Gorman, Corbin in Soto trade;
The Cardinals, identified by CBS Sports as the favorites to land Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, have “stepped up” efforts to get a deal done, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. Jones reports that the Cardinals’ latest offer includes second baseman Nolan Gorman, as well as Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin. CBS Sports reported last week that Corbin was expected to be included in any potential deal as a means of balancing trades and clearing the books for the next Nationals ownership group. As we explained then: Putting Corbin on Soto is a way for the Nationals to get a better deal, but not in the conventional “the other team will add more to their side” sense. In contrast, Corbin has been a much below-replacement-level player over his last 50 starts, compiling a 5.84 ERA (68 ERA+) and a 2.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is owed an additional $60 million over the next two seasons. Dropping that commitment would be a gain and even help the scales when viewed from the aforementioned cold, calculating, dollar-based framework. Gorman, 22, is hitting .223/.299/.411 (103 OPS+) in his first 194 plate appearances.
The Yankees are interested in top veteran starters
Veteran left-hander José Quintana, who is in the midst of a career resurgence with the Pirates, is drawing trade interest from a variety of suitors, including the Yankees and White Sox, according to Robert Murray. Coincidentally, Quintana was a member of both the Yankees and White Sox organizations. He never played in the New York bigs, but spent parts of six seasons in the White Sox rotation. Quintana has started 19 games this season and has compiled a 3.70 ERA (114 ERA+) and 2.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio in those games. He is a free agent at the end of the year. The Yankees are also interested in Frankie Montas and Luis Castillo, the first two players on the market, according to Jon Heyman. No deal is known to be imminent, however.
Dodger looking at Cooper
According to Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are interested in Marlins first baseman/outfielder Garrett Cooper. Heyman notes that the Dodgers, among others, may wait to see what happens with Soto before moving on to other potential targets. Cooper, for his part, was highlighted by CBS Sports as one of the top 30 trade candidates of the summer. Here’s what we wrote then: It’s unclear if the Marlins will entertain the sensational Cooper, but he is and will remain a hot prospect due to a tough offensive ability. Hits the ball hard and at an optimized angle. He smokes fastballs and is league average. It has not shown any platoon to date. and so on. Of course, you didn’t need to know any of that to know he’s good with the stick. all you had to do was look at his .292/.370/.472 slash line during the pandemic era. Cooper won’t be free until after next season, but if the Marlins feel bad about their chances — making the playoffs in any year and/or keeping him beyond that point — then they will they could at least hear what other groups would be willing to part with.
The Astros in Contreras
The Astros, who have received little production from their backstops this season, are among the teams interested in Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Contreras, an impending free agent, is hitting .258/.373/.470 (136 OPS+) with 14 home runs and 21 extra base hits through his first 82 games this season. The Astros are currently leaning on Martín Maldonado and Korey Lee to hold down the catcher position. Neither has produced much offensively. ditto for Jason Castro, who doesn’t appear to be recovering quickly from a knee injury.
