MLB: Top starting pitchers still available at the deadline
Following the blockbuster deal that sent Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs, it seems inevitable that other marquee arms will be moved by the July 31st deadline.
The move that sent former Chicago White Sox star Jose Quintana to the crosstown rival Cubs was one that sent waves through the game.
Not only did the trade come at a surprising time, but the Cubs nabbing the starter proved this year’s trade deadline has the potential to be a big one.
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While the third base and outfield markets will be loud come the end of July, there is always one that will be the name of the game; the starting pitching market.
Of course there will be the premier names that are floated, but there are the under-the-radar names that could provide huge boosts to teams at relatively low costs.
While 2017 isn’t necessarily the year of the pitcher, teams are constantly looking for upgrades at the position.
In last year’s deadline, we saw relievers such as Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman dealt for massive hauls.
If teams can get back truly elite prospects for relievers, what can some teams expect to get this year for elite starters?
But, who are the elite arms on the market?
Let’s take a look.
Sonny Gray
The obvious candidate to don a new uniform come July 31st, Sonny Gray seems destined to be traded after years of speculation.
And, boy, there are a lot of teams in on him.
The New York Yankees checked in on him, but don’t want to give up their top prospects, such as Clint Frazier and Gleyber Torres, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Somehow, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs inquired on the possibility of landing Gray, even after the Quintana deal.
Another National League Central team, the Milwaukee Brewers appear to be the leaders for Gray’s services, though, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Even the Cleveland Indians have thought about landing Gray to shore up the rotation, as ESPN’s Buster Olney reported.
Also, we can’t rule out the Houston Astros making a run at him, too. As a division rival, they know what he is capable of.
The massive amount of interest is warranted, as Gray doesn’t become a free agent until 2020 and is just a 27-year-old who has had a few ace-like seasons under his belt and in his two postseason starts he went 13 innings and allowed just three runs total for an ERA of 2.08. That was in his rookie campaign.
Expect for Gray to be on the move, potentially in the next couple of days.
Yu Darvish
Texas Rangers starter Yu Darvish may seem like a surprise candidate to be dealt at the deadline, but it would make sense if GM Jon Daniels decides to do so. Darvish will be a free agent following this season.
With an ERA of 3.45 and excellent bWAR of 3.3, Darvish would be a welcomed addition to almost every team in baseball.
However, with the Rangers sitting at a 45-46, the team certainly isn’t out of contention.
That’s why Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported that while the team will listen to offers on Darvish, it’s not likely they end up dealing him or Cole Hamels.
If the Rangers slide, though, it will certainly be interesting to see if the Rangers do indeed end up dealing the 30-year-old Darvish.
Jason Vargas
Every year there seems to be a pitcher that comes out of nowhere to become an ace. For 2017, it’s Kansas City Royals starter Jason Vargas.
The 34-year-old has revitalized his career with the Royals, as he is the owner of a 2.62 ERA and a 12-3 record.
Two months into the season it seemed a forgone conclusion that the Royals would become sellers. However, after hovering around .500 for the past few weeks, it appears that the team will be looking to buy.
General manger Dayton Moore should play the safe card, though, and sell his surprise ace.
Kansas City would be wise to collect some talent to boost what is a barren farm system. With the prices on good pitching higher than ever, Vargas would certainly fetch a good haul.
However, it looks more and more like the Royals will stay put at the deadline. It will be a move that won’t make much sense for an arm that will be a free agent at the end of the year.
Jeff Samardzija
While not an ace, San Francisco Giants starter Jeff Samardzija could be a solid addition for a team in need.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Houston Astros have done their homework on the starter, as the team will look to solidify their rotation in preparation for October.
While the Shark’s numbers aren’t eye-popping (4.86 ERA, 1.169 WHIP), he’s an innings eater. He’d service as a valuable piece in the back-end of a rotation. His 3.52 FIP indicates that he’s been hurt by the defense behind him, too, so a solid defensive club could get some real value out of his addition.
There’s one thing that could shy teams away, though: money.
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Samardzija is owed a whopping $19.8 million per season until 2020, according to Spotrac. Already a 32-year-old, that’s a lot of money for a very average starter.
It remains to be seen whether the sinking Giants will move key pieces. If they do, Samardzija will certainly play a big role in this year’s deadline.