The Mission Viejo Maulers cleared out some cap space Tuesday morning, finalizing a deal with the St. Joseph Jokers to acquire Nate Eovaldi (2/$1) while moving Giancarlo Stanton (2/$31) off the books. According to sources, GM Chris Ferraro is expected to quickly pivot to talks with the Las Vegas Aristocrats with eyes on Max Scherzer (3/$68), Starling Marte (3/$31) and Marcus Semien (3/$3).
The Maulers entered the All-Star Break in fifth place, but just 1.5 points behind fourth place and 128.0 back of the third place Spokane Fightin' Fish who lead the Masters Division.
The Maulers Farm System has seen a dramatic rise in value this season with right-hander Max Meyer recently making his debut, Josh Jung getting closer to a return and potential 2023 activation and William Contreras having an unexpected All-Star season behind the plate. Additionally, the MLB Draft was a boon for Ferraro with Kumar Rocker being selected 3rd overall while shortstop Brooks Lee was taken 8th.
Any combination of those assets would be a strong return for the 'Crats in a potential deal.
Around the RDBL
- The Lake Merced Goutfish reached out to multiple contenders Monday letting them know that there is a plan in place where they will sell if they are more than 100 points out late in July. The group could include Josh Bell (2/$27) who ranks 7th in overall hitter scoring.
The Goutfish due remain in buy mode in the immediate future and have had preliminary discussions on buy-low Grapes starters Trevor Rogers (2FA/$5) and Marcus Stroman (3/$6) according to sources.
- The Honolulu Hammerheads have a solid understanding of what the market would be for Corbin Burnes (3R/$5) along with their other expiring deals, but the expectation around the league is that GM Ross Horiuchi will hold firm and make a run for the final Wild Card spot pending a healthy return of Jacob deGrom.
- The Burlingame Blue Ducks have a glaring need on the offensive side as the club leads the league in pitcher scoring but ranks 14th in hitter scoring while slashing just .248/.321/.412. At a quick glance, the club is currently starting five hitters that are owned in 32% or fewer CBS leagues offering multiple areas for GM Ryan Walsh to pursue an upgrade.
The club could also aggressively look within their club with prospects Luis Garcia and Nolan Jones both performing well at the big league level.
Comments