MLB trade deadline tracker: Live rumors, news, updates on Justin Verlander & more before 2023 deadline

By | July 31, 2023
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It’s time for general managers to decide whether they’re all-in or all-out. Twenty-nine teams made at least one trade leading up to last year’s MLB deadline, and Tuesday’s 6 p.m. ET cutoff for 2023 figures to cap a flurry of activity as contenders position themselves for the stretch run.

Trades will happen. How many will be significant is the burning question. Shohei Ohtani was initially expected to be the focus leading up to the deadline, but the Angels have positioned themselves as buyers. Even with Ohtani off the market, there are still a handful of pitchers and rental bats who will likely find themselves in new homes once the deadline passes. One big-name starter was moved in the weekend prior to the deadline.

The biggest storyline leading up to the deadline might be whether MLB’s small-market contenders will be aggressive. The Orioles, Reds, Diamondbacks and Marlins are among teams that have made the leap to postseason contention, but all four could use upgrades if they’re serious about making a deep October run. With two days to go before the deadline, only the Marlins had made moves.

MORE: 15 players mostly likely to be traded ahead of deadline

The Sporting News is tracking the latest deals and rumors as they’re reported leading up to the trade deadline. Follow along below. 

MLB trade deadline 2023: Tracking the latest news, rumors

July 31

Cleveland open to getting rid of slugger Josh Bell

Josh Bell has not had the greatest of seasons after inking a multi-year contract with the Guardians last offseason. The former Silver Slugger winner is posting a .704 OPS, the second-worst rate of his eight-year career. With Bell set to cost Cleveland $16.5 million in 2024, it seems the Guardians are open to cutting ties with the player — either now or in the winter.

Yankees seeking upgrade in outfield

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Yankees are seeking to bolster their outfield with a move. New York has received little to no production from left field, limping to a positional OPS that slots in as the third-worst in all of baseball. The glove play hasn’t been much better, making the area a net negative through the first half of the season.

Mets shopping Mark Canha, Tommy Pham in addition to Verlander

The Big Apple-sized cull continues for the Mets, who look set to add Mark Canha and Tommy Pham to their growing deficit of failed signings. Per New York Post’s Jon Heyman, New York is open to dealing the veteran outfielders. They aren’t willing to part with hurler Jose Quintana, however.

As for Verlander, the logistics of his contract — namely his no-trade clause and his player option for next year — mean that the Mets would desire that the basic framework for a deal involving the future Hall-of-Famer be established today.

Civale dealt to Rays, Guardians get Tampa’s No. 4 prospect in return

Civale is headed south; the Rays acquired the right-handed pitcher on Monday, fortifying an already-stifling rotation.

Civale figures to step right into the middle of the gallery, likely displacing Taj Bradley. He’s got a filthy selection of breaking pitches and tends to coax weak contact more times than most.

Headed back to Cleveland is first baseman Kevin Mazardo, the No. 4 prospect in Tampa’s system. The 23-year old is an excellent hitter, so much so that some scouts view him as a player who can hit .300 at multiple points of his career. He possesses decent-to-good pop. His defense is lacking, but his gifts at the plate ensure that he’ll be in the bigs sooner rather than later.

Jeimer Candelario left out of Nationals starting lineup

Another player whose days look numbered in a Nats jersey is Jeimer Candelario. The third baseman has put together the best season of his career, posting a 130 OPS+ in 2023. That has brought the vultures, with a number of organizations keen on his services.

A move appears on the cards, especially after Candelario was not included in the Nationals starting lineup for their Monday matchup with the Brewers. The Yankees are among the teams rumored to be in for the 29-year old, a player who has been trending upward for much of the past four years. He’s one of the best fielders at his position in the sport and represents a significant upgrade over the likes of Josh Donaldson. Watch this space.

Lane Thomas viewed as an everyday player, says Nationals GM Mike Rizzo

Nationals OF Lane Thomas has been sneaky good throughout 2023, sporting a 122 OPS+ in 451 plate appearances thus far. He’s been a shining light in the mire that has been the Nats this year. And he’s drawing plenty of interest around the league.

Thomas has long been viewed as a menacing hitter against left-handed pitching. His numbers against righties doesn’t quite have the same effect; Thomas has a .226/.296/.383 career slash line against right-handers, well below league average.

His success this season has brought admirers. But general manager Mike Rizzo has been adamant in his demands, telling rival GMs that Thomas is an everyday player, not a platoon hitter. As such, he’ll likely be expecting a greater prospect yield than he would if he saw Thomas as a lefty specialist.

Division-leading Twins willing to part ways with Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda

The Twins have climbed to the top of a putrid AL Central. That’s not stopping them from listening to offers for two of their most notable hurlers. Minnesota is fielding calls for Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda, per The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. The two have enjoyed vastly different levels of success so far this campaign; Maeda is 2-6 with a 4.53 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 53.1 innings, while Gray is 4-4 with a 3.22 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 117 innings. Nevertheless, both are on expiring contracts, making them coveted commodities for teams sizing up for a playoff appearance.

Adam Duvall a hot commodity on the trade market

Adam Duvall is enjoying the best stretch of his big-league career, posting a 128 OPS+ through 173 plate appearances in 2023. His versatility in the field — Duvall has shown himself as a capable option at first base, corner outfield and center field — has made him subject to plenty of interest around the league, says The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham. Could see Duvall being bandied about as a trade chip. Or perhaps the Red Sox will dangle Alex Verdugo around with Duvall waiting in the wings.

Rich Hill drawing interest from a gaggle of playoff contenders

Rich Hill is still going strong at the tender age of 43. The Pirates pitcher has been nothing if not steady over the course of his nearly two-decade big-league career. With a 4.76 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 117 innings, Hill has been consistent for much of the year. And that has led a host of teams competing for playoff contention to inquire about his availability; the Orioles, Reds, and Marlins are among the teams vying for his services, per reports.

Tigers ‘definitely’ trading starters Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Lorenzen — Nightengale

The Tigers are not just open to dealing Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen; they’re planning on it. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Detroit will “definitely” be sending Rodriguez and Lorenzen to pastures new. It’s just a question of which team pays the most for their services.

Guardians entertaining whether to deal workhorse Aaron Civale, per reports

It’s been a season to forget for the Guardians so far. And although Cleveland sits a half a game outside the division lead, their failings have led them to consider dealing star pitcher Aaron Civale.

Civale has been a force in 2023, going 5-2 with a 2.34 ERA in 77 innings of work. His success, coupled with the league’s premium on energetic starters, has led Cleveland to at least ponder cutting ties with its star hurler, a player who has stepped up tremendously amid injuries to Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill and Shane Bieber.

It is thought that Cleveland would want a young, controllable hitter in exchange for Civale. With most of the league believed to be buying, that doesn’t seem all that unrealistic. Watch this space over the next 48 hours.

Verlander asking price revealed, per Heyman

Plenty of organizations are craving the services of Verlander. The going rate for such a talent? At least one Top 100 prospect, per New York Daily News’ Jon Heyman.

Verlander is open to a move to a playoff contender. However, the move has to be done on the Mets’ own accord.

Nevertheless, if Verlander moves in the next few days, expect New York to pocket some highly-touted prospects in return.

Jack Flaherty’s start pushed back amid ongoing trade talks

Another hurler could be headed elsewhere, if reports about Cardinals star Jack Flaherty’s status are true.

It’s beena disheartening campaign for Boston, which sits firmly. outside of the NL Central and NL Wild card playoff pushes. Oil Marmol was expected to the hand the ball to their ace on Tuesday vs. the Twins. However, given all the rumors swirling about Flaherty’s future in St. Louis, it seems Marmol and Co. are taking the smart approach, taking him off the bump on Tuesday.

Could Dylan Cease be on the move? White Sox reportedly willing to listen to offers for Cy Young finalist

Sat at the cellar of the AL Central, it seems the White Sox are willing to consider offers for everyone, including ace Dylan Cease. The overriding narrative surrounding Cease and fellow superstar Luis Robert Jr. is that they’re practically untouchable. However, rival GMs are expected to test Chicago’s resolve, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

The demand for young, controllable starting pitching has only picked up in recent years. And given the packages that the White Sox and Mets received for the likes of Lucas Giolito and Max Scherzer, respectively, it’s an environment that could force Chicago’s hand. A watch this space indeed.

Verlander interest picking up; Dodgers weighing up move for Mets ace?

With a wealth of prospects available across their farm system, it seems the Dodgers are leading the race for Verlander. The aging veteran is said to have become disillusioned after the Mets dealt Scherzer and, with differences in their views on New York’s trajectory in the short-term, things could get erratic ahead of the trade deadline.

Los Angeles has a wealth of blue-chip prospects. That should only make things more appealing for L.A., who have ben rumored to be willing to part with real talent in exchange for top-line starting pitching.

July 30

Justin Verlander wonders about Mets future; Braves showing interest?

Verlander has seen Max Scherzer and David Robertson leave the New York clubhouse before the deadline. He’s now wondering whether he should ask out.

“I think Max is a tough sign for trying to go back at it. So, I’m committed to trying to win a championship here, but if the organization decides that that’s not exactly the direction that they think is a best fit for next year and go for it again next year then yeah, I would be more open to [a trade],” he said (via ESPN.com) after beating the Nationals for his 250th career win.

Mets general manager Billy Eppler told reporters before the game that the team’s deadline moves do not represent a “rebuild,” a “fire sale” or a “liquidation.”  

That said, Verlander appears to have one very interesting suitor: the rival Braves. Atlanta has checked in on JV, reports MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, but no talks are taking place.

Blue Jays add flamethrowing Jordan Hicks from Cardinals

Toronto adds a big-armed late-inning reliever in Hicks, who had worked his way into a closing role for the floundering Cardinals. The right-hander was 8 for 9 in save opportunities dating to June 17, his darting triple-digits fastball overpowering hitters.

St. Louis brought back a pair of Double-A pitchers, Sem Robberse and Adam Kloffenstein, as part of its attempt to improve the mound staff for 2024.

The Hicks deal wasn’t the only one the Cardinals made Sunday involving a major league pitcher. See next.

Rangers add mound depth with Jordan Montgomery, Chris Stratton from Cardinals

Not long after the Scherzer trade was announced, Texas added two more arms with left-hander Montgomery and right-hander Stratton.

Montgomery gives the six healthy starting options, joining Scherzer, Jon Gray, Martin Perez, Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning. Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the injured list with a forearm strain prior to the trade. Stratton, meanwhile, brings late-inning experience to the bullpen.

The cost to Texas was a pair of top-15 prospects (Saggese, Roby) and a fringe pitcher (King).

Angels add C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk in deal with Rockies

Los Angeles isn’t done putting veteran pieces around Shohei Ohtani. It adds Cron and Grichuk, who both offer right-handed power.

It’s a homecoming for Cron, who was born in Fullerton and was the Angels’ first baseman from 2014-17. Grichuk will fill the void created by Taylor Ward’s injury. Ward suffered facial fractures July 29 when he was hit by a pitch from the Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah.

The deal is a rare concession by Colorado, which has the worst record in the National League. The Rox gain two top-30 prospects (per MLB Pipeline’s ranking): Madden was eighth and Albright was 28th.

Max Scherzer next out of Flushing with trade to Rangers

The right-hander was not thrilled that the Mets moved fill-in closer David Robertson to the Marlins several days before the deadline. He wanted to find out in what direction the franchise was headed. He got his answer in a hurry.

MORE: Trade details | Why did the Mets deal Scherzer? | Who is Luisangel Acuna?

Scherzer was dealt to Texas after agreeing to waive his no-trade clause and pick up his $43.3 million player option for 2024. New York sent the Rangers about $35 million in cash to defray the cost of Scherzer’s remaining money and received Double-A shortstop Luisangel Acuna, the younger brother of Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., in return.

We’ve acquired RHP Max Scherzer and cash considerations from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league INF/OF Luisangel Acuña. pic.twitter.com/Mg2qrwIQ4C

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 30, 2023

The 39-year-old Scherzer will now try to help the Rangers hold off the Astros for the AL West crown. He brings a 4.01 ERA to Arlington.

Cubs keeping Cody Bellinger, report says

Chicago is in the NL Central and wild-card races thanks to a big winning streak, and that apparently has made Bellinger off-limits.

Sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that the Cubs have told other teams that Bellinger will not be traded. The outfielder-first baseman has made himself valuable the club after signing a one-year, prove-it contract in the offseason. He had a .314/.366/.536 slash line with 15 home runs in 74 games through July 30.

Braves add infield depth, acquire Nicky Lopez from Royals

Atlanta is trying to make its roster as deep as possible. It picked up the speedy Lopez from KC for left-hander Taylor Hearn, who made his Braves debut just Saturday after being acquired from the Rangers.

Lopez, 28, can play second base, third base and shortstop, but he will get very little playing time in Atlanta, barring an injury: the Braves’ starting infield has been the same for 69 consecutive games dating to May 7 — Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Orlando Arcia.

Nationals ready to move quickly on Jemier Candelario trade

Washington general manager Mike Rizzo told SiriusXM Radio he’s waiting for the “right player” to be offered so he can trade Candelario. The switch-hitting corner infielder has eight suitors, according to Rizzo. Candelario has 16 home runs and a .823 OPS through July 30.

July 29

Cardinals not trading Nolan Arenado, team president says

John Mozeliak tried to end all the speculation around St. Louis’ star third baseman.

“I have stated we are not trading him, have not asked him to waive his no-trade clause,” Mozeliak said, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “So at this time we are working on building for future success.”

Mozeliak spoke to push back against reports that the Dodgers were interested in acquiring Arenado and that the infielder would approve a deal to Los Angeles. 

July 28

Astros bring back Kendall Graveman in deal with White Sox

Houston’s bullpen needed help to counter the season-long struggles of Rafael Montero. The Astros landed on Graveman, who pitched for Houston in 2021 after being acquired from the Mariners in a deadline deal.

Chicago received Triple-A catcher Korey Lee. The 25-year-old made his big league debut with Houston in 2022 and played in 12 games total. Lee became expendable thanks to the emergence of Yainer Diaz in 2023.

White Sox continue sell-off, deal Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly to Dodgers

Chicago didn’t wait until Aug. 1 to ship out pitchers. The Sox sent Lynn and Kelly to LA for injured outfielder Trayce Thompson and two minor leaguers in another pre-deadline move.  

Lynn and Kelly both had inflated ERAs for the White Sox this season, but Kelly’s ERA in particular was larger than his actual production. The Dodgers’ bullpen has been uncharacteristically pedestrian; LA is reuniting with Kelly to help with that. As far as Lynn goes, it’s clear the Dodgers are hoping to fix the big right-hander.

July 27

Marlins bolster bullpen, acquire David Robertson from Mets

The Marlins have the starting pitching to contend. They’re looking to improve their bullpen.

After acquiring Jorge Lopez from the Twins in exchange for Dylan Floro on July 26, Miami went after the ageless Robertson, who stepped into the closer role in New York after Edwin Diaz suffered a knee injury in the World Baseball Classic. Miami dealt a pair of teenage prospects — Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernandez — who have been on the rise in its farm system.

For New York, the teardown has officially begun. The Mets are a distant fourth in the NL East and far back in the wild-card race after winning 101 games last season.

Brewers acquire Carlos Santana in deal with Pirates

The Brewers swing a deal for Pirates first baseman Carlos Santana on Thursday, sending 18-year-old infield prospect Jhonny Severino to Pittsburgh.

Santana finds himself on the move for the second consecutive season, as he was dealt from Kansas City to Seattle ahead of last year’s deadline. Santana fills a hole at first base in Milwaukee, as Rowdy Tellez is on the IL and has struggled mightily since May. 

July 26

Angels solidify buyer status with deal for Lucas Giolito

If there was any doubt that the Angels wouldn’t go all-in and try to reach the postseason, that’s now gone. Los Angeles has acquired starter Lucas Giolito and reliever Reynaldo Lopez from the White Sox, sending catching prospect Edgar Quero and pitching prospect Ky Bush to Chicago.

Giolito was a near-lock to be traded ahead of the deadline, as he’s pitched well of late and is slated to be a free agent after the season. With the White Sox headed nowhere, they recoup a pair of solid prospects while the Angels bolster their rotation. Lopez, who was traded to the White Sox along with Giolito in a 2016 deal that sent Adam Eaton to Washington, adds another option to the Angels’ unsteady bullpen.

Quero is the biggest prize for the White Sox, and he was expendable in Los Angeles because of Logan O’Hoppe’s presence. Quero hasn’t been able to replicate his terrific 2022 but will become one of Chicago’s most promising prospects.

Angels won’t trade Shohei Ohtani, plan to buy at deadline

According to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci, the Angels have decided to take Ohtani off the trade market and will be buyers at the deadline.

The Angels reportedly started listening to offers for the likely MVP after the All-Star break, when they fell well out of the postseason picture, but Los Angeles’ post-break success has made wild card contention realistic. This is a serious gamble for the franchise, which risks losing Ohtani for next to nothing in free agency.

Dodgers swap Noah Syndergaard for Amed Rosario

The Dodgers got almost nothing out of Noah Syndergaard despite signing him to a pretty lucrative one-year deal in the offseason, but they were able to turn him into something on Wednesday. Los Angeles sent Syndergaard to the Guardians for SS Amed Rosario, the team’s second infielder acquisition in as many days.

Rosario has struggled both at the plate and in the field this season, but he flashed a decent contact bat in his first two seasons in Cleveland. A pending free-agent, Rosario gives the Dodgers one more option in a middle infield that has been a vulnerability all season.

The Guardians, meanwhile, plan to hold onto Syndergaard, who is on the verge of returning from a blister issue.

Marlins, Twins swap struggling relivers

The Twins have agreed to send reliever Jorge Lopez to the Marlins, in exchange for reliever Dylan Floro. It’s a one-for-one deal involving two bullpen arms who were highly valuable last season but haven’t found their footing in 2023

Lopez was excellent as the Orioles’ closer in 2022 but has been volatile since landing with the Twins, while Floro has been unable to replicate his solid first two seasons in Miami. Both teams are banking on a change of scenery making the difference, and Lopez is under contract through 2024 for the Marlins.

When is the MLB trade deadline?

  • Date: Tuesday, Aug. 1
  • Time: 6 p.m. ET

The MLB trade deadline is 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The deadline was once reliably at 4 p.m. ET on July 31, but the date has fluctuated in recent years. Last year’s deadline was Aug. 2.

The timing of the deadline changed entering this year, with the league pushing it back two hours and extending what was already an active day.

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