With hours left until the MLB trade deadline, a few big names were still on the market.
The Mets and Reds, two teams in fourth place in their respective divisions, surprised many as the biggest buyers thus far. The Mets traded for starter Marcus Stroman, while the Reds got Trevor Bauer from the Indians. That leaves the Yankees, Astros, Twins and other contenders looking for pitching help still searching for an answer.
That answer will likely come in the form of Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler or Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray, whose markets are heating up.
The Astros are focused on adding a starting pitcher and have had conversations with the Mets and Diamondbacks about Wheeler and Ray, according to MLB.com. If the Mets find the right price, they are willing to part ways with the right-hander. Their recent hot stretch — winning six of their last seven — could lead them to stand pat, however.
The Yankees are also inquiring about Ray, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman. The Yankees and Mets generally haven’t done deals with one another, likely leaving Ray as the best option the Yanks have to add a starting pitcher to their struggling rotation.
Noah Syndergaard was taken off the market Tuesday night, according to Sherman. After a brilliant outing Tuesday night — 7 1/3 innings pitched, zero earned runs and 11 strikeouts — it appears the Mets want to keep Syndergaard as they look to make a wild-card push this season and contend next season.
Madison Bumgarner will likely stay in San Francisco if the Giants aren’t tempted by a better offer, according to Sherman. They will hold onto the southpaw and try to climb their way into the wild card.
Tigers closer Shane Greene is the likeliest player to be moved, according to Sherman. “They are trading him,” one rival executive told The Post.