The MLB trade deadline is coming up and players like Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Zobrist, Tyler Clippard and Mike Leake are targets and the Washington Nationals, NY Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles could be interested.
The Nationals are contending and they are first in the NL East and they could look at adding a reliever or an outfield bat. The team has been connected with Zobrist and Clippard this season, while Fox Sports reports that the Nats are also looking at Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon. According to Jon Morosi of Fox and Jim Salisbury of CSN, the team has "interest in Pap" and the report says Papelbon does not want to be traded unless he can close.
Papelbon has a high salary at $13 million and the Phillies could consider picking up some of that money, according to Hardball Talk. The team reportedly has said the same about Hamels, but they are asking for a high priced package of prospects in any deal for the starter. Papelbon has a bonus in his contract regarding finishing games and that is why he wants to continue closing, according to Hardball Talk. The Nats have been looking for bullpen help and they have had a strong season from Drew Storen so far.
Storen has posted an ERA at 1.73 this season and he has only blown two saves and he has 29 saves this season. The team wants another arm and they could look at bringing back Clippard if they want to keep Storen as the closer. Papelbon has been strong this season as well, putting up a 1.59 ERA this season with 40 strikeouts in 39 innings of work. Papelbon has 17 saves and has not blown any save opportunities this season.
Zobrist and Clippard have been getting attention and it comes after the Athletics traded Scott Kazmir to the Astros. The Nationals and Mets have had reported interest in Zobrist along with the Chicago Cubs. Zobrist is heading towards free agency and is likely to be traded and Ken Rosenthal at Fox reports the Mets may back off after trading for Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe. The Nationals have been looking for another outfield bat and the Cubs would love to add the versatile Zobrist to the lineup.
Cole Hamels is one of the top names on the market and he is likely getting traded this season. The Phillies have had a high asking price for Hamels and with David Price and Johnny Cueto on the market, they may have to lower it. Hamels comes in with a 5-7 record this season and 3.91 ERA and he has scuffled a bit in the month of July. Hamels has 124 strikeouts in 119 innings and he has a few years left on his contract. Rosenthal reported that the Yankees have talked to the Phillies about Hamels, but will not give up top prospect Aaron Judge in any deal.
