Three teams have pulled ahead of the pack in the chase for Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Montas’ market is “focused” on the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline.
On Friday, the Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Luis Castillo. Montas is the only remaining top arm.
According to FanGraphs, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 4-9 record with a 3.36 FIP and a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees discussed a Castillo trade with Cincinnati. Negotiations came to a halt when the Bronx Bombers agreed to trade Oswald Peraza but not Anthony Volpe.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Montas has become New York’s primary target.
The Yankees are already ahead of the Blue Jays by 12.5 games, and their starting rotation features Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes. They don’t require immediate pitching assistance. However, they clearly do not want to leave anything for their World Series title no 28th.
Toronto and St. Louis have an inspiration to make a move before the deadline because neither team leads their division. About wild-card spot, The Blue Jays have a 2-game lead, while the Cardinals are one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies.
While Montas’ next team is unknown, his days with the Athletics appear to be numbered.
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