The MLB trading deadline is coming up on July 31, on Sunday, two hot trade targets were moved. Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and second baseman, Eric Sogard was traded.
Eric Sogard traded to the Tampa Bay Rays
Eric Sogard was traded to the Rays on Sunday during the game between the two teams. Sogard started the game as a Blue Jays player, but after it was over, he was officially a Tampa Bay Ray. In Sogard’s time with the Blue Jays, he hit .300 with ten home runs and 30 RBIs. Also, Sogard has 45 runs scored, a career-high and we’re just past halfway through the season.
The Tampa Bay Rays are in the running for the wild card spot. Adding Eric Sogard could give Tampa the extra push they need to try to take over the second and final wild-card spot. The Rays have dealt with a lot of injuries, Sogard is a versatile player. He can play every infield position and can also play Left and right field.
Marcus Stroman traded to the New York Mets
The New York Mets made a surprising move by trading Marcus Stroman. New York is in fourth place in their division and is six games back from a wild card spot. People thought the Mets would want to sale, but that does not seem to be the case as of yet. The Mets sent pitchers Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson, both top to prospects to the Blue Jays.
This season Stroman is pitching outstanding, he has a 2.96 ERA in 21 Starts. Although he is only 6-11, he has 11 quality starts in 21 appearances. Stroman also made his first All-Star game this season.
Stroman is a native New Yorker having grown up about 50 miles for Citi Field. The former Blue Jay is 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA in his career.
Anthony Kay started the season in Double-A and had a record of 7-3 with an ERA 1.73 before being moved up to Triple-A. In Triple-A, Kay was 1-3 with 6.61 ERA. As for Woods-Richardson, he has 97 strikeouts in 78 1/2 innings pitched but is 3-8 with a .4.25 ERA.
It is interesting to see what the Mets are trying to do; they gave up two top prospects for a team who were looking to sell. But they can still move Noah Syndergaard and Zach Wheeler to replenish the farm system if need be.
The Blue Jays are definitely looking to rebuild after trading Eric Sogard and Marcus Stroman.
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