The Meinert Hops are picking up their activity in the trade market according to sources close to the club, most notably lining up well with the Spokane Fightin' Fish on a potential deal. The top of the Hops Keeper List is strong, led by Mike Trout (3/$71), Luis Robert (2R/$3), Jake Cronenworth (2/$12) and Logan Webb (2FA/$5) while the club is expected to bring back both Austin Nola (2/$7) and Max Stassi (2/$2) at catcher.
From there, things get a little hairy for GM Garrett Shelley. The club was over-aggressive in their activation of Andrew Vaughn (2R/$3) who will of course be back, but might be limited in a crowded White Sox lineup. Luis Urias (3R/$5) is also set to return but left Saturday's game early with a left quad injury and a deep Mariners roster has the value of Abraham Toro-Hernandez (2FA/$5) down significantly.
Shane McClanahan (Minors) is expected to make the jump into the Active Roster, but the pitching staff certainly looks to be a major area of need. That's where the Spokane Fightin' Fish come into play as GM Michael Tirabassi holds a deep offensive Keeper group that will lead to the availability of a few notable arms.
According to sources, Shelley has expressed interest in San Francisco Giants starters Alex Cobb (2FA/$5) and Alex Wood (2FA/$5), as well as Brewers left-hander Eric Lauer (2FA/$5) while also looking into the availability of outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (2/$31).
Lake Merced Goutfish right-hander Dakota Hudson (2FA/$5) is another potential fit for the Hops.
Around the RDBL
- Multiple clubs have reached out to the Mission Viejo Maulers on right-hander Aaron Civale (2/$14) according to sources, but GM Chris Ferraro does not plan to move him.
- The Burlingame Blue Ducks reached out to the Hammerheads on Carlos Rodon (2FA/$5), but was quickly shot down by GM Ross Horiuchi.
- The Alamo Short Stacks appear set on their Keeper Roster, though they continue to listen on left-hander Tarik Skubal (2/$10) according to club sources. The club is anxious to see right-hander Logan Gilbert's Spring debut who is currently projected to be activated by GM Greg Shelley.
- The St. Joseph Jokers have all but decided their final Keeper Roster, making a series of cuts on Saturday. With their 12-man roster set, it crosses off a potential landing spot for Idaho Taters catcher Mike Zunino (2FA/$5) who is still likely to be moved before the Keeper Deadline with the Maltese Falcons, Lunatic Fringe and Las Vegas Aristocrats standing out as potential trade partners.
Absolutely no Falcon interest in Zunino, just to clarify…