Zack Wheeler: No Deal
The Mets control Wheeler through 2019, and it’s being reported their asking price is increasing as Wheeler performs better. He’s 3-0 with only 9 ER allowed over his last 25.1 Innings (4 starts). The interested teams are Philadelphia, New York, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. I don’t see the Mets wanting to deal within the division or with the Bronx, so I think Wheeler likely ends up in Milwaukee before 4:00 today.
Kevin Gausman: No Deal
Not gonna lie, I had this pegged as a “deal” before Kolby Allard was called up to start Tuesday. The Braves have done an excellent job of acquiring talent for nothing more than spare parts and international bonus money. However, controllable starters don’t come as cheap. Gausman has already been mentioned in one of our writeups, but with Kolby Allard making a start today and Kyle Wright promoted to AAA, it seems Atlanta is going to give their guys a shot. Gausman is the best value on the Market coming from a club 42 games out of 1st place, but I think he stays put.
Chris Archer: No Deal
One of the biggest names left available, it feels like Archer trade rumors have been swirling for 3 years. San Diego, Atlanta, and New York are all in the mix for his services. Once revered as the three top farm systems in the league, the Padres have the greatest wealth of prospect talent to offer for Archer. I think they make the most serious offer and pull off a blockbuster despite being last in the NL West.
Craig Stammen: Deal
I’d still like to see Atlanta pull off a trade for a big time bullpen arm today. Kirby Yates is an excellent option, but most feel his bags are packed for Boston already. Stammen isn’t a terrible consolation prize, he’s got a 2.58 ERA on the year with a 10.1 K/9. Not to mention, he’s under team control through 2020. Stammen won’t be cheap in terms of prospects, but he’s a savvy, controllable veteran to help stabilize the pen. Pull the trigger.
Adrian Beltre: No Deal
Adrian Beltre is one of the classiest and most professional guys in baseball. Any team would be lucky to have the future hall of famer. The Yankees, Indians, and Red Sox have expressed interest along with Atlanta, but the Braves are allegedly the most “serious”. However, Beltre is only sporting a .745 OPS compared to Johan Camargo’s .791 OPS. As much as I love Beltre, he’s not necessarily an upgrade. He goes to the Red Sox with Devers on the DL.
Nick Castellanos: No Deal
I had this one pegged as a deal until the Duvall trade late last night. Castellanos’ defense isn’t on par with Duvall’s, but he’s mashing leftys to the tune of a .398 average with 6 Home Runs. He’s an impending free agent, so he’s likely to end up somewhere. It won’t be Atlanta.