This player fits the Braves' rumored trade deadline plans
The Atlanta Braves are thriving early on this season, despite the injuries they have dealt with. They recently swept the New York Mets, who have the highest payroll in baseball. The team has a slight lead over the Miami Marlins, who are about a handful of games behind them.
So what are the Braves to do at the trade deadline? Well, ESPN's Brandon Doolittle highlighted where all 30 MLB teams stand heading into the Aug. 1 trade deadline (subscription required), and noted that the Braves could opt to address their weakness — defense.
"Why they will add: The foundation of the Braves looks as rock solid as ever, with supreme performances from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider marking Atlanta as a prime World Series contender. Under the hood, things look a bit more uneven as a rocket-ship start to the season began to fade around the middle of May as the injuries mounted, particularly to the rotation. The Braves have maintained their perch in the NL East at least in part because their anticipated challengers (New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies) have yet to mount a consistent charge. By the deadline, the Braves should have a more fixed idea of their needs as the injured pitchers hopefully work their way back. Right now, the Braves' team defense looks like a weakness and they have scrambled a bit in the bullpen. With injury luck, the acuity of those cracks in the mortar will be clear by late July."
When looking at the team's need to address defense, one player that fits the bill is Matt Duffy of the Kansas City Royals. With the infield being set with first baseman Matt Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies, and third baseman Austin Riley, Duffy can play all three of their positions. So, he could be a quality depth option for the team in the second half of the season.
At second base, Duffy holds a .930 fielding percentage (17 putouts, 23 assists, three errors on 43 chances) in 90.0 innings (13 games). At third, Duffy recorded a .941 fielding percentage (seven putouts, 25 assists, two errors on 34 chances) in 88.0 innings (13 games).
MLB Rumors: Yankees could target AL Central closer, and it's not Aroldis Chapman
The New York Yankees have overcome a slow start to the season and are right in the thick of the postseason hunt. But, they do have some work to do to bolster their bullpen. Specifically at closer.
Clay Holmes was meant to be the closer, especially after they moved on from Aroldis Chapman. But, Holmes struggled this season. With the AL East race going to be a tough one, the team needs to explore their options, with the trade deadline being their best bet.
ESPN's Brandon Doolittle wrote about where all 30 teams stand less than two months away from the trade deadline (subscription required). When talking about the Yankees, Doolittle says the team is "almost always in add mode," and mentions the bullpen and the team's need for a closer. Doolittle mentioned Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks as an option while calling a reunion with Chapman "highly, highly, doubtful."
"Meanwhile, the bullpen has been very good, but no one has established himself as a ninth-inning hammer, and that might be an area to look at. (Liam Hendriks? If the ChiSox are dealing, then sure. Aroldis Chapman? Highly, highly doubtful)," writes Doolittle.
Hendriks has shown in recent years that he is one of the top closers in the game, dating back to his time with the Oakland Athletics. Hendriks recently made his return this month after battling stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, he had just been placed on the 15-day injured list on June 11 due to right elbow inflammation.
In five appearances, Hendriks carries a 5.40 ERA, a 1.000 WHIP, and a 2-0 win-loss record, while recording three strikeouts and one walk in 5.0 innings.
As for Chapman being viewed as unlikely, that is understandable, considering he no-showed a mandatory workout and was subsequently taken off the team's ALDS roster.
MLB Rumors: Shane Bieber speaks on trade rumors after shutting down Astros
When it comes to the trade deadline, there is always at least one big name that gets dealt. This year, it seems like that gigantic name could be none other than Shane Bieber, ace for the Cleveland Guardians.
Three general managers told ESPN's Jeff Passan (subscription required) that they believed Bieber could be traded. Bieber has one year left of arbitration remaining before he becomes a free agent. So, the clock is ticking for the Guardians to deal him.
After his win over the Houston Astros on Sunday, Bieber was asked about the trade rumors surrounding him. Bieber says that he is more focused on the Guardians than worrying about reports and rumors about whether or not he gets traded.
"I have a great internal support system, external support system," said Bieber, h/t Sports Illustrated. "Like you said, it is my job to block all those things out and go out there today and ultimately just compete … My focus is on my teammates right now and my family and going out there and give my best each and every day. So it hasn't been that hard, I know that's not a great grab of a line, but it's been pretty easy to focus on what's in front of me right now."
In 14 starts this season, Bieber recorded a 3.29 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, a 5-3 win-loss record, 64 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 87.2 innings.
