Baseball Insiders: Juan Soto trade talks, Cubs will be active at the deadline, and more

On this week’s episode of the Baseball Insiders Podcast, Robert Murray and Mark Carman get baseball fans ready for the MLB trade deadline.

There are just seven days remaining until the Major League Baseball trade deadline. There are several names that have been rumored to be on the move for weeks, but since the Baseball Insiders took off last week for the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, this was the first time that Robert Murray and Mark Carman got to talk about a potential Juan Soto trade.

The Washington Nationals made it known to the entire league, that after Soto turned down a $440M deal, the All-Star outfielder could be had in a trade for the right price. According to Murray, that price is sky-high.

Will Juan Soto be traded at the deadline?

The biggest name that could get moved at this year’s trade deadline is the Nats’ Juan Soto. But FanSided’s baseball insider Robert Murray doesn’t see it happening. However, Murray was quick to point out that all it takes is one team to back up the truck and offer Washington an offer they cannot refuse.

Bert was asked his best guess if Soto is dealt prior to next Tuesday and he suggested that the San Diego Padres might be best positioned to land the 2022 Home Run Derby championship. Murray has heard others mention the St. Louis Cardinals, but he’s not seeing that one materialize.

Who will trade for Nationals’ 1B Josh Bell?

Speaking of the Washington Nationals, fans might want to look toward our nation’s capital for the first move of the trade season. Nationals’ first baseman Josh Bell could be the first name off the board later this week.

Murray cited the Houston Astros as a possible destination for the former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger. He also mentioned the Milwaukee Brewers, but Rowdy Tellez’s presence may make that move unlikely.

The Chicago Cubs will be active at the trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs might be one of the most active teams at this year’s trade deadline. Willson Contreras, Ian Happ, Chris Martin, David Robertson, and Mychal Givens could all be on the move over the next seven days.

Happ could be a great fit for the Toronto Blue Jays or the San Diego Padres. Robertson has been the focus of the New York Mets. As for Contreras, there are several teams who’ll likely inquire as to the All-Star catcher’s availability.

Baseball Insiders quick hits:

• It’s not yet clear if the Boston Red Sox will be sellers, but if they are, J.D. Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Matt Strahm could all be on the move.
• The New York Mets are looking for a bat. Players like J.D. Martinez, Trey Mancini, and the aforementioned Willson Contreras make sense.
• The St. Louis Cardinals are likely to prioritize starting pitching at the deadline. A name to keep an eye on is Cleveland Guardians starter Zac Plesac.
• Luis Castillo appears to be the New York Yankees top trade target, but other teams are involved as well. Ian Happ is a player who the Yankees might target as well.
• The Seattle Mariners could be the sleeper team that makes a big splash at the deadline.
• The Milwaukee Brewers could be in market for help in center field and Oakland A’s outfieler Ramon Laureano could find his way to Wisconsin.
• And finally, no, the Los Angeles Angels are not trading Shohei Ohtani.

Tune in for the next episode of the Baseball Insiders Podcast. With trade season entering the final week, there’s a chance you could see a Bert Alert live on YouTube! See you next time on the Baseball Insiders Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te34_cw2Rpo