MLB Rumour Roundup: Dodgers finalizing Scherzer, Turner blockbuster

Julia Kreuz @juliackreuzJuly 30, 2021 - 3:14am

Ben Nicholson-Smith joined Blue Jays Central to talk about the Blue Jays’ acquisition of Brad Hand, and explained how he can be utilized to help the bullpen.

Anthony Rizzo is headed for New York, Danny Duffy is off to the opposite coast (with a legendary ace set to follow), Toronto got its closer and there are plenty of deals still to happen in MLB ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.

Here are the latest trade rumours in the baseball world.

Dodgers swoop in on Scherzer sweepstakes

It seemed as though the San Diego Padres were all set to acquire Max Scherzer from the Washington Nationals.

Then, their division rivals stepped in. Even though the Padres came close to finalizing a deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly outbid them — and added star infielder Trea Turner to the deal, too, according to ESPN‘s Jeff Passan.

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Dodgers are making significant progress on a deal that would send them star right-hander Max Scherzer and star shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for a prospect-laden return, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021

BREAKING: The Dodgers are finalizing a deal to acquire star right-hander Max Scherzer and star shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for a massive prospect haul, sources tell ESPN. The blockbuster of blockbusters is going to happen.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021

BREAKING: Padres close to acquiring Max Scherzer, sources tell @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021

One potential hurdle for the Padres may have been Scherzer’s no-trade clause, part of the seven-year, $210-million deal he signed back in 2015. The three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star (including the starter’s spot for the NL Team this year) has a 2.83 ERA and 0.886 WHIP over 18 starts and 105 innings pitched this year.

The Dodgers currently sit three games ahead of San Diego in the NL West and two games behind division-leader San Francisco Giants.

No shortage of candidates for Berrios

Minnesota Twins starter Jose Berrios has been one of the most popular names in this season’s trade deadline.

Sources: #RedSox and #Rays join #Dodgers and #SFGiants among clubs talking with #Twins about José Berríos. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 29, 2021

According to MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi, the Twins have been in talks with the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays about the righty, who is making $6.1 million this year and is set to become a free agent in 2023.

Berrios, 27, has a 3.48 ERA over 20 starts in 2021, logging 121.2 innings with a 1.044 WHIP and 126 strikeouts.

Yankees discussing Voit trades

Luke Voit hit the injured list for the third time this season on July 17, but that reportedly hasn’t stopped the New York Yankees from shopping him around ahead of the trade deadline.

Luke Voit has drawn interest in trade discussions the Yankees are having with multiple teams. Voit is on the verge of returning from the IL. Led the majors with 22 HRs last season, but has been limited to 29 games this season. #yankees

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 29, 2021

Despite dominating at the plate last year, Voit is currently dealing with a bruised knee bone, which may have an impact on the kind of return the Yankees would get for the first baseman. For New York, one of the main upsides of moving him would be the opportunity to clear some salary room. Voit is making $4.7 million this season.

The 30-year-old Voit has five years of major-league experience, is arbitration-eligible in 2022 and isn’t slated to become a free agent until 2025. Before his latest IL stint, Voit had a .241 average with three home runs and 11 RBIs over 29 games — a huge drop from his MLB-leading 22 home runs, .277 average and 52 RBIs during 2020’s shortened season.

New York is one of the most active teams ahead of the deadline after adding Joey Gallo and Rizzo.

Graterol drawing suitors

The Dodgers have a reported deal in place to acquire starter Danny Duffy from the Kansas City Royals, according to ESPN‘s Jeff Passan. And as one pitcher enters the LA scene, another may be dealt out of town.

Passan says that Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol has become a popular target for teams looking to improve their bullpen.

One popular name on the market right now as teams go hunting for relief pitchers, per sources: Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol. ERA this year is not good, but he still throws 100-mph bowling-ball sinkers, and as Dodgers look to improve other areas, he’s a potential target.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2021

Graterol’s season ERA of 6.43 can be misleading. A 22-year-old who is eligible for arbitration in 2023, the right-hander has above-average velocity and could develop into an important bullpen arm for a club with a longer window for contention.

J.D. Davis available

ESPN‘s Kiley McDaniel reports that the New York Mets have made third baseman J.D. Davis available in trade talks, adding that the 28-year-old may be included in some sort of potential package deal for a star slugger like Trevor Story or Kris Bryant.

However, McDaniel adds that there doesn’t seem to be particular momentum for the Mets in either of those players.

Davis has appeared in only 27 games this season, batting .325 with 11 RBIs and four home runs. He won’t become a free agent until 2025.

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