Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday that the Rays are “involved in many active trade conversations on both starters and relievers as the free agent pitching market thins out.” Rosenthal pointed out the Rays “line up with teams that need pitchers and can offer hitters” and added that the Cubs and Rockies are among the teams that could be trade partners with the Rays.
There has been a lot of noise over the last three days about the Cubs and Rays matching up on a deal. The Cubs priority remains to acquire starting pitching.
According to Jim Bowden, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have been in constant contact with the Rays trying to make a deal for one of their starting pitchers.
The Cubs have reportedly talked to the Rays on multiple occasions about Jake Odorizzi, Matt Moore, Alex Cobb and Jake McGee. The Cubs have also been linked to Drew Smyly, Erasmo Ramirez and Brad Boxberger, but not as often as the other four pitchers.
Bowden reported Odorizzi is the starter the Cubs would like to acquire. But Matt Silverman would like either Jorge Soler or Javier Baez in return and the Cubs “are reluctant to give up either one.” The Cubs would prefer to trade prospects from the system for Odorizzi or one of the Rays young pitchers.
Bowden said the Cubs are not done making moves and are working hard to acquire a starting pitcher.
Matt Silverman admitted during an interview Sunday on MLB Network Radio that he’s talked to several clubs about potential deals but the conversations with the Cubs were more targeted than with other teams.
“We had lots of conversations and we’ve had lots of conversations with a number of clubs,” Silverman said. “But they were more targeted with the Cubs.”
“I think we know that we lineup potentially well with them, just given our depth and strengths versus theirs and I wouldn’t be surprised if something lined up over the next couple of years just given the constitutions of the club.”
“I don’t want to oversell anything. We got close with a number of clubs on a number of things this year, but nothing really has come to fruition.”
The Rockies are reportedly talking to multiple teams about a deal for one of their outfielders after agreeing to terms with Gerardo Parra on a contract. The Rockies are expected to trade Carlos Gonzalez, Corey Dickerson or Charlie Blackmon for pitching now that Parra is on board. Rosenthal said the Rockies and Tigers are discussing a trade. The Angels and Rockies could also be a match up. And the Cardinals and Rockies have been talking about Carlos Gonzalez for quite some time.
Reports have yet to surface on which players the Rays and Rockies may have discussed.
“There are still a number of weeks left in the off-season,” Silverman said. “Things are pretty active right now I think within the industry, especially with all of the free agents that are still out there. I wouldn’t be surprised if something materializes but I’m not talking about any specific club, just in general with trades.”
“We will be active,” Silverman said. “We will keep talking and see if something lines up that can help us improve our club.”
Updated 8:25am CST – According to Jerry Crasnick, the Rays “have picked up the pace in trade talks involving their pitchers.” Jake McGee, Brad Boxberger and starters other than Chris Archer are involved in the discussions with teams.