The deal comes less than 12 hours before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Jays GM Ross Atkins has been quite busy the last few days, sending ace Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs for a pair of prospects, while also acquiring veteran starter Jameson Taillon from the Cubs in a separate deal.
In his fourth MLB season, Soriano, 27, has posted a record of 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 123 innings for the Angels.
In return, the Angels pick up a trio of minor leaguers, headlined by shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who rates as the game's No. 43 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
Jose Soriano trade details
Blue Jays receive: RHP Jose Soriano
Angels receive: SS Arjun Nimmala, OF Eddie Micheletti, RHP Angel Rivero
Blue Jays trade grade: B
Unlike Kevin Gausman (whom they traded to the Cubs), Soriano, 27, doesn't become a free agent until after the 2028 season. That gives the Jays a bit more runway to build their future rotation. He's a hard-thrower whose fastball is averaging 96.8 mph this season, resulting in a career-high strikeout rate (9.3 K/9). If Gausman was going to leave anyway after the season, the Jays have found a capable replacement − one who's going into his second season of arbitration.
But Soriano isn't without his flaws.
He has battled control issues throughout his three previous MLB seasons, issuing roughly four walks per nine innings. That's resulted in a fairly high 1.30 WHIP over the course of his career.
An incredible beginning to the 2026 season likely boosted Soriano's value on the trade market. In his first six starts (the last of which was at Toronto), he allowed just one run over 37 2/3 innings (0.24 ERA). But since then, he's reverted to his previous form with a 4.64 ERA and 1.44 WHIP.
However, moving from a last-place team to one that has playoff experience and is focused on being a perennial playoff contender should sharpen his focus.
The Jays were able to include Nimmala in the package because they still have 19-year-old shortstop JoJo Parker as their shortstop of the future.
Angels trade grade: A-
The Angels may be on the verge of a complete (and much-needed) rebuild. And Soriano could become expensive by the time they're ready to compete for a playoff spot.
This may not be the last of their moves as the deadline draws closer.
Nimmala, 20, was a first-round pick by Toronto (20th overall) in the 2023 draft. The Jays' No. 2 prospect is the key piece to this deal as the Angels look to bolster what's been a very weak farm system for quite some time. Nimmala has missed some time this season with injuries, but he's moved up three levels already and is currently hitting .279/.355/.451 in 33 games at Class AA New Hampshire.
Although he's progressed quickly, Nimmala seems at least a year away from a call to the majors. However, he could potentially be viewed as a replacement for the Angels' current shortstop Zach Neto, who's been the subject of several trade rumors.
Micheletti, 24, is a corner outfielder and first baseman who's also at Double-A New Hampshire. He's slashing .251/.347/.454 with 14 home runs in 402 plate appearances for the Fisher Cats. He was an eighth-round pick by the Jays in 2024 out of Virginia Tech.
Rivero, 19, was signed out of Venezuela in 2024. The right-hander is currently pitching in the Florida Complex League and has a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Mets pitches during the game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on May 15, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the Trade Deadline approaches, Joel Sherman and Mark Feinsand are reporting that interest in Clay Holmes remains high. The Milwaukee Brewers are among those with the most interest in Holmes, and the Mets are expected to make a deal for him by the 6 PM ET deadline today.
Holmes had a strong start to the season, among the best in the Mets’ rotation, with an ERA of 2.39 and WHIP of 1.10 through nine starts, but his season was abruptly interrupted by a comebacker that fractured his fibula Spencer Jones during his start against the Yankees. He has been on the 6o-day IL, and instead of making his scheduled major-league start on Sunday, made another rehab start in Brooklyn.
Holmes has a player option for next year that he is expected to decline, though he has expressed interest in an extension in New York. Despite that, no meaningful extension talks have materialized, and he has been floated as a trade candidate for weeks. The Brewers need starting pitching as Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester are both out for the season.
While most of you are focused on today’s MLB Trade Deadline, which comes up at 5 p.m. CT, I thought I’d take time to update you on some good — and not-so-good — Cubs performances over the past week.
Here’s who’s been hot and not for the Cubs over their seven games against the Cardinals and Yankees.
Three up
Nico Hoerner is on a hot streak
The Cubs second baseman batted .423/.444/.654 (11-for-26) over the seven games. He had a four-hit game in St. Louis and hit two home runs, his first since April. One of those homers was a key part of the win against the Yankees Saturday — it tied the game in the seventh inning.
Since the All-Star break, Hoerner is batting .400/.409/.523 (26-for-65) with nine runs scored and 13 RBI in 16 games.
Alex Bregman is also heating up
Bregman’s bat began getting stronger just before the All-Star break and over the seven games against the Cardinals and Yankees he had three multi-hit games and overall batted .429/.484/.750 (12-for-28) with six doubles, a home run, three walks and eight runs scored.
Overall in 17 games since July 11: .304/.385/.580 (21-for-69) with seven doubles, four home runs, eight walks, 12 RBI and 16 runs scored.
Keep that up and he’ll be near his career norms by the end of the year.
David Peterson put together two outstanding starts
In his two starts against the Cardinals and Yankees, Peterson allowed three earned runs in 12 innings and struck out 11. The Cubs won both those games. Since Peterson’s awful start at Wrigley July 3 against St. Louis, he has posted a 1.52 ERA and 0.887 WHIP and has returned to being the ground-ball pitcher the Cubs thought they were getting — in those four starts, 35 ground-ball outs of 71 total outs recorded.
This was a very good trade by Jed Hoyer.
A hat tip to Pedro Ramirez, who started five of the seven games and batted .333/.474/.400 (5-for-15). That OBP is an eye-opener — Ramirez walked four times over the week and has a .370 OBP in 109 PA this season. Looks like a keeper to me.
Three down
Ian Happ remains ice cold
Despite a two-hit game in St. Louis, Happ batted just .148/.233/.259 (4-for-27) over the seven games. He did have three doubles and walked three times, but had eight strikeouts.
Craig Counsell has been giving his infielders rest from time to time. I think Happ could use a day off, too.
Dansby Swanson’s bat is also chilly
Swanson did get a day off during the week, but it didn’t seem to help, as he batted .048/.091/.048 (1-for-21) in the six games he did play, with eight strikeouts.
Swanson has become a real streaky hitter, much as Happ is. It would be nice for them both to go on hot streaks starting … right now.
Michael Busch is also not hitting
Busch had a rough week, batting just .161/.188/.161 (5-for-31).
He could probably also use a day off. The thing is, the Cubs don’t really have a backup first baseman — Carson Kelly played first for an inning Sunday after Counsell sent Justin Dean in to run for Busch. But I don’t think Counsell really wants Kelly to start at first base — he’s done that just once this year, April 13 vs. the Phillies.
If that happens, I doubt it would happen during the Dodgers series, anyway.
The trade deadline has arrived. The final dots and crosses must made made to all the letters and all the agreements must be in to the Commissioner’s Office by 3:00 p.m. MST. As is often the case, there is an expectation that there will still be some contracts with wet ink at the time. However, as long as the paperwork is completed on time, smudged ink will not hold things up.
Saturday night saw the big deal happen that everyone had been fully expecting since last November. Finally, the Tigers admitted they were not going to be able to retain Tarik Skubal and that they were furthermore not contenders in 2026. As such, the Dodgers mad a move late on Saturday to acquire him. In exchange for two months plus the playoffs of one of the best pitchers in the game, Detroit receives right-hander River Ryan, outfielder Zyhir Hope, and righty Brady Smith. A fuller accounting of the move can be found over at MLB Trade Rumors.
Freddy Peralta The Diamondbacks were one of many teams linked to the New York Mets’ struggling rental right-hander, Freddy Peralta. However, the Tamps Bay Rays struck first (and likely much harder than Arizona could). Freddy Peralta was shipped off to Tampa during the rain-lengthened affair between the Snakes and the Indians yesterday. If Arizona is going to find themselves a rental starter, it will have to be somebody else. (Frankly, this author is actually glad about that. Freddy Peralta had too many red flags similar to ones already residing on the Arizona roster in one form or another.)
Luis Garcia Jr. While there was not much buzz linking the Diamondbacks with a move to acquire Washington’s Luis Garcia Jr, the slugging first baseman was very much the sort of help Arizona is in the market for. The Yankees have acquired first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. from the Nationals. Washington will receive four players in return, with right-hander Yovanny Cruz headlining a package that also includes right-handers Jack Cebert, Ben Grable, and Jake Bird. (Link to article at MLBTR) Even slow trade deadlines still have flurries of minor activity. This projects to be a rather slow deadline. It also seems quite likely that Arizona will indeed make at least one of those various minor moves. Stay tuned to the Pit to see what happens and feel free to discuss today’s deadline moves below.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, July 30, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome back to Monday Stat Party, a weekly series showcasing some of the most curious and nostalgia-inducing statistical developments from the past week of Mets baseball. What unites each entry is the sense of intrigue which they aim to spark, and the unbridled love of the game’s anomalies from which they arise. Without further ado, let the stat party begin.
MONDAY
The Mets beat the Braves 14-3 after having lost to them 14-3 on July 4 in Atlanta. It’s the first time an MLB team has won 14-3 and lost 14-3 to the same opponent in the same season since 1996, when the Yankees lost to the Angels 14-3 on August 29 and beat them 14-3 on August 31. Prior to this season, the Mets had only played six games with a 14-3 final in franchise history, with three wins and three losses.
A.J. Ewing, Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Tyrone Taylor, and Marcus Semien each recorded three hits, marking the first time five Mets recorded three or more hits in a game since August 22, 2025, when five Mets (including Lindor and Taylor) did it in Atlanta. The Mets have accomplished the feat on eight different occasions in their history, and four of those eight have come against the Braves.
Lindor, Semien, and Francisco Alvarez each reached base four times, marking just the third time three Mets reached base four or more times in a game at Citi Field. The previous two came on July 1, 2013, against the Diamondbacks (Eric Young Jr., David Wright, Josh Satin, Omar Quintanilla) and March 29, 2018, against the Cardinals on Opening Day (Brandon Nimmo, Adrián González, Kevin Plawecki).
Zac Thornton posted a 2.43 ERA over his first five career outings, ranking seventh-best among Mets pitchers with a minimum of five innings per outing, behind: Nolan McLean (1.42), Steven Matz (1.80), Mike Bruhert (1.82), Tom Seaver (1.91), Dillon Gee (2.18), and Jason Jacome (2.38).
Thornton also became one of eight Mets pitchers with four or more quality starts among their first five career outings, joining Ron Darling (5), Jacome (5), Gee (5), Seaver (4), Gary Gentry (4), Alay Soler (4), and Jacob deGrom (4).
Luis Robert Jr. has played in just 35 games this season, but he is tied for second on the Mets with six batted balls of 110 mph or higher, including Monday’s fifth-inning single off Martín Pérez which registered at 111.7 mph. Only Juan Soto (7) has more such batted balls for the Mets this year.
Lindor recorded three extra-base hits in a game for the 10th time in his career, and for the third time as a Met (after having done so on July 6, 2023, in Arizona, and September 12, 2021, in his three-homer game against the Yankees).
The Mets notched 19 hits in a game for the second time this season. They are one of only five teams with multiple 19-hit games this year, along with the Giants (3), Braves (2), Royals (2), and Pirates (2). Monday also marked the fifth time the Mets had 19 hits in a game at Citi Field, and the first since July 14, 2017, in a 14-2 win over the Rockies.
The Mets recorded nine hits with an exit velocity of 100 mph or higher, marking their most such hits in a game this season.
WEDNESDAY (GAME ONE)
A.J. Ewing stole two bases, marking the second time he’s done that in his short big league career. He’s the fourth Met with two multi-stolen-base performances in his first 68 career games, along with Bud Harrelson, Mookie Wilson, and and Darryl Strawberry.
WEDNESDAY (GAME TWO)
Christian Scott completed six innings for the first time this season. Prior to Wednesday, he had gone 14 consecutive starts without completing six innings to begin the season, currently tied with the Athletics’ Jacob Lopez (who has an active streak of 14) for the most in the Majors this year. The Nats’ duo of Jake Irvin (12) and PJ Poulin (11) also have active streaks close behind.
THURSDAY
With a first-inning strikeout of Heriberto Hernández, Nolan McLean recorded his 200th career strikeout in his 30th career game, making him the fifth-fastest Met to reach that total behind Dwight Gooden (25 games), Matt Harvey (27 games), Noah Syndergaard (28 games), and Kodai Senga (29 games). Jacob Misiorowski and Paul Skenes are the only other starters since Senga to debut and reach 200 strikeouts in 30 or fewer games.
McLean posted his sixth consecutive quality start, the most by a Met since Kodai Senga (8) from August 7-September 20, 2023. It was also McLean’s eighth consecutive start in which he completed six innings, the most by a Met since Sean Manaea (8) from August 16-September 21, 2024.
McLean had seven total chances in the field (three putouts, three assists, and one error), marking the most in a game by a Mets pitcher since Armando Reynoso’s seven on August 15, 1998, in Arizona. (source: SNY broadcast)
Kyle Stowers’ 112.8-mph home run was the hardest-hit homer the Mets have allowed since Shohei Ohtani’s 114.0-mph shot off Max Kranick on June 2, 2025 at Dodger Stadium.
FRIDAY
Francisco Lindor’s seventh-inning solo shot was his 150th home run as a Met, passing Carlos Beltrán for seventh on the franchise’s all-time leaderboard behind Pete Alonso (264), Darryl Strawberry (252), David Wright (242), Mike Piazza (220), Howard Johnson (192), and Dave Kingman (154).
With his fifth-inning single, Lindor extended his hitting streak against the Marlins to 21 games, setting a record for the longest hitting streak by any player against the Marlins. Tom Pagnozzi (1993-1996) and Quilvio Veras (1997-2000) were previously tied for the record at 20 games. Lindor got hits on Saturday and Sunday to make it a 23-game hitting streak against the Marlins. He’ll have the chance to extend it to 26 games later this season when the Mets play in Miami on September 7-9.
Kodai Senga completed four innings on just 33 pitches. That’s the fewest pitches a Mets starting pitcher has thrown to make it through the first four innings of a game since Bartolo Colon completed four innings on 32 pitches on September 23, 2015 against the Braves at Citi Field. (credit: PIX broadcast)
Senga took the loss on Friday night, giving him an 0-8 record on the season. He’s the fifth Met to begin a season with at least eight consecutive losing decisions, after Bob Miller (0-12 in 1962), Anthony Young (0-13 in 1993), John Franco (0-8 in 1998), and Shaun Marcum (0-9 in 2013).
SATURDAY
After Saturday, Tyrone Taylor had hit seven home runs over his past 19 games. Prior to this season, his previous career-high in homers during a 19-game span was five.
The Mets issued multiple walks for the 100th game this season, second-most of any team in MLB behind the Reds (101).
SUNDAY
Making his first Major League appearance in over a year, Robert Stock shattered his career high by racking up 12 whiffs, including at least three on three different types of fastballs (cutter, four-seamer, and sinker). His previous career high had been nine.
Stock has made 58 career appearances, and in only three of those has he completed at least four innings. All three have come at Citi Field, and in all three he has been pinned with the loss. The first was on June 16, 2021, when he started for the Cubs against the Mets. The second was on June 7, 2021, when he started for the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader against the Brewers. The third was Sunday, when he tossed five innings for the first time in his career while allowing just one earned run. (credit: SNY broadcast)
Luke Weaver recorded his 37th appearance with at least one inning pitched and no earned runs allowed this season, tied for fifth-most in MLB. Only Louis Varland (42), Tyler Rogers (41), Mason Miller (40), and Taylor Clarke (38) have more such appearances.
Sandy Alcantara made his 19th career start against the Mets, tying Tom Koehler and Dontrelle Willis for the second-most by a Marlin behind Ricky Nolasco (23).
The Mets suffered their eleventh shutout loss of the season, tied with the Pirates for the most in MLB.
The Mets scored two runs or fewer through nine innings for the 47th time this season. Only the Angels (48) have more such games in MLB.
Miscellaneous Mets stat of the week:
The last two Mets pitchers to record triples were Steven Matz and Dillon Gee, and both triples were hit against former Mets left-handers. Matz’s came on June 7, 2016, against Jon Niese in Pittsburgh, while Gee’s came on August 14, 2013, against Chris Capuano at Dodger Stadium.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 31: Philadelphia Phillies managing partner and CEO John Middleton looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There are probably going to be a bunch of deals made today, so let’s concentrate all of the chatter about them here in this thread.
We can talk about rumors, react to what has already gone down around the league, whatever you want.
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees talk during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 25, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve at last arrived at the MLB Trade Deadline. Once the clock strikes 6 p.m. EST this evening, teams will no longer be able to trade to reshape their rosters; what you have is what you’ve got the rest of the way. It’s the last chance for clubs around the league, and for Brian Cashman and the Yankees, to load up for a playoff push.
Though this deadline season took a while to heat up, we at last saw some marquee names exchanged this weekend. Yesterday, Freddy Peralta went to the Rays, Kevin Gausman went to the Cubs, and the Yankees made a major move with the acquisition of slugger Luis García Jr. Of course, the biggest news was the Dodgers’ addition of Tarik Skubal late Saturday night, a move that was expected by many but is still earth-shaking in its impact on the pennant race.
The Yankees laid in wait for some time leading up to the deadline, but after dealing Camilo Doval to the Pirates for prospects and then shipping out prospects for García, they’re out of the shadows and moving actively. Will they stay active on deadline day? Follow along with us as we keep you updated with every move and rumor from across the league all day.
Rumors of the Day (August 3)
12:00 PM EST: There’s a lot of smoke surrounding Adley Rutschman right now, and not in a way that Yankees fans are going to like to hear. Multiple reports have surfaced linking the Red Sox to the Orioles catcher, with Joel Sherman saying that the Red Sox are “working hard” to acquire Rutschman.
11:25 AM EST: Everything must go for the Mets, and they’re getting bites on pitcher Clay Holmes, with reports indicating the Brewers are in the market for Holmes’ services. Holmes has been very effective as a starter when healthy for the Mets but has had issues staying on the field, recently making a rehab start in his recovery from a leg fracture suffered pitching against the Yankees.
11:10 AM EST: The Yankees did not offer Will Warren for Padres reliever Adrian Morejon, at least according to Mark Feinsand. This has been a subject of some debate in the rumor-sphere, with some reporting that the Yankees offered the starter Warren for Morejon. Just based on how Brian Cashman and the Yankees typically value players, color me very surprised if they actually offered Warren as the main piece in a deal in which a rental reliever was the primary player coming back. Still, Heyman posits that Warren-for-Morejon was at least discussed.
11:00 AM EST: The Rangers are open for business. Jon Heyman reports that teams have been discussing pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Mackenzie Gore, and Jacob Latz. Texas looked like they would be adding at the deadline when they traded for Chase Silseth and Logan O’Hoppe last week, but a recent downturn has left them below .500 and contemplating selling.
11:00 AM EST: Joel Sherman reports that the Padres are looking to add a starting pitcher today, and that Robbie Ray of the Giants is a possibility. After days of rumors surrounding players like Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon, it looks like San Diego may actually go in the other direction and buy at the deadline.
10:45 AM EST: The catching position is obviously one of interest for the Yankees, but it’s unclear what the catching market looks like, even at this late stage. Jon Heyman notes that the Mets don’t intend to move right-handed catcher Luis Torrens, a former baby bomber. Joel Sherman adds that Adley Rutschman is a player “of great interest” to the Yankees, and surely other teams.
9:50 AM EST: It’s an active morning for Dave Dombrowski, as the Phillies follow up their acquisition of Luis Arraez with the addition of reliever Brooks Raley from the Mets. The 38-year-old lefty has been stellar in New York this year, running a 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings. In a matter of minutes, the Phillies have added a quality bat and two relief arms.
9:45 AM EST: Another significant trade has hit the wire, the Giants agreeing to send second baseman Luis Arraez to the Phillies. Philadelphia has limited prospect capital to spend, but it was always going to be tough for Dave Dombrowski to completely sit this one out. The Phillies now have a big upgrade for their infield, the impending free agent Arraez hitting .324 in a resurgent season, while the also-ran Giants continue to sell off pieces. Also headed to Philly in the deal is reliever Caleb Kilian, who could improve a shaky Phillies bullpen. The Phillies no. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline Ramon Marquez goes to San Francisco, along with righty Marty Gair.
9:30 AM EST: We have a major trade! The Blue Jays have acquired Angels starter Jose Soriano reports Jeff Passan. No one expected the reigning AL champs to buy, not with Toronto mired in the middle of a miserable season, but Soriano makes more sense for a team that’s likely aiming for a rebound next year; the 27-year-old right-hander has two seasons of arbitration remaining. Minor leaguers Eddie Mitcheletti and Angel Rivero are part of the return for the Angels, but the main piece is 20-year-old shortstop Arjun Nimmala, likely the best prospect Toronto had to offer.
9:00 AM EST: The Yankees and Padres were mixed up in rumors regarding reliever Adrian Morejon last night, but it appears that San Diego is leaning towards keeping their top arms, including Morejon and Mason Miller. Never say never when it comes to the Padres and AJ Preller, but if anything, it seems like San Diego will be more likely to buy than sell.
9:00 AM EST: After dealing Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize would seem to be the next domino to fall in Detroit, though it’s unclear whether the Tigers are going to go full fire sale, still just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot in a middling American League. The former top overall pick Mize will be a free agent after this season and has a 2.70 ERA on the year, making him an enviable potential rental for many teams, but the Tigers may end up holding if they want to try and make a late playoff push.
9:00 AM EST: The Mets continued their sell-off early this morning, sending reliever Huascar Brazobán over to the White Sox in exchange for minor league pitchers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. The Yankees’ crosstown rivals have been active sellers this deadline, and we can expect even more moves out of Queens today as the Mets trudge through another lost season.
Boston, MA - April 7: Boston Red Sox second baseman Marcelo Mayer and shortstop Trevor Story watch a replay in the fourth inning. The Red Sox played the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 7, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Marcelo Mayer was the most-hyped prospect in Red Sox history. He was not the highest-ranked prospect the Sox have ever had, and other players like Roman Anthony, Mookie Betts, and, now, Franklin Arias, have all had their moments as the fanbase’s primo prospect darling. But Mayer represents the only time in Red Sox history when the organization landed a player who was viewed as potentially the single-best talent in the entire MLB Draft. Thus, what sets Mayer apart in terms of hype is the fact that, unlike pretty much any other Sox minor leaguer in history, he was widely known throughout the fanbase from the very moment he entered the org. So as prospects fly around the league today on deadline day, it’s worth keeping him in mind, because at this point, if the most-hyped prospect in Red Sox history “has any trade value at this stage, it would be as a throw-in.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
And that’s why Criag Breslow is reportedly going into overdrive on the hunt for a new shortstop. “One exec, who spoke on the condition of anonymity so they could speak candidly about the Red Sox, said in a text, “That’s all I hear — Boston/SS.” (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
Though don’t count the team out of the starting pitcher race, either:
Clay Holmes, Robbie Ray, Brady Singer, maybe Mize the primary SP rentals still on the board, with the Brewers, Phillies, Braves, Red Sox among possible buyers. It's a buyers' market with the SP.
The Sox could use another arm in the bullpen, too, though thankfully they already have the closer’s spot locked down, as Aroldis Chapman was just named the AL Reliever of the Month for the fifth time in his career. (Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru, MLB.com)
Of course we know one starting pitcher who definitely won’t end up with the Sox: Tarik Skubal, who landed with the Dodgers over the weekend. “Looks like they’re going to be positioned to have a pretty good rotation, and we don’t play them anymore after today unless we get to the World Series,” said Chad Tracy. “So we’ll deal with it then.” (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
The players seem to be just as nonchalant as Tracy when it comes to thinking about trade deadline help. “If somebody comes, we’ll welcome them with open arms,” said Ceddanne Rafaela. “If not, we will keep winning baseball games with this team. That’s what we’re doing.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
Ceddanne has earned the right to believe in his own abilities. Has he also earned the right to enter the MVP conversation? (Scott McLaughlin, WEEI)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 12: General manager Nick Krall of the Cincinnati Reds presents Elly De La Cruz #44 with the 2024 Cincinnati Reds Team MVP award before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on April 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The deadline for Major League Baseball teams to make trades during the 2026 season is today – Monday, August 3rd – at 6:00 PM ET, and the Cincinnati Reds presumably have a lot of business to take care of between now and then.
The currently sit at 53-58, mired in last place in the National League Central some 16 games adrift of the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite their recent best efforts, they also sit 5.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, with six teams they’d need to jump to earn their way into a playoff spot.
With seven guys who are set to reach free agency at season’s end, all signs point to the Reds being active sellers in the next few hours. Guys like Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson, Eugenio Suarez, Caleb Ferguson, Brock Burke, Pierce Johnson, and Nate Lowe are all expected to be shopped aggressively, and there’s the off-chance that Nick Krall and Co. opt to cash-in on players with more team control (i.e. Hunter Greene or JJ Bleday) in order to help restock the farm.
We’ll be following all the developments here at Red Reporter HQ, and here will be the clearinghouse where you can follow with us.
Maybe, just maybe, the front office will find a way to unload Ke’Bryan Hayes!
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Anthopoulos introduces Walt Weiss as the manager of the Atlanta Braves during a press conference at Truist Park on November 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s the big day, folks. It’s Monday, August 3 and it’s time to get locked in since the deadline is officially at 6:00 p.m. ET. Will the Braves make a huge splash? Will AA surprise us? Will it all be a big dud? It’s time to figure it all out! Keep it locked here as we’ll be trying to parse all of the major rumors of the day, whether they’re Braves-related or just intriguing for the bigger picture. Let’s get into it, folks!
[11:48 a.m. ET]: Here’s the graphic for Suter, so it’s official.
[11:32 a.m. ET]: The Braves have made their first deadline day deal. They’ve linked up with the Angels (again) and reportedly lefty reliever Brent Suter is heading to Atlanta. We’ve got more on the trade here.
[11:05 a.m. ET]: Not a trade update but just a heads up that our very own Gaurav Vedak will be returning to BravesVision on Thursday, so stay tuned for that!
Will be live in studio this Thursday to talk more Braves MiLB over on @BravesVisionTV! Make sure to tune in.
[10:37 a.m. ET]: In case you’re wondering how the Phillies are going to make all of this work, they’re definitely going to have to move some parts around. We’ll see how this goes.
[9:55 a.m. ET]: Now we get an intra-divisional trade here in the NL East and (surprise, surprise) it’s the Phillies and the Mets doing a deal together. LHP Brooks Raley is heading to Philadelphia, according to Bob Nightengale. Nightengale also mentioned that the Phillies are looking for another starter, so that’s great.
The Philadelphia Phillies also are close to finalizing a deal to acquire Mets LHP Brooks Raley
[9:44 a.m. ET]: I was going to mention that Jose Soriano was going to be a name to watch just like Reid Detmers and then additionally, there have been rumors that the Braves may be in on Casey Mize and Jacob deGrom as well. deGrom in particlar has a no-trade clause and according to Evan Grant, he may be willing to waive that no-trade clause if a deal sends him here to Atlanta.
[9:33 a.m. ET]: Just a couple of moments after this tracker went live, we get a big one. According to Jeff Passan, Jose Soriano is on the move and heading to Toronto. Wait, Toronto?
The Angels will receive top shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti and right-hander Angel Rivero from the Blue Jays for Jose Soriano, sources tell ESPN.
August 2 – Atlanta Braves acquire RHP Tyler Mahle from San Francisco Giants for RHP Anthony Molina
August 2 – Chicago Cubs acquire RHP Kevin Gausman from Toronto Blue Jays for INF Ty Southisene and OF Brett Bateman
August 2 – Tampa Bay Rays acquire RHP Freddy Peralta from New York Mets for OF Aidan Smith, INF Émilien Pitre and RHP Gary Gill Hill
August 2 – New York Yankees acquire INF Luis García Jr. from Washington Nationals for RHP Yorvanny Cruz, RHP Jake Bird, RHP Jack Cebert and RHP Ben Grable
August 1 – Atlanta Braves acquire OF Lane Thomas and LHP Bailey Falter from Kansas City Royals for LHP Carter Holton and RHP Lucas Braun
August 1 – Pittsburgh Pirates acquire RHP Camilo Doval and cash considerations for C Omar Alfonzo and OF Luis Cruz
August 1 – Chicago White Sox acquire Luis Castillo from Seattle Mariners for RHP Seranthony Dominquez, OF Nolan Jones and C Boston Smith
August 1 – Milwaukee Brewers acquire C Bo Naylor and RHP Codi Huer from Cleveland Guardians for RHP Craig Yoho and OF Blake Perkins
August 1 – Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Tarik Skubal from Detroit Tigers for OF Zyhir Hope, RHP River Ryan and RHP Brady Smith
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves is introduced prior to the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today might be the Trade Deadline (and check out Tracker if you haven’t already) and it’s an off day for our Atlanta Braves but there’s still news to discuss outside of all of that. We’re a few days into the month of August and now Atlanta’s ace hurler has received some recognition for what he did during July.
Chris Sale has been recognized as the National League Pitcher of the Month for July.
Here’s more from Major League Baseball’s press release on the matter:
The 13th overall pick of the 2010 Draft posted three scoreless starts, dealing 7.0 innings on July 17th against Texas and 6.0 frames in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 29th, along with a rain-shortened start of 3.0 innings on July 10th at St. Louis. He registered six strikeouts against the Rangers and nine at the Mets as he held both opponents to just two hits and did not issue a walk. Sale has three starts of at least 6.0 scoreless innings in which he allowed two-or-fewer hits and no walks (also: April 1st vs. ATH), matching Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes for the most such starts in the Majors this year.
Sale made five starts in total during the month of July (with 27 total innings pitched) and finished with a 2.00 ERA and a 2.21 FIP across those five starts. He racked up strikeouts at a pretty high rate, finishing with an 11.33 K/9 alongisde a 1.33 BB/9 and a 0.67 HR/9 over the month of July. Additionally, the Braves won all but one of those five starts he made — the only loss came when Sale was limited to three innings due to rain hitting Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
This is now the second time that Sale has been recognized as NL Pitcher of the Month with the Braves and it’s the sixth time overall — he pulled off the feat twice with both the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox. It’s just yet another accolade to add to the resume for the future Hall of Famer. Hopefully Atlanta will continue to thrive this season so more major honors of the team variety could be on the way for Chris Sale. We’ll see what happens.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Tarik Skubal of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout against the Boston Red Sox during the eigth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers last week beat the Mariners in two out of three games, securing a fourth consecutive series win out of the All-Star break. But then they got swept and outplayed at home by the Red Sox.
“A day later when all these talks have been kind of building up, it’s crazy. The front office did a great job,” Roberts said Sunday night. “I don’t think I’ve felt this good after getting swept, so that’s a silver lining, I guess.”
Batter of the week
Shohei Ohtani got a rest day Thursday while dealing with his left knee inflammation and right biceps troubles, but packed six games worth of production into five games, hitting .500 with two home runs and three doubles, extending his hit streak to six games.
Honorable mention goes to Freddie Freeman, who had 11 hits in 24 at-bats and extended his hit streak to 12 games, the longest by a Dodger this season. Freeman has 23 hits in his last 42 at-bats (.548), dating back to July 21.
Pitcher of the week
Eric Lauer might very well get traded by the 3 p.m. PT Monday trade deadline, but what he’s done so far with the Dodgers has been everything they’ve asked and more. That included six scoreless innings on Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing only three runners to reach base.
“Eric Lauer has been unbelievable for us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Sunday.
Week 19 results
2-4 record 26 runs scored (4.33 per game) 31 runs allowed (5.17 per game) .420 pythagorean win percentage
Year to date
69-43 record 572 runs scored (5.11 per game) 422 runs allowed (3.77 per game) .636 pythagorean win percentage (71-41)
Miscellany
When a house becomes a home (run): Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy has signed four different extensions with the Dodgers, with whom is currently under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028. It’s been a long journey for Muncy, who extended his arms on Tuesday against the Mariners for his 130th career regular season home run at Dodger Stadium, matching Eric Karros for most in the 65-year history of the ballpark. Counting postseason home runs with regular season efforts, Muncy’s 137 home runs at Dodger Stadium stands alone.
Third time’s a charm: Miguel Rojas on Friday got the start against Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez. Rather than move around other pieces in the lineup, Dave Robert penciled in Rojas batting third, the first such start for Rojas batting third in his career. That completed the batting order bingo card for Rojas, who has now started in each of the nine lineup spots in his 13-year career. His lone time batting cleanup came in 2022 with the Marlins.
Transactions
Tuesday: An oblique strain sidelined Kiké Hernández for 51 games, his second extending injured list stint this season, but he returned for the series against the Mariners. Alex Freeland was optioned after not starting in any of the previous 13 games.
Friday: Reliever Brock Stewart landed on the injured list for the third time this season, this time with right shoulder discomfort. Veteran lefty Cole Irvin was called up to the Dodgers, and right-hander Chayce McDermott was designated for assignment.
Saturday: One day after eating six innings to reset the bullpen, Irvin was sacrificed to the fresh arm gods and designated for assignment. Kyle Hurt rejoined the Dodgers from Oklahoma City.
The trade deadline comes at 3 p.m. PT on Monday, but the Dodgers on the field will be busy a few hours later at Wrigley Field, starting the Damian Miller gauntlet on the road to face the Cubs and Diamondbacks. Tuesday’s game is on TBS in addition to SportsNet LA.
A new week is here, and I'm ready to kick it off with three of my favorite home run props and predictions from tonight's MLB slate, highlighted by Rafael Devers and James Wood.
The big fella is the third-highest-rated hitter on Batters-Box tonight, covering nearly 100% of Quantrill's pitch mix. Across 261 elite ratings over the last three seasons, Devers has homered 22.22% of the time.
Devers has also been seeing the ball extremely well lately, posting a .343 batting average, .455 wOBA, and .629 SLG, while generating a 53.3% hard hit rate and 10% barrel rate over his last few games.
Quantrill has been getting hit hard by left-handed batters. The last 30 lefties he's faced have produced a .340 xBA, .718 xSLG, and .450 xwOBA, along with a 40% hard hit rate and 10% barrel rate.
With the way Devers is swinging it right now, whoever takes the mound is in for a tough night, especially if it's Quantrill. Our Quinn Allen is backing San Francisco with his Giants vs. Rangers predictions tonight.
Nola has struggled mightily against left-handed hitters. Over the last 30 lefties he's faced, he's allowed a 70.8% hard hit rate, 16.7% barrel rate, and a 75% elevation rate. Those hitters have also posted a .440 xBA, .817 xSLG, and .509 xwOBA.
Wood enters Monday with the highest matchup rating on Batters-Box, while covering the majority of Nola's pitch mix. He's also been squaring the ball up consistently over his last 60 at-bats against right-handed pitching, posting a .500 SLG and .867 OPS while generating plenty of hard contact and barrels.
I would do my best to grab Wood at +300 or better to leave the yard.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NATS, NBCS-Philadelphia
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 90-331, +5.7 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, and the organization’s developmental model has begun to yield results, with 2023 first-rounder Zach Benson making an impact in the playoffs and 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius appearing as one of the AHL’s top prospects the last two seasons.
Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. These players are all 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 82 NHL games.
Will the Sabres add some scoring help before the start of training camp?
36 Dylan Dumont - Right Wing (Drummondville - QMJHL)
The Sabres late in the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo selected one of the youngest players eligible in QMJHL winger Dylan Dumont with their final pick at 188th overall. The 17-year-old made the jump from the Under-18 Quebec AAA league in 2024-25, after finishing second in the league with 31 goals in 42 games to the QMJHL.
Et il trouve une autre façon d'impressionner les recruteurs! 💥
With Drummondville, the 6’ 0”, 168 lb. winger began to score regularly as he became acclimated to the Q, and finished the season with a club-leading 28 goals. According to Elite Prospects, Dumont was successful at “executing whatever the play demanded, pushing back defenders off the rush, rushed the net, and made passing
plays under pressure. Knowing when and how to move, he consistently delivered the puck to teammates, pushing the play up the ice and creating scoring chances near the net.”
Normally, selecting a CHL player set a two-year clock on signing a draftee, but with the new rules of the collective bargaining agreement, players like Dumont can play those two years and commit to an NCAA club, which would allow the Sabres to maintain their exclusive rights.
On Sunday, NHL Network released its list of Top 20 Wingers Right Now, and one Montreal Canadiens winger made the list: Cole Caufield. The 15th overall pick at the 2019 draft landed in ninth place, despite finishing sixth in points amongst wingers last season and first in goals.
Who finished ahead of him? Nikita Kucherov took first place, followed by David Pastrnak. Given the fact they were the only wingers to get to 100 points last season, it’s hard to argue with their ranking. Kirill Kaprizov comes in third place, followed by Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen and Matt Boldy in sixth place. Finally, Jason Robertson and Matthew Tkachuk land in seventh and eighth place, respectively.
According to this ranking, Caufield is the third-best American winger in the league. Kaprizov and Robertson, just like Kucherov and Pastrnak, had more points in the regular season than the Canadiens’ sniper last season, so seeing them ahead of him is not all that surprising. As for Marner, he might have only gotten 80 points in 81 games in the regular season, but his playoff performance certainly allowed him to jump a few rankings. He put up 29 points in just 22 playoff games, and if the Vegas Golden Knights had won the Stanley Cup, he would have been the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
Rantanen’s fifth place feels like it’s mainly down to past deeds; at 29, he’s had time to establish himself as a regular on that list. Last year, he was fourth in those rankings, and this past season, he finished the year with 77 points and gathered seven points in the Dallas Stars’ six playoff games as the Texas outfit crashed out in the first round against the Minnesota Wild.
Matt Boldy in sixth place is not a shock either. The Wild forward recorded 85 points in just 76 games, which would have worked out to a 92-point pace on a full 82-game season. In the playoffs, he also put up 13 points in 11 games while Caufield had the same total but in 19 games.
We’ve discussed Robertson earlier, but seeing the eldest Tkachuk in eighth place surprises me. He was limited to just 34 points in 31 games last season by an injury, and since the Panthers didn’t make the playoffs, he couldn’t have added to that total. Like Rantanen, Tkachuk is riding high thanks to past realization; at 28 years, he has two 100-point or more seasons. Of course, the pest also brings an agitator quality that Caufield doesn’t have, but I feel the Canadiens’ sniper’s ability to score important goals has been undervalued in those rankings.
That being said, Caufield is only 25; give him a couple more years of big production to pad his resume, and he may well shoot up those rankings, especially if he remains clutch in his scoring and manages to do that in the postseason as well.
The list is completed by William Nylander, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, Brandon Hagel, Sam Reinhart, Martin Necas, Jake Guentzel, Clayton Keller, Brady Tkachuk, Cutter Gauthier and Lucas Raymond. Interestingly, the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning each have three of the top 20 wingers in the league, while the Dallas Stars have two. Somewhere down the line, it’s quite conceivable that the Habs could have two as well, with Ivan Demidov having shown some tremendous skills in his rookie season. Given that Brady Tkachuk also made the list, there might be a possibility for Juraj Slafkovsky to get there as well one day, if his development keeps going the right way.
Rafael Devers
James Wood