The Yankees went to great lengths to get Luis Castillo and, according to sources, offered top prospect Jasson Dominguez in packages. Still, they stuck with Anthony Volpe and possibly Oswald Peraza, two of the Reds’ targets, and Cincinnati eventually decided they preferred the Mariners’ four-prospect bid, which included Noelvi Marte. Castillo has now crippled the Yankees twice since the deadline.
Dominguez is a great hitter prospect and although one scout has hinted Dominguez might not ultimately be a midfielder, the same criticism can be heard of Marte, a big power prospect who some see moving from short to third.
Orioles GM Mike Elias made the tough decision to trade inspirational leader/big bat Trey Mancini and approacher Jorge Lopez for very good prospects with the team in its first hot streak in years. Although fangraphs and other forecasters gave the O’s only about a 7 percent chance even before the trades, the brave team kept fighting and improved their odds. Give the O great merit.
Jasson Dominguez, Luis Castillo and Anthony VolpeGetty Images (2); USA TODAY sports
Padres players are missing Eric Hosmer, which may have affected their initial play after the deadline.
Dodgers manager Josh Byrnes is a logical choice to replace Al Avila as Tigers GM. Byrnes, the former GM of the Padres and Diamondbacks, was once second only to Sandy Alderson for the Mets GM job. He is very close to Tigers manager AJ Hinch, who dates back to when Byrnes transferred Hinch from front office to D-Backs manager.
Carlos Correa is likely to step out of his contract, barring injury, adding Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts to the free-agent roster.
Justin Verlander, also barring injuries, will turn down his $25 million player option. No reason why he wouldn’t use Max Scherzer as a comp.
Michael Conforto remains a candidate to come back and hit in September.
Charlie Montoyo, who had a losing month in Toronto before his sacking, and ex-Mets manager Luis Rojas are mentioned as manager candidates.
Player of the Week: MJ Melendez, Royals, OF/C. Second: Francisco Lindor, Mets, SS.