We’re down to the last couple of hours now, and despite the blockbuster trade of Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig yesterday, it still seems considerably quieter than the average trade deadline. That’s despite this one being a “hard” deadline, unlike previous years. There, players could still be dealt after the July 31st point, providing they had gone through waivers. This year, for the first time, there’s no such clause. That’s significant, because teams need to decide now - with a third of the season still left to play - whether or not to be buyers or sellers. Especially in the National League, where 60% of the teams are within three games of a post-season spot, that’s a tough call.
There has been no action with regard to any trades involving Diamondbacks to this point, but here’s a quick round-up of the latest rumblings from around the league. The Yankees seem to be slightly cooler on the idea of getting Robbie Ray, according to Andy Martino:
Yankees are so-so on Robbie Ray. Lots of walks. They’re talking to Arizona but would have their limits on price
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 31, 2019
However, other beg to differ, and there are also reports that the Astros are now in the market for the left-hander.
Told #Yankes and #Astros are inquiring on Robbie Ray #Diamondbacks
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2019
Source: #Astros' conversations on adding a starter today focused mostly on Zack Wheeler and Robbie Ray. @Ken_Rosenthal reported yesterday that Houston was working to add Wheeler. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2019
As well as Ray, Andrew Chafin’s name is another which is coming up in some recent rumors.
The Atlanta #Braves have joined the #Yankees, #Astros, #Twins, #Phillies and #Brewers in expressing strong interest for #Dbacks for starter Robbie Ray. The #Dbacks also have a slew of teams pursuing left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 30, 2019
Source: ARI LHP Andrew Chafin is a target for the Red Sox in trade talks. Low salary ($1.95 million), controlled through 2020 and modest acquisition cost. Also, the D'backs-Red Sox connection (Hazen, Sawdaye, Porter) makes for familiarity with organization and easier discussions.
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) July 31, 2019