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MLB Trade Rumors: Astros, Padres Working On ‘Something Big’– Craig Kimbrel Involved?

By Mark Suleymanov
Published on: 19:12 PST, Jul 30, 2015

With the non-waiver trade deadline looming, the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros are reportedly working on “something big,” according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

As Passan mentions, the two big names that have been discussed are pitchers Tyson Ross and Craig Kimbrel. It’s been said that the Padres will likely do several trades leading right up to the deadline. In addition to both right-handers, players such as Justin Upton, Andrew Cashner, James Shields, Joaquin Benoit, Ian Kennedy and others are available. With that said, it appears that the pair of right-handers could be the first players traded among that group.

For the Astros, acquiring Kimbrel and Ross would strengthen their postseason chances immensely. They just moved into first place in the American League West division with a series win over the now second place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Already having acquired left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir, right-handed pitcher Mike Fiers and center fielder Carlos Gomez, the Astros could emerge as the victors of the deadline.

Kimbrel, 27, is having another good season in his first year in San Diego. He came over to the Padres in a big trade literally hours before the regular season got underway. The former four-time All-Star has saved 30 games while pitching to a 2.68 ERA in 40-and-one-third innings. On the surface, his numbers are still elite but the hard-thrower is pitching the highest ERA of his career and posting the lowest K/9 total of his career (12.6).

Still, the former Atlanta Brave comes with tremendous upside, including his contract that has him locked up until 2017. Thus, the Astros would not only have him closing games in 2015 but for potentially for two additional seasons.

The other pitcher is the 28-year-old Ross, who is also having a solid season. In 22 starts, the former Oakland Athletic has pitched to a 7-8 record with a 3.38 ERA. Much like Kimbrel, he comes with contractual upside as despite his contract expiring after the season, he is arbitration-eligible and under team control through 2017.

The biggest issues for the 6’5, 230-pound Ross have been injuries. His funky delivery has caused several arm injuries over his career. Among those ailments have been Tommy John surgery in college, shoulder strains in 2008 and 2009 and elbow strains in 2010 and 2014. Pitchers are considered the most injury prone players and Ross is no exception.

As far as potential trade chips for Houston, outfielder Jake Marisnick is reportedly “believed to be in play,” according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation. Acquired at last year’s trade deadline, the 24-year-old is batting.235 with five HR and 21 RBI. Since the Astros’ have Gomez, George Springer, and Colby Rasmus, Marisnick is an expendable piece.

Another name that could be headed to San Diego is last year’s first overall pick from 2013, Mark Appel. The 24-year-old has split time at both Double and Triple-A this year, posting a combined 6-3 record with a 4.57 ERA. He could be the centerpiece in a potential trade.

Cotillo does emphasize that nothing is close at the moment. While the Padres and Astros have been talking, several other teams remain in play. The Yankees have been linked to Kimbrel the most, even reportedly rejecting a trade offer centered around Single-A speedster Jorge Mateo. Ross has been linked to the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, too.

Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle adds that while both sides are engaged in talks, no move appears imminent. If the two sides are serious in making a trade, they have until 4 p.m. to finalize a move.

[Image by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images]

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Houston Astros San Diego Padres New York Yankees James Shields
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