in meaningful September (or even August) baseball. Fatigue could start setting in and the pressure of a pennant race could be huge for a bunch of kids. I’d advocate going out and getting a veteran starter.

I have had similar thoughts, and agree with this sentiment.

[Austinfan]

If Eickhoff is healthy in a few weeks, is there anyone better available in the trade market?

[andyb]

Eickhoff was mediocre last year. Is there any real reason to think he will be above average even if healthy this year? Getting hurt has not helped him, but his stats were better than his stuff in his only good year.

[EDmuch]

There are 9,241 options better than Eichkoff, some of whom have actually pitched in MLB in the past year. For planning purposes, Eickhoff is a zero. Anything, and I mean anything, he provides is a gift.

[zambonir]

Yeah Eickhoff might be good for a couple of why-not starts if in fact he doesn't have another setback, but he might not even be better than the AAA options.

It's risk-reward, and the reward of developing the team is at least as important as the reward of winning something this year. I was definitely interested in Happ or Hamels because of the match-up factor but Lance Lynn (now a Yankee) or someone else like that might not be an upgrade. If they're interested in Archer that's understandable because he actually is better than Pivetta and has long-term potential, especially if you think your data guys and coaches can get him to reach it.

[Austinfan]

Point is unless it's someone like Archer (and the cost would be prohibitive) I'd rather go with young pitchers than someone's retread - we've seen too many broke down veterans come through here the last 3-4 years.

[zambonir]

The rumor guys (Morosi, Heyman) say we're still sniffing after an OF bat (Granderson, Bautista).

It sounds like they really did want Jones too. To each his own of course but I think it's a little odd he wouldn't be okay with playing so close to home.

[gmwannabe]

Do not panic Matt. They are what they are. don't give away the farm for something that is older and not that better. i think this seeing so many pitches and trying to get on base with a walk is starting to catch up with this team. They are young and have been playing some meaningful baseball games into August. i don't think that was expected. They had a good 4 months and now let them walk all they want. they'll learn to hit maybe next year, with men on base. baby steps and with the farm giving help in the nest few years, we'll see meaningful baseball all season. Things are looking up.
gm

[saycheese]

I think if we do anything today (and I am skeptical we will) it will be later today if the price comes down on a piece they have been looking at.

[phillychuck]

Kela was traded to the Pirates for their #7 prospect and a PTBNL. Their #7 guy was very similar to Kilome--AA, good reports, good velocity, K/IP, mixed results.

I liked Kela for us in a trade, but the price was pretty high.

[Lawman]

Jon Heyman (JonHeyman)

[andyb]

Pretty telling that Pittsburgh is making a move to compete 7 games out (with a controllable asset at least) while the Nats are really thinking of packing it in. I don't think they will move Harper, but would not be shocked to see a bunch of relief pitchers go (like Madson and Herrera) for pennies on the dollar. They might want to get under the luxury tax line if that is still possible.

And I look at the Nats with several players underperforming staring up at the Phillies and Braves - two young clubs scuffling and not making major moves - and think they should have a good chance of winning a weak division.

This will be a fascinating 8 hours today.

[andyb]

Apparently we are in the McCutchen talks. Though an August waiver deal seems more likely at the moment.

Andrew McCutchen trade rumors