Though there’s sure to be outside interest in 25-year-old superstar Juan Soto — the Mets, Dodgers, Phillies and Red Sox are obvious potential outside suitors — some rival GMs are starting to wonder if there’s a real chance he’d leave the Yankees.
“He’s going to be staying, no?” one rival GM asked.
As for the Yankees, they believe they have a decent chance as long as bidding is very close.
It’s understandable why the Yankees were upset to see the game’s best position player, Aaron Judge, hit in his hand by Orioles pitcher Albert Suarez, but it’s also fair to note the Yankees pitchers are first in the AL with 42 hit by pitches while the Orioles pitchers are tied for last with 24.
Judge distinguishes himself every day with not only his play. Him selecting Soto as the AL MVP in my makeshift clubhouse poll was typical Judge. That’s what makes him a great captain, too.
The NL wild-card race is nuts. But one team that should make it is the Diamondbacks — who’ve stayed in it despite the absence of top pitchers Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen and Eduardo Rodriguez.
Teams seem discouraged about their chances to land A’s star closer Mason Miller, who has five more years of team control.
Every contender seeks bullpen help, including the Yankees and Orioles.
These are among teams that have at least looked into starting help: D’backs, Astros, Twins, Yankees, Orioles, Rangers, Brewers, Braves, Padres.
The Padres continue to search aggressively, as is their style.
The Royals are focused on pen and OF (Tommy Pham is of interest).
The Mariners seek offense. So do the Pirates.
The Red Sox are playing well but are said to be looking “long term.”