The MLB waiver trade period is still active and names like James Shields, Craig Kimbrel, Jose Reyes, Matt Kemp, Francisco Rodriguez, Hanley Ramirez and Carlos Gonzalez could be potential options for the NY Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles before the August 31 deadline date.
Shields, Kemp and Kimbrel all are with the Padres and after San Diego has had a disappointing run this season, those players could be targets for teams. According to CBS Sports, Shields has cleared waivers and can be traded, while Kimbrel is a potential target for the Mets and the Yankees from near the trade deadline. Shields could be an option for the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers heading towards the playoffs. The Yankees have CC Sabathia ailing and they could use some starting pitching depth.
The Mets are in an interesting position, as they have made upgrades but they still could be a piece or two away from being a real World Series contender. One name that keeps coming up is Jose Reyes, as he reportedly is not happy playing for a losing team after being traded from the Blue Jays to the Rockies. According to NJ.com, the Yankees have been connected to Reyes and Shields in waiver deals, but there is a good chance the team sits tight.
The Yankees likely could use a deal for a pitcher like Shields or someone else, but right now the team is not looking to make a move. CC Sabathia is dealing with an injury and Michael Pineda is coming back, but it's not a sure thing he can stay healthy. According to NJ.com, general manager Brian Cashman said that the team is not likely making any waiver trades this summer. Cashman said he's "done a lot of claims" but that he has not been "awarded any of them" and that could mean the team is set for the rest of the season as constructed now.
CBS Sports reports that Reyes has cleared waivers, according to sources and that while the Rockies are not "anxious" to trade him, the team could look at a deal. CBS Sports reports that Reyes would "love the idea of a return to NY", but the Yankees appear set with Did Gregorius and the Mets may not want to pay up for a player they previously traded. The Mets also could look at Kimbrel or Rodriguez to help shore up a bullpen that has been dealing with some injuries and inconsistent issues.
The Mets reportedly are a bit worried about adding more payroll, as Michael Kay said on ESPN Radio that the team has some large debt payments to still deal with. The team is a New York franchise and has been making money with the success of the club this season, but adding Kimbrel or another name after the trades they already made could be too much. The Mets bullpen right now appears to be their weakest link and an addition like Kimbrel or someone else along with the Tyler Clippard move from the deadline would really give the team some depth with Bobby Parnell's issues.
Also, Jon Morosi reports that there have been "no trade discussions between Padres and Rockies" about James Shields and Jose Reyes.
Check here for more on trade options at the deadline with James Shields, Kimbrel and Reyes.