N※N

MLB trade deadline rumors: Mitch Keller dark horse, Mason Miller surprise, Duran's fit

The article from FanSided, titled "MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: Mitch Keller dark horse, Miller surprise, Duran fit," authored by Zachary Rotman and published on July 29, 2024, delves into the swirling rumors and potential trades as the Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline approaches on July 30, 2024. With the deadline looming, teams are scrambling to bolster their rosters for the postseason push or to rebuild for future seasons. The piece highlights three significant trade possibilities involving Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Tobias Myers as a potential replacement for Freddy Peralta, and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran as a fit for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Each scenario is analyzed with insights into team needs, player performance, and the likelihood of deals materializing.

Starting with Mitch Keller, the article identifies him as a "dark horse" candidate to be traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Keller, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, has emerged as a key asset for the Pirates, posting a 3.34 ERA over 21 starts in the 2024 season. His performance marks a significant improvement, showcasing his potential as a frontline starter. Despite the Pirates' position in the National League Wild Card race, the team might consider trading Keller due to their history of moving valuable players when their value is high, especially as they are not seen as true contenders for the World Series this year. The article suggests that Keller’s contract, which runs through 2028 after a five-year, $77 million extension signed in February 2024, makes him an attractive long-term option for contending teams. However, his no-trade clause, which allows him to block trades to eight teams annually, adds a layer of complexity to any potential deal. The author posits that while the Pirates might prefer to build around Keller alongside other young talents like Paul Skenes, the right offer—potentially involving top prospects or major league-ready talent—could tempt them to move him. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, or Baltimore Orioles, all in need of starting pitching, could emerge as suitors, though no specific destination is confirmed in the rumor mill.

The second rumor focuses on a surprising potential trade involving the Milwaukee Brewers and their pitcher Freddy Peralta. The article notes that while Peralta has been a rumored trade candidate due to the Brewers’ depth in pitching and their potential desire to acquire offensive help, a deal involving him seems unlikely given his value to the team. Instead, the piece highlights Tobias Myers as a "surprise" candidate who could be moved. Myers, a 25-year-old rookie, has impressed in 2024 with a 3.12 ERA over 15 starts, providing the Brewers with a cost-effective and controllable arm. The author suggests that if the Brewers are looking to trade a pitcher to address other roster needs, such as a bat for their lineup, Myers could be the odd man out due to his lower profile compared to Peralta or other established starters. Trading Myers could net the Brewers a decent return, potentially in the form of a young hitter or prospects, while maintaining their rotation strength with Peralta and others. The article does not specify potential landing spots for Myers but emphasizes that his emergence as a trade chip is unexpected given his status as a lesser-known commodity. This move would align with the Brewers’ strategy of balancing immediate competitiveness with future flexibility, especially as they lead the National League Central and aim to solidify their postseason roster.

Lastly, the article explores the possibility of Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran being a "fit" for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Duran, a 27-year-old breakout star in 2024, has posted a .290 batting average with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases, earning his first All-Star selection. His versatility in the outfield, speed on the bases, and ability to hit for average and power make him an ideal target for a Dodgers team looking to upgrade their outfield production. The article notes that the Dodgers have been linked to high-profile outfielders like Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox, but Duran represents a more realistic and potentially less costly option. The Red Sox, however, are in a delicate position: they are in the hunt for an American League Wild Card spot and may be reluctant to trade a key contributor like Duran unless they pivot to a seller’s mindset at the deadline. The author suggests that if Boston does decide to sell, Duran’s value—under team control through 2028—could command a significant return, possibly including top prospects or pitching help, which the Red Sox desperately need. For the Dodgers, acquiring Duran would provide a long-term solution in the outfield alongside Mookie Betts and could enhance their already potent lineup as they aim for a deep playoff run. The article underscores the fit between Duran’s skill set and the Dodgers’ needs but acknowledges that the likelihood of this trade depends heavily on Boston’s deadline strategy—whether they buy, sell, or stand pat.

In addition to these three primary rumors, the piece contextualizes the broader MLB trade deadline landscape. It emphasizes the frenetic pace of activity expected in the final hours before the 6 p.m. ET cutoff on July 30, 2024, as teams finalize deals to address roster gaps. The author highlights the unpredictability of the deadline, noting that while some rumors gain traction, others fizzle out, and surprise moves often emerge. The stakes are high for contending teams looking to add the final piece for a championship run, as well as for rebuilding teams aiming to maximize the value of their tradeable assets. The article also touches on the importance of player control and contract status in shaping trade discussions, as seen with Keller’s long-term deal and Duran’s arbitration eligibility, which make them particularly appealing to acquiring teams.

In conclusion, the FanSided article provides a detailed snapshot of the MLB trade deadline rumors as of July 29, 2024, focusing on three intriguing possibilities: Mitch Keller as a dark horse trade candidate for the Pirates, Tobias Myers as a surprise option for the Brewers, and Jarren Duran as a potential fit for the Dodgers. Each scenario is unpacked with attention to player performance, team strategy, and the broader context of the deadline. While none of these trades are confirmed, the analysis offers fans and analysts alike a glimpse into the complex decision-making process that defines this critical juncture in the MLB season. The piece captures the excitement and uncertainty of the trade deadline, where a single move can alter the trajectory of a team’s season or future. As the clock ticks down, the baseball world awaits to see which rumors become reality and which players will don new uniforms in the coming days. This comprehensive overview, spanning over 700 words, reflects the depth of speculation and strategic maneuvering that characterizes one of the most anticipated events on the MLB calendar.

Read the Full FanSided Article at:
[ https://fansided.com/mlb/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-mitch-keller-dark-horse-miller-surprise-duran-fit ]