The Philadelphia Phillies, who currently sit ten games behind the NL East-leading Braves, are finally letting other teams know that they have players available for trade, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com.
PHI has reached out to other teams to let other teams know that players are available, including Michael Young. Cliff Lee not on the list.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 28, 2013
Olney notes that third baseman Michael Young is among the players the Phillies are willing to deal, which makes sense considering all the interest that he has received. The Orioles, Rangers and Red Sox are among the teams trying to acquire Young, according to ESPNBoston's Gordon Edes. The Reds and Yankees have also shown consistent interest.
Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles all in on Michael Young. Probably makes most sense for Orioles as DH
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) July 28, 2013
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports that Boston may have the best package to offer the Phillies in a deal, which could make the Sox the favorite to land Young and solidify the left side of their infield.
The second Wild Card's impact on the trade deadline
One unexpected consequence of the second Wild Card may be more deals after the July 31st trade deadline. Here's how.MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan notes that a Rangers deal for Young is "not going to happen", meaning that they can likely be eliminated from the sweepstakes.
Philadelphia had been willing to listen to offers for Lee, as was reported on Saturday, but Olney's report makes it seem like they will hold on to the 34-year old All-Star. Edes writes that the Red Sox are "actively exploring trading for" Lee, but that they expect the Phillies' asking price to include one of the team's top two prospects-- outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. or shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
Because the Phillies are in no rush to move Lee and the Sox will likely balk at their astronomical asking price, a deal can be considered unlikely.
Other Phillies' assets who could be moved include Carlos Ruiz, Jonathan Papelbon and Chase Utley. Utley is considered the least likely of the trio to be moved due to the team's preference to sign him to a long-term extension.
More from MLB Daily Dish:
- Phillies agree to sign Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez
- Phillies listening to offers on Cliff Lee?
- Yankees acquire Alfonso Soriano from Cubs
- Phillies, Chase Utley discussing extension
- Orioles targeting Young, Morneau
- Rangers may deal Joe Nathan
