MLB news roundup
Good morning, Athletics Nation!
The 2020 MLB trade deadline is later than normal due to the unusual summer schedule. It’s coming Aug. 31, which is next Monday. Teams aren’t waiting to get started, though, as there have already been three notable deals around the league. (Click links for full stories.)
The Blue Jays in particular expect to be “extremely active” on the trade market, reports Scott Mitchell of TSN, with the caveat that activity doesn’t always result in actual deals being completed. They now have a rotation that features Hyun-jin Ryu, Tanner Roark, and Chase Anderson, along with Walker (4.00 ERA, 4.98 FIP in five starts for Seattle).
Reposting from yesterday’s Rumblings, here are stories on the San Diego Padres (Kevin Acee, San Diego Tribune) and Arizona Diamondbacks (Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic).
It stands to reason that teams would get moving early in their dealings. Every game counts 2.7 times more than we’re used to in a full season, so even a five-day head start brings two extra weeks of relative value. Plus, there’s less than a month of regular season left after the deadline passes, so in whatever terms you want to look at the value of time, the opportunity is limited to get anything out of whatever price you pay. The clock is ticking faster than ever.
The Oakland A’s are yet to be involved in any serious rumors, but as a contending team you’d have to expect they’re at least sniffing around to see what might be out there. We’ll start exploring some possible options on Athletics Nation over the next few days. What do you think the A’s should do, and who are your favorite targets? (Remember to visit Baseball Trade Values when you need a tool for speculating on potential deals!)
Thursday: No game, while we all took a day to reflect on more important events going on in our country. Thank you for participating in our discussion thread yesterday.
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 27, 2020
Discussions ongoing, but you’d have to image we end up getting some form of this bubble
MLB has sent a proposal to the union about playing the postseason in a bubble-type environment. It is not finalized yet if that would be the whole postseason including the best 2-of-3 round. @Ken_Rosenthal reported on this 1st
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 26, 2020
Still got a couple games left with the Rockies, so here’s their latest move
The Rockies announced today that they have signed LHP Zac Rosscup to a Minor League contract and have added him to the 60-man player pool.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) August 27, 2020
