Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies All Reportedly Scouting Cubs/D-backs for Pitchers in Particular
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Mets are among at least three teams scouting the Cubs’ series with the D-backs at Wrigley this weekend. The Blue Jays and Phillies are also in attendance and Heyman indicates there are others there as well to see just how many players they can pluck from the also-rans.
Mets are scouting Cubs-Dbacks in Chicago (and others elsewhere presumably). Of interest there: Bryant, Escobar, Davies, relievers. Jays and Phillies are among teams with scouts at Clark and Addison, as well.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 24, 2021
Kris Bryant is the most obvious name given the ubiquitous rumors surrounding him, but Friday starter Zach Davies is among the possibilities as well. The Mets recently acquired former Cub Rich Hill to help them with their stretch run and pitching is always a hot commodity at the deadline. Davies pitched very well and could be a solid buy-low option for a team looking to bolster the middle of its rotation.
Heyman tweeted Friday that the Phillies are expected to be aggressive and he specifically mentioned Craig Kimbrel as a target. Phillies exec Dave Dombrowski acquired Kimbrel when he was running the show in Boston, so that familiarity could play a role. The Phillies are also said to be looking for more than one reliever in addition to a starter and a center fielder.
Gee, it seems like the Cubs could offer them a one-stop shop for all those needs. Between Kimbrel, Davies, Andrew Chafin, Ryan Tepera, and Jake Marisnick, they’ve got everything the Phillies are looking for. But wait, would it be weird to see a .500 team go big by parting with prospects and exceeding the luxury tax to acquire players from another team that’s just two games under?
Whatever ends up happening, it sure looks as though the NL East is going to drive the market over the next week.
Update: Heyman reiterated the Phillies’ interest in Kimbrel and added Chafin and Tepera to the mix.
Phillies are indeed on Craig Kimbrel who could transform their beleaguered bullpen. Lots to talk about with Cubs as they like Andrew Chafin (no runs allowed since May 7) and Ryan Tepera as well.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 24, 2021