MLB Rumors: What are the Orioles targeting at the trade deadline?

The Baltimore Orioles have made it clear that they are targeting pitching, both starters and relievers, and are very likely to add multiple players before the August 1 trade deadline.

Stocked with one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, the Orioles have the ability to get creative if it wants. But indications from general manager Mike Elias is that while they have the flexibility to add payroll, that doesn't necessarily mean that they will.

Translation: they will only make a deal if it makes sense for them, both on the field and financially.

One player that rival teams have linked to the Orioles is Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Rich Hill, who is on an expiring one-year, $7 million contract.

MLB Rumors: What are the Astros targeting at the trade deadline?

The Houston Astros' top priority ahead of the trade deadline was to add a reliever, specifically one that is controllable through 2023, and they accomplished that by re-acquiring reliever Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox.

And the Astros are not done.

Now, the Astros are targeting a left-handed bat and a starting pitcher. One name that has been linked to Houston by rival executives is Oakland A's slugger Seth Brown, who has hit a mere .197/.278/.394 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI, and could benefit from a change of scenery. He has hit 20 and 25 home runs in his last two full seasons.

With Graveman acquired, the Astros have filled their No. 1 need. But they will be very active on the phone in the coming days.

MLB Rumors: Could the Mets really trade Justin Verlander?

On Thursday night, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that there was a growing sense among rival executives that the New York Mets could trade star right-hander Justin Verlander.

My sense is that while there is interest in Verlander, that a trade is unlikely. First, he has a full no-trade clause, and he can control where he wants to go. Secondly, he's signed to a two-year, $86.66 million contract — the highest annual average value for a pitcher in baseball history, and that significantly limits the number of teams that can pursue him.

Perhaps Mets owner Steve Cohen could eat some of that contract to improve the prospect return. Word is, the team has shown a willingness to do that in some deals. But a Verlander trade, at least right now, feels unlikely.