MLB trade deadline rumors: Astros eye bats as Griffin market heats up
Houston plans to buy, Foster Griffin is drawing scouts, the Mets may sell more and the White Sox added José Urquidy.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
MLB trade deadline rumors are moving quickly with Monday, Aug. 3 now one week away, and CBS Sports reported that several clubs are already showing their hands before the final rush.
The Houston Astros are preparing to add, not subtract. General manager Dana Brown said on the Astros’ pregame radio show Sunday that the club expects to be buyers, according to The Athletic.
Brown pointed to a crowded American League playoff race, with Houston two games back in both the AL West and the third wild-card spot. He said the club is looking for an outfielder who can improve the lineup, with a left-handed hitter preferred but not required, according to The Athletic.
What are the Astros looking for at the trade deadline?
The Astros’ stated focus is an offensive outfield bat. In trade-deadline terms, a “buyer” is a team trying to acquire major-league help for a playoff push, usually by trading prospects or future assets.
Brown’s comments also land in a pressure-packed moment for the front office. CBS Sports noted this is the final year of his contract, while the Astros are close enough in the standings to justify chasing immediate help.
Who is scouting Foster Griffin?
Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin has become one of the deadline’s hotter names. The Athletic reported that the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays had scouts watching his start Saturday.
Griffin, an All-Star on a one-year deal, entered the rumor churn with a 12-2 record and a 2.76 ERA, according to CBS Sports. The Nationals are only one game out of the final National League wild-card spot, but CBS Sports reported the organization is retooling and has shown it is willing to trade from its major-league roster.
The Phillies and Rays being present does not mean they are alone in the chase. CBS Sports described Griffin as a major trade chip and said contenders looking for starting pitching should be expected to check in.
Could the Mets trade players under control beyond this season?
The New York Mets are expected to be one of the deadline’s major sellers, according to CBS Sports, and the New York Post reported that president of baseball operations David Stearns has not ruled out moving players who are controlled beyond 2026.
The catch is the price. The New York Post reported Stearns would need a strong return to trade those players, rather than limiting discussions to pending free agents.
CBS Sports listed Luis Robert Jr., Clay Holmes, Tyrone Taylor, A.J. Minter, Freddy Peralta and Brooks Raley among Mets players who could reach free agency after the season, with Robert carrying a team option and Holmes a player option. Luke Weaver, Jorge Polanco and Huascar Brazobán are controlled through 2027, according to CBS Sports.
White Sox add José Urquidy
The Chicago White Sox acquired right-hander José Urquidy, the team announced late Sunday. CBS Sports described the move as a depth play for a club that could use more starting-pitching options in the organization.
Urquidy previously had success as a starter, but his recent major-league numbers have been rough. CBS Sports reported he had an 8.53 ERA over 6 ⅓ innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season after posting a 7.71 ERA in 2 ⅓ innings for the Detroit Tigers last year.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.