A flurry of activity has begun with the 2020 MLB trade deadline just over 24 hours away, with a number of contenders making a late push to acquire assets. The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are two of those teams.
The top reliever on the market — Kansas City Royals closer Trevor Rosenthal — went to the Padres on Saturday, giving the Friars a back-end bullpen presence in the absence of Kirby Yates.
San Diego has reportedly been pursuing a starting pitcher, but Sunday they made a move to acquire yet another power bat.
The Padres acquired Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland in exchange for a pair of top-20 prospects in Jeisson Rosario and Hudson Potts.
Moreland has had a massive year, slashing .328/.430/.746 with eight homers and a 204 OPS+ prior to the start of play on Sunday.
The veteran gives San Diego yet another thumper from the left side of the box, and he can spell Eric Hosmer at first or slot into the designated hitter spot.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs made a play to acquire a lefty masher by trading for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder and DH Jose Martinez. Catcher Josh Phegley was designated for assignment.
Martinez was a bit of a disappointment for the Rays, but he has a whopping .946 OPS against left-handed pitchers in his career, and the Cubs have a .659 OPS against lefties this year.
It seems likely Martinez will strictly DH against left-handers for Chicago given his defensive deficiencies.
MLB insiders were uncertain as to how much activity there would be at this year's deadline, but the action is starting to pick up in earnest.
The Padres and Cubs might not be done adding pieces, either.
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