MLB rumor round-up: Blue Jays among teams on Frankie Montas

With an additional playoff spot available in each league, this year’s MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic periods in recent history.

The Seattle Mariners caused a stir earlier in the week when they acquired starter Luis Castillo, considered the best starting option out there, from the Cincinnati Reds for a bevy of high-end prospects.

Castillo’s move is expected to unleash an avalanche of other exciting activity around MLB as we near the 6:00 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.

Blue Jays, Yankees, Cardinals on Frankie Montas

Now that Castillo is off the market, Oakland Athletics starter Frankie Montas becomes the most attractive starter. The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals are the top contenders for the 29-year-old’s services. Per MLB Networks Jon Morosi.

Montas has only served once since being taken off the injury list with a shoulder injury but has otherwise been outstanding this season, posting a 3.18 ERA (117 ERA+) in 19 starts.

Either the Blue Jays or the Yankees would be happy to enlist Montas’ services as both clubs need a pitching start. The Bronx Bombers were ‘close’ in Castillo sweepstakes, per MLB.coms Markus Feinsand, indicating New York’s willingness to trade from its farm system. Toronto struck a deal with the A’s ahead of the season and also has a reputation for being aggressive on recent deadlines.

Keep an eye on Montas as he’s a strong contender for the AL East.

Tigers and Blue Jays a natural fit

Sportsnets Shi Davidi recently suggested that the Jays prioritize top-tier support weapons, making a deal with the Detroit Tigers very logical. Michael Fulmer, Joe Jiménez and Gregory Soto are all having great seasons and would immediately give Toronto a reliable late-inning option ahead of the closer Jordan Romano.

Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is not a free agent until 2027, is also reportedly available, although Morosi Remarks the Tigers would only part ways with Skubal or Soto “several high profile players.”

At this point, Toronto is not believed to be looking for a left-handed bat the athleteby Ken Rosenthal. The focus remains on swing and miss bullpen arms.

Padres push for Juan Soto

After Soto reportedly turned down a massive 15-year, $440 million contract extension from the Washington Nationals, Soto immediately became the “white whale” of this year’s deadline goals. Right now, the San Diego Padres seem to be the front runners the way they are allegedly poised to put several of their top prospects in a potential Soto deal.

By his standards, the 23-year-old is having a “down season,” batting just a .243 this season, but his OBP (.403), home run power (20), and 2.5 years of control make him easily the top player available. As such, a trade for Soto could yield the highest return in MLB history.

While the Padres are preferred to land Soto, The Athletics Jim Bowden reported that the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the other two clubs involved in trade talks.

Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to be traded

As funny as the speculation was, all signs point to the Los Angeles Angels holding on to Shohei Ohtani until the end of the trading deadline, reports have said SNYis Andy Martino.

The Japanese phenom, an MVP-caliber hitter and an ace-like starting pitcher, will reportedly not be moved by the Angels unless the package is outrageous. The New York Post reported that the current price for Ohtani is “something like your top four prospects.”

Instead, the Angels, who sit fourth in the AL West, are more inclined to treat starters Noah Syndergaard, closer Raisel Iglesias and relievers Ryan Tepera and Aaron Loup.

Mets, Padres, Astros, Rays pursue the Cubs’ contreras

The New York Mets are reportedly the most aggressive pursuers for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, though the Amazins aren’t ready to pay the hefty price just yet, per Jon Heyman from That new York post.

The Mets’ reluctance to champion Contreras opens the door for other teams that rely on catchers like the Padres, Tampa Bay Rays or even the Houston Astros, who appear determined to improve on the offensively limited Martin Maldonado.

Contreras, a season-ending free agent, is having his best year since 2019, cutting .252/.365/.453 (129 OPS+) with 14 homers in 86 games.

Giants, Red Sox go into sale mode

The San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox, two playoff teams in 2021, didn’t maintain their winning streak in 2022, which is why both clubs take trade calls on some of their veterans.

Carlos Rodon is the biggest name on the block for the Giants. The left-hander is rocking a 3.00 ERA (136 ERA+) in 21 starts and has an opt-out in late 2022. Joc Pederson is also a candidate to deal with, with the Atlanta Braves appearing well suited to being reacquired as is He was reportedly seeking help in the field.

Boston, on the other hand, does Xander Bogaerts reportedly said he would not be tradedthough the Red Sox are hearing offers from other veterans like JD Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi and Christian Vazquez, per Hey man. The Mets and Red Sox have been linked in trade talks.