NEWSLETTER
Given the overlap in relationships, previous scouting, and interest in players (so many overlapping players in recent days), maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise:
There is some speculation within the industry about a possible BOS/Cubs/Padres three-way blockbuster taking shape. Lots of pieces that fit.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 31, 2015
You don’t have to stretch too far to start coming up with pieces that fit, but, at the same time, massive deals involving three teams are super difficult to put together, especially with a time constraint.
I want to see something like this happen just for the excitement. But, in reality, I actually only want to see it if it’s prudent for the Cubs.
The Deadline is four and a half hours away …
UPDATE: Now it’s barely three hours away. Wonder if this has anything to do with the above:
Red Sox trying to move some "immovable" assets. Pablo Sandoval perhaps? Padres and Giants bid last offseason, but Giants happy with Duffy.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) July 31, 2015
Given the late hour, if Olney is right, then, yes, I’d say it’s pretty much a lock that there’s a relationship here. The Red Sox’s ugly contracts include Sandoval and Ramirez (maybe Porcello already?), as well as the bit left on Allen Craig’s deal. The Cubs and Padres also have some contracts they probably wouldn’t mind moving.
Complicated, complicated.
UPDATE 2: And just like that, more chatter on one of the bad Padres contracts:
Jedd Gyorko's name has surfaced in #Padres trade discussions, source says. They are trying to attach his contract to pitchers.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2015
UPDATE 3: Just a little confirmation that conversations did occur/are occurring:
#Cubs, #Padres and #RedSox have discussed a three-team trade, source confirms.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2015
UPDATE 4: The Cubs have reportedly acquired Dan Haren, which may be a sign that no big deal is going to go through. Also, this:
Regarding rumored three-way deal between Cubs, Red Sox, and Padres, an official from one of the teams involved says a trade is unlikely.
— John Tomase (@jtomase) July 31, 2015
UPDATE 5: Unlikely, but … not dead?
Sources: #Padres, #RedSox, #Cubs 3-team trade possibility remains very much alive, with two hours to deadline.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2015
Even after picking up Dan Haren, I can see pieces that make plenty of sense for the Cubs. Not saying it’s likely, but conceivable.
UPDATE 6: For example, one conceivable deal …
The #Cubs would love to pull off a blockbuster and land Ross and Kimbrel from the #Padres
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015
… would have the Cubs picking up those two, and sending along young, ML-ready players to the Padres (Baez? Hendricks? not that you’re looking to trade either guy, but the addition of Haren would make Hendricks movable in a deal for Ross). This is NOT a rumor that’s out there that I’ve heard or become aware of. I’m simply saying this is a possible angle to square the movement today. I’m not betting on it.
UPDATE 7: Some of this is wishcasting, I’m sure, but I could see how this:
On MLB Network, @jonmorosi said a #RedSox trade of Pablo Sandoval is in the “realm of possibility.”
— Joon Lee (@iamjoonlee) July 31, 2015
relates to a three-team deal. The Padres were in on Sandoval in the off-season, and maybe they would be interested in taking him on … if Cubs take on Gyorko and Kimbrel contracts? Or Red Sox do? And Cubs or Red Sox get Ross for their trouble plus send prospects to San Diego? I’m just thinking out loud.
UPDATE 8: Just passing these two things on in tandem:
The #Padres and #Cubs dealing primarily with one another, may not necessarily need 3rd team to pull off blockbuster involving Ross/Kimbrel
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015
Farrell on EEI: I don't think we should anticipate any major moves by 4
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) July 31, 2015
UPDATE 9: It was alive! Then dead. Then alive again! Then it never even existed:
At this point Cubs are down to smaller deal for reliever. 3-way deal strongly denied as ever existing
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 31, 2015
Wipe it from your memories friends, like a life you never lived, erased by a butterfly’s wings in the past. Never existed.
