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This was my Monday as the MLB trade deadline wound toward its midday conclusion, and I loved it.
Gotta find joy where you can.
Middle of Tuesday, just as the deadline dust was settling into new crevices of my baseball brain, Jazz Chisholm heard the big call from the Miami Marlins. Groovy. Should be fun to see him after so long behind training site doors. The Marlins have impact arms at their site, and I suspect that’s helping their hitters. And vice versa for the pitchers getting to face big league talents at the dish on a regular basis.
Jazz was my number one Marlins prospect back in October of the beforetime. Click here to read that ancient text.
Miami has a spot open for Chisholm after trading Jonathan Villar to Toronto for OF Griffin Conine. The return of 2B Isan Diaz was thought by Marlins reporter Craig Mish and others to be the motivating factor behind the Villar move, but he’ll presumably need plenty of time at the training site, so I’m wondering if Jazz was playing so well at the site that they believed he was an immediate upgrade. That or perhaps the combo of Miguel Rojas and Jon Berti would be an upgrade. I’ll pass on rebroadcasting the character shade tossed Villar’s way. Likely as anything else, Miami thought they could step sideways and shed some payroll. Any whispers are no more than coverfire.
All Yankees pitching prospects get a little boost, I believe.
The team seems determined to hand the ball to RHP Michael King. His 6.23 ERA is not kind, but his 58.5 left on base percentage suggests he’s been unlucky. I’m not so sure. It’s tough to pitch in New York and all, but I’m just hoping they give the next chance to Yajure. He looked pretty solid in his three shutout, hitless innings against Tampa Bay on Monday.
I’ve mentioned Miguel Yajure in this space before at the titular character of Stash List Volume 5: Miguel Yajure and the Jelly of the Month Club.
He was my number five Yankees prospect.
RHP Clarke Schmidt sees his chances at a 40-man roster spot improve as well, but they’ve been more finicky about his timeline than I would’ve expected in my Top 2020 Prospects: New York Yankees.
Cleveland again executed the kind of confident, controversial transaction that’s become their trademark these past few seasons: selling a All-Star starting pitcher for an underwhelming return. From Bauer to Kluber to Clevinger, the arc of history for this period in Cleveland baseball will be interesting to say the least.
OF Josh Naylor is the big winner at the club tonight. Cleveland is hoping for a repeat of their success with Franmil Reyes, and I wouldn’t rule it out. Though I don’t think Naylor will quite measure up to the franima, he’s a worthy mixed league flier and a boon to dynasty players holding a share or two.
The Rockies traded for Kevin Pillar so they could bench Hilliard, Hampson, and/or Tapia. As I write, they have benched Trevor Story to play Hampson at shortstop. Just a day off for Story, I’m sure, but it’s fun to follow the machinations.
Tampa Bay 1B Nate Lowe was promoted again after Yandy Diaz landed on the IL, but it’s hard to imagine the Rays treating him any differently than they have in the past.
Texas 2B Eli White got recalled and drew a start on Tuesday night. He’s available in all of my leagues, but I suspect he’ll get added Friday in the next 30-team dynasty faab run. Worthy deep flier.
I’d add 1B Ronald Guzman first, as he’s been recalled and started hot (3-for-3 with a HR) in his chance to impress over this final month of the season. The job is his for September. I’ve always liked him and will be watching with a rooting interest.
What Arizona is planning to do with Josh Vanmeter is anyone’s guess. Maybe he can play catch with Josh Rojas at the training site. Daulton Varsho got the first post-Starling start in centerfield with Ketel Marte remaining and second and Andy Young playing DH against Julio Urias Tuesday. Here’s hoping they play Young against righties, too. It’s ludicrous to promote a rookie into the short side of a platoon.
UPDATE from later that day: Josh Rojas has been recalled. I am excited.
Archie Bradley’s departure opens up the closer role for, I think, RHP Junior Guerra, who’s turned into a serviceable reliever these past few seasons. Some will speculate on RHP Kevin Ginkel, but he’s been struggling to get outs—something closers have to do on the regular.
Baltimore LHP Keegan Akin pitched well enough in Buffalo against Toronto. With the new front office settling in and getting some results, I suspect it’s time to track all Orioles pitchers until further notice.
Baltimore RHP Hunter Harvey is the closer now, from what I can tell. Saw him hit 99 the other day with a nicely placed heater. 92 mph off-speed. Can he throw things and stay healthy? Let’s find out.
Boston recalled IF Bobby Dalbec amid the pre-deadline chaos, and he responded with a home run in his debut. He figures to get a good portion of Mitch Moreland’s departed workload and is worth a twirl in a lightning-in-a-bottle kind of way.
Los Angeles OF/2B Jahmai Jones gets his first chance in the wake of what’s left for LAofA in 2020. Could be he’s playing really well at camp. If so, Maddon will see to that. JK. Ish. But it is tough to see him playing a whole lot among Luis Rengifo and newly acquired 2B Franklin Barreto, who figures to get an everyday look in September to help the Angels decide what they’ve bought.
San Diego’s stunning deadline haul spells trouble for C Francisco Mejia, who’s now a candidate to be dealt this winter. Could be a nice post-hype opportunity for a rebuilder in deep dynasty leagues. Could be the Padres plan to use Austin Nola in a super utility role and give Mejia another look next season.
In Seattle, 1B/OF Jose Marmolejos steps out from behind Dan Vogelbach and has played well so far. Looks good doing it, too. He’s on a six-game hitting streak that might’ve been obscured by the postponements and deadline hoopla. Solid pickup if you can get him anywhere where an everyday gig has value.
Thanks for reading!
I’m @theprospectitch on Twitter.
