Monday was an active day on the trade front as several contenders acquired outfielders hours before the deadline for postseason eligibility.
The Kansas City Royals added a potential bat for their postseason bench, obtaining Jonny Gomes from the Atlanta Braves. The Chicago Cubs obtained Austin Jackson from the Seattle Mariners, who also sent Justin Ruggiano to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Finally, the San Francisco Giants added a much-needed lefty bat off the bench by dealing for Boston’s Alejandro De Aza. The deal comes amid speculation that Hunter Pence’s recovery from an oblique injury may be going slower than expected.
Most of the players with new homes had been mentioned as trade bait in recent weeks. But the rumor mill hasn’t stopped just because the calendar has flipped from August to September. Here is some additional buzz:
Los Angeles Angels: The Halos apparently have stepped up their search for a replacement for general manager Jerry Dipoto, who stepped aside on July 1 and was replaced on an interim basis by Bill Stoneman. The Angels are planning on hiring someone shortly after the end of the season, if not before, a source tells Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Stoneman is not a candidate for the gig, but assistant GMs Matt Klentak and Scott Servais are believed to be on the short list.
Jurickson Profar: There is a chance that Profar, who has been unable to play in a major league game for almost two seasons due to shoulder issues, could return to the Rangers this month as a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Rangers GM Jon Daniels added that Profar, once among the game’s top prospects, could play in the Arizona Fall League.
Lucas Duda: The first baseman is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday, but Mets manager Terry Collins is unsure if Duda will be ready by then. Duda has been out since August 22 with lower back stiffness and has not swung a bat yet during his rehab work. The Mets have been using Daniel Murphy and Michael Cuddyer at first base in Duda’s absence.
Mark Buehrle: The 36-year-old has made the most of his walk year in Toronto and likely has made himself a valuable commodity on the free agent market this winter, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Buehrle, nearing the end of a four-year, $58 million deal, is 14-6 with a 3.53 ERA and is on pace for his 16th straight season of 200 or more innings. The Blue Jays would like to keep him, but they also will be allocating big bucks if they want to retain David Price
Justin Morneau: Sidelined since mid-May with a concussion, Morneau is on a rehab assignment at Double-A New Britain and hopes to appear in major league games for the Rockies before the end of the season, according to the Denver Post. The 2014 NL batting champion has a $9 million mutual option for next season, so a clean bill of health makes it easier for both sides to make a decision.
Larry Beinfest: After two years of an unwanted vacation, the former Marlins general manager tells Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald that he wants to get back into the game. Beinfest spent a dozen years calling the shots on South Beach, winning a World Series in 2003, before being fired by owner Jeffrey Loria. It is unclear if Beinfest would be considered for openings in places such as Seattle, Milwaukee or Anaheim, but he could be part of a team looking to restructure its front office. Around Miami, Beinfest will always be remembered as the GM who traded away Miguel Cabrera.