FT Leadoff

Deadline rumors are shifting in the AL West, and it starts with the defending World Series Champions.

The Texas Rangers were once thought to be sellers, but a recent hot streak (11-4) has them just three games back in the division. Not to mention, Josh Jung, Evan Carter, Dane Dunning, Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford, and possibly Jacob deGrom are all expected to return in the second half.

Will they be buyers? Probably not, but standing pat removes several names, including Nathan Eovaldi, Max Scherzer, and Kirby Yates, from an already thin market.

As for the Seattle Mariners, losing Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford to the IL should only make them more aggressive, especially after they were swept by the Angels, who they can’t stop losing to.

It would be bold to add Luis Robert Jr. to a strikeout-prone lineup, our FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal writes in The Athletic, but the options are thin.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Seattle has aggressively tried to acquire Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Blue Jays despite their unwillingness to move him.

The Mariners currently sit one game back of first place after blowing a ten-game division lead.

Jazz Chisholm is a hot topic in trade buzz.

As written in The Athletic, while some teams are attracted to his bat and speed, others are scared away by his “strong personality.”

It’s likely the Marlins are seeking a hefty haul for Chisholm, considering his additional two years of club control at an affordable price beyond 2024.

Watch - Former GM Dan O’Dowd talks Jazz Chisholm’s market and weighs in on a possible Jackson Holliday for Tarik Skubal deal.

• View - Christian Yelich placed on IL, could undergo season-ending back surgery.

• View - Red Sox agree to 3-year, $21M extension with Alex Cora.

• View - Kevin Kiermaier plans to retire after 2024.

• View - Elly De La Cruz tallies 50th stolen base.

• View - Mike Trout leaves rehab assignment for re-evaluation.

• View - Benches clear in Rockies 20-4 win over Boston.

• View - Mets tag Gerrit Cole for 6 ER, sweep Yankees in Subway Series.

• View - Paul Skenes pitches into the 9th, takes first loss of career.

• View - White Sox fall 50 games under .500.

Watch - FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal assesses the landscape of buyers, sellers, and possible surprises at the trade deadline.

Watch - ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian gives his thoughts on the trade deadline, Paul Skenes’ impressive start, fringe playoff teams, and more.

Watch - With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the FT Crew explores who could be on the trade bubble.

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