With just under two weeks until the MLB trade deadline, front offices are shifting gears from draft boards to roster moves. As the second half kicks off, a few teams are already generating chatter.
Cardinals Receiving Calls on Steven Matz
St. Louis is fielding trade interest for lefty Steven Matz, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 34-year-old has quietly put together a strong season out of the bullpen, posting a 3.35 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 51 innings. He’s been effective in a multi-inning relief role, recording at least four outs in 21 of his 28 appearances.
Matz is in the final year of a four-year, $44 million deal and is owed around $4 million the rest of the season. The Cardinals, just 2.5 games out of a wild card spot at 51-47, may also be willing to discuss deals involving relievers Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton—both pending free agents.
Mets Showing Interest in Danny Coulombe
In New York, the Mets are looking to shore up their bullpen from the left side. With A.J. Minter out for the year and Brooks Raley just returning, the team has shown interest in Twins reliever Danny Coulombe, according to the New York Post.
The 35-year-old southpaw has been lights out this season, holding a 0.68 ERA with 29 strikeouts in just under 27 innings. On a one-year, $3 million deal, he fits the mold of a rental bullpen piece for a team looking to navigate a postseason road filled with left-handed hitters like Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, and Kyle Tucker.
MORE: Phillies eye Kyle Schwarber extension
Cubs take a flyer on Spencer Turnbull
The Cubs have agreed to a deal with veteran right-hander Spencer Turnbull, though it’s not yet clear if it’s a major-league or minor-league pact. Turnbull, recently released by the Blue Jays, allowed five runs over 6.1 innings across three outings in June.
With multiple starters sidelined, including Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, Chicago appears to be seeking innings from wherever they can find them. Turnbull could serve as emergency depth or eat innings out of the bullpen.
As the trade deadline nears, the phones are buzzing, and names like Matz and Coulombe are quickly becoming part of the conversation. Expect the market to heat up as contenders look to plug holes for the stretch run.
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