The Noah Syndergaard news is getting the trade rumors to start moving.
The Mets reportedly took the righty off the trade block last night and now other names are starting to gain traction in the market. First, it was reported by MLB Network's Jon Heyman that Zack Wheeler's market is starting to heat up, and now, according to the New York Post, the Astros and Yankees are inquiring on Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray.
Told #Yankes and #Astros are inquiring on Robbie Ray #Diamondbacks
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2019
This isn't new news to be clear. It was reported by USA Today on Tuesday there were at least six teams interested in the Arizona lefty. But with the Syndergaard news and Indians righty Trevor Bauer being traded to the Reds on Tuesday, the market has gotten considerably smaller and the offers are likely starting to get more real.
The Yankees need starting pitching, though, they do have some depth in that field with James Paxton, Domingo German, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and J.A. Happ. It may not be the depth New York fans want and they haven't pitched well of late, but they still have talent and a good amount of playoff experience.
Still, the Yankees want to add.
As for the Astros, they have about as good a 1-2-3 punch as anyone numbers-wise with Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley in the rotation, but the team's No. 4 starter Brad Peacock is hurt, another potential fill-in in Josh James is on the injured list, Collin McHugh has been successful in the bullpen and Jose Urquidy has a mere four MLB starts.
The team has some depth problems and the addition of a guy like Ray or even Wheeler would go a long way in giving this team confidence in a seven-game series.
The Twins, Braves, Phillies and Brewers have all been connected to Ray as well and would likely have interest in Wheeler and even Reds righty Tanner Roark, who is a free agent after the season.