With just over six hours remaining before Thursday's trade deadline, a number of teams are looking to move starting players in hopes of getting value in return. The Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland Indians could be trading some big names before 4 p.m. today.
As per every rumored report over the past week, the Boston Red Sox are likely to trade starting pitcher and ace Jon Lester. Many teams have expressed interest in Lester, so anywhere he ends up will be a surprise to most. As of yesterday, rumors had the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and Oakland Athletics as the teams in play for the left-hander. Many believed the St. Louis Cardinals were out of discussions because they acquired Justin Masterson from the Indians on Wednesday afternoon, but reports say they are very much still involved. The Red Sox are also looking to move starter John Lackey, of whom the Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins contacted Boston about.
The Padres and Indians have already made trades, sending off starters for prospects, and they are still looking to make more moves. After trading former closer Huston Street to the Angels, San Diego is looking to trade current closer Jaoquin Benoit before the deadline because of his $8.5 million salary in 2015 and $8 million vesting option for 2016. To no surprise, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have inquired about Benoit, as their spending powers are amongst the highest in baseball. Reports have linked the Pirates and Indians to Benoit as well. The Padres may also be looking to trade starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, but sources say that's a 50/50 chance depending on what they can get in return.
After receiving a prospect from the St. Louis Cardinals in yesterday's deal for Justin Masterson, the Indians could still be active before the deadline. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has been a target of the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays over the past few days, but MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal says that Toronto is no longer looking to add a hitter. The Washington Nationals and 'other clubs' have entered discussions with the Indians about Cabrera as well, but it's not certain he will be traded. NBC Sports ProHardballTalk also reported that the Giants were targeting Indians utility man Mike Aviles, but not much has developed since that initial report.
Be sure to visit ESPN's MLB Rumors page to keep up with breaking news across the league before today's 4 p.m. trade deadline.
