MLB trade deadline tracker: Live rumors, news, updates for 2021 deadline day

Beware of Fake Ken Rosenthal accounts.

This year, some massive movement on the trade market could be in the cards, if the rumored available names end up on the move. Cubs players Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez and Kris Bryant; the Nationals’ Max Scherzer and Trea Turner; and Twins outfielders Byron Buxton and Max Kepler are all potential trade targets heading into Friday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.

FAGAN: Blue Jays should celebrate return to Toronto with big trades 

The first blockbuster deal of the trade season was struck between the Yankees and the Rangers on July 29, with New York adding another bomber to its lineup, acquiring slugger Joey Gallo for a package of prospects.

Sporting News will track the latest updates, rumors, trades and more below, mixed with some quick-hitting analysis on reported and done deals.

MLB trade deadline deals, rumors

July 30

Braves trade for Eddie Rosario, ship out Pablo Sandoval

The Braves pick up outfield help, still reeling from the loss of Ronald Acuna Jr. for the year. Rosario is having a down year, but still a proven veteran bat to slot into the lineup.

Blue Jays land José Berrios, per report

Analysis (Joe Rivera): While we’re waiting to see what the return on Berrios is, it’s a great move for Toronto to continue to bolster their rotation as they put up a fight in the AL East. Berrios has long been one of baseball’s more underrated starters with really, really nasty stuff when he’s on — maybe he can take that next step with Toronto and help push them to the playoffs. 

MORE: Jays trade grades: Toronto gets good start at a steep price

Jon Gray not being moved, per report

Gray, the veteran starter, has had an up-and-down career, but his stuff (and perhaps a change of scenery) could make him an interesting middle-rotation arm for someone. It doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, though.

Luke Voit being dangled, potentially for pitching help

With the Yankees acquiring Anthony Rizzo yesterday, incumbent first baseman Luke Voit seems to be out of a job. Per YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees may move Voit for pitching help, which is sorely needed in New York.

Padres, Mariners eyeing Twins ace

Twins ace José Berrios is getting a lot of attention, with the Padres and the Mariners at the top of the list.

July 29

Nationals send Daniel Hudson to Padres

The Nationals continue to tear their roster down the day before the trade deadline. Daniel Hudson, the reliever who got the final out in Washington’s 2019 World Series win, has been shipped to San Diego.

Hudson struggled in 2020 but has been lights out in 2021, pitching to a career-low 2.20 ERA with a 2.50 FIP in 32 2/3 innings. He’s striking out batters at a career-high 37.8 percent clip and walking batters at a 5.5 percent rate. The Nationals received 6-7 right-hander Mason Thompson and shortstop Jordy Barley in return, adding to their ever-expanding prospect ranks.

Red Sox acquiring Kyle Schwarber from Nationals

Boston is adding an outfield power bat and Washington adds another prospect amid its fire sale.

Schwarber won’t be ready to debut for the Sox until well into August because of a hamstring injury, but when he does return, he’ll add thump to an offense that’s second in the American League in runs scored.

Dodgers make blockbuster move for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner

First it sounded as if Scherzer might be headed to the Padres  from the Nationals. Now, another NL West team will land the three-time Cy Young Award winner — and five-tool shortstop Turner, to boot. The blockbuster of the deadline thus far, this trade makes the reigning World Series champions an even bigger favorite to repeat. 

MORE: Scherzer/Turner trade grades

Anthony Rizzo heads to the Yankees

The Yankees add another power-hitting left-handed bat and fix their first base issues. Rizzo’s .792 OPS ranks third among New York’s qualifying hitters, behind only Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. 

Mariners bring back another closer

Mariners players were upset when the team parted with Kendall Graveman, but Jerry Dipoto is back at it making more moves . Diego Castillo had a 1.66 ERA last year and a 2.72 mark this season as one of the best relievers in the game. He has a career strikeout rate of 29.2 percent.

Dodgers add Royals’ Danny Duffy

Before grabbing Scherzer and Turner, LA completed another deal for pitching, acquiring the left-handed Duffy and cash from Kansas City for a player to be named.   

Duffy is a depth pickup, and his LA debut is on hold for at least a few weeks because he’s on the IL with a forearm issue.

Jose Berrios drawing interest from several teams

Several teams, including the Yankees, Blue Jays, Padres, Rays and Dodgers are looking into trading for Twins ace Jose Berrios. Berrios is a top-of-the-rotation guy, and is under team control for the 2022 season.

Kyle Schwarber’s market grows

With the Nats in sell mode, it looks like lefty power bat Kyle Schwarber could be on the move. Schwarber was red-hot in June before landing on the IL with a hamstring issue in July. 

Blue Jays get ‘pen help from Nationals

Analysis (Joe Rivera):  The Blue Jays were rumored to be sellers just a few weeks ago, but they add to the bullpen with Hand. The veteran closer isn’t having the best year, but maybe a change of scenery will help. 

Yankees, Rangers finalize deal for Joey Gallo

Analysis (Joe Rivera): A good trade for both sides. Gallo is clearly the centerpiece, and he gives New York a lefty power bat, which the team has been sorely lacking this year. He also gives the Yankees good defensive flexibility to play several spots in the infield and outfield.

On the flip side, Texas gets a good group of four prospects in return, including infielder Ezequiel Duran, a promising 22-year-old with offensive upside.