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MLB on TBS crew Pedro Martinez, Jimmy Rollins, and Curtis Granderson talk Juan Soto's recent slump with the New York Mets and criticism of his hustle and effort running out of the box.
More must-reads:
- Braves stick to status quo in naming next manager
- Three offseason trade targets for Blue Jays to add an impact bat
- The 'World Series single-game K leaders' quiz
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Three offseason trade targets for Blue Jays to add an impact bat
The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans are fresh off the most heartbreaking loss in franchise history. Putting the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of elimination with two cracks to win the World Series at home, only to lose two nail-biters that each came down to the final out. It’s going to take a long time to get over it, if that’s even possible to do. However, they'll have to turn the page rather quickly because in just three days, the negotiating window for free agents expires, and all are free to sign wherever they so choose. Toronto will be busy in an attempt to retain the likes of star shortstop Bo Bichette and starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. At the same time, the front office must be active in improving its roster from the outside, whether that’s via free agency or trade. While there are some intriguing names for the Blue Jays to target on the open market, given their needs, heading down the trade route could make the most sense. Here are three ideal trade targets for the Toronto Blue Jays to add an impactful left-handed bat to their lineup for 2025-26 and beyond: Oneil Cruz | Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz’s name popped up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline in August, and it’s fair to wonder if he still could be available if Pittsburgh gets the right offer. The 27-year-old has all of the tools to be one of the best hitters in baseball, standing at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds with extreme power and bat speed. His numbers last season (20 HRs, 61 RBI), while solid, didn't reflect his talent, but it's understandable given the lack of protection around him on the Pirates. In Toronto, Cruz could slot in behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, immediately becoming the most dangerous left-handed hitter in a right-heavy lineup. Matt Wallner | Minnesota Twins The 39th overall pick back in 2019 may not publicly be on the trade block, but after its sell-off at the deadline, it doesn’t feel like anyone is untouchable in Minnesota. Like Cruz, Wallner, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, has big-time power, and the Blue Jays saw that firsthand when he crushed three HRs and six RBI during their three-game series in Toronto in late August. He does have some swing and miss in his bat (.231 career average), but with how often the top of the Blue Jays lineup gets on base, all it takes is one swing for Wallner to put up a crooked number on the scoreboard. Jarren Duran | Boston Red Sox The 2024 All-Star Game MVP has been in constant trade discussions for over a year now, and it feels inevitable that he gets dealt out of Boston this winter. Duran had more of an up-and-down 2025 campaign, though he's displayed the ability to drive in runs (84 RBI) and has power with even more untapped potential. Combine that with his speed and athleticism, and you can see why so many teams would love to acquire him. Trading within the division is never easy, but the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit in the middle of Toronto's lineup, so it's something they should absolutely look into.
Packers linked to trade for former All-Pro to replace Kenny Clark
The Packers could look to upgrade the defense ahead of the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, especially after Panthers running back Rico Dowdle paved the way to Carolina upsetting Green Bay Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field. Dowdle’s 130 yards and two touchdowns was the catalyst to an upset win over the Packers, but also served to further expose one of Green Bay’s most glaring weaknesses along the front seven. Could Packers trade for Calais Campbell? If general manager Brian Gutekunst is working the phones in hopes of replacing the run-stuffing interior lineman the Packers traded away in Kenny Clark as part of the Micah Parsons blockbuster this past summer, Calais Campbell could be an ideal fit. Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, Pro Football Focus lists the Packers as one of Campbell’s best fits and possible trade destinations. "Even at 39, Campbell has still been an above-average player for the Cardinals this season," Bradley Locker writes for PFF. "He’s on track for a 15th straight year with a 71.0-plus overall PFF grade, and has been a well-rounded addition for Arizona’s new-look defense. Campbell has generated 11 pressures while also producing a 70.0 PFF run-defense grade. "The Cardinals’ promising start has taken a wayward turn for the worst, one that doesn’t seem especially salvageable. With Campbell at his age and on a one-year deal, shipping him away — particularly to pave the way for playing time for younger players — could be logical. Kansas City’s 28.8 run-defense grade by interior defenders is the lowest in the NFL, and a reunion in Jacksonville isn’t out of the question." So far this season, Campbell — who boasts 113.5 sacks through 18 seasons — has three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. He is still playing at a high level despite his advanced age and the trajectory of the Cardinals’ 2025 campaign. Arizona’s season has quickly fallen off a cliff, but Campbell could have the chance to chase a Super Bowl ring if the Packers pull off a trade. He would immediately become a key piece along defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s front seven.
Green Bay Packers Get Good News On Slew Of Injured Players From Week 9
The Green Bay Packers’ recent loss to the Carolina Panthers was made tougher by a series of injuries, most notably a season-ending torn ACL for tight end Tucker Kraft. However, amid the painful news, the team received a dose of optimism regarding several other key players who left the game. According to head coach Matt LaFleur, the injuries to wide receiver Matthew Golden, defensive tackle Colby Wooden, and left guard Aaron Banks are not considered long-term. Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden’s Shoulder Injury First-round rookie receiver Matthew Golden exited the game in the third quarter after injuring his shoulder on a catch. His absence was felt on an offense that was already trying to find its rhythm. LaFleur confirmed that Golden’s injury “shouldn’t be long term,” which is welcome news for a receiving corps that needs all its playmakers. Before the injury, Golden had been a reliable target, ranking second among all rookies in catch rate. While his production has been quieter in recent weeks with the return of Christian Watson, his presence is valuable. Getting him back on the field soon will be important for maintaining depth and providing another weapon for the offense as it moves forward without Kraft. Colby Wooden’s Shoulder Injury The defensive front also took a hit when defensive tackle Colby Wooden went down with a shoulder injury after just 15 snaps. Following his departure, the Panthers’ run game found significant success, gashing the Packers for 163 rushing yards. The defense, which had been stout against the run, clearly missed his presence in the middle. LaFleur stated that Wooden’s injury is “nothing long term,” providing a sigh of relief for the defensive unit. With a formidable rushing attack from the Philadelphia Eagles on the horizon, getting Wooden back quickly will be crucial for a defensive line that relies on his ability to disrupt plays and plug running lanes. Aaron Banks Avoids Major Setback The offensive line also had a scare when left guard Aaron Banks, a key free-agent signing, left the game in the opening series with a stinger. Banks has battled injuries throughout his first season in Green Bay, and another extended absence would have been a major blow. Fortunately, LaFleur indicated that Banks should be fine for the upcoming week. After playing every snap in the previous three games, Banks seemed to be hitting his stride and playing his best football. His return to the lineup will be vital for protecting the quarterback and establishing the physical tone the Packers want to set at the line of scrimmage. While the loss of Kraft stings, the positive outlook for Golden, Wooden, and Banks offers some much-needed good news as the team prepares for the second half of the season.
Seahawks GM's comments offer clue at potential NFL trade deadline partners
If there was any question about whether the Seattle Seahawks should be buyers or sellers going into the NFL trade deadline, last night's crushing victory over the Washington Commanders answered it. After eight games played, Seattle has a top-five scoring offense, a top-five scoring defense and a special teams unit that's making high-impact plays routine. That gives the Seahawks all the reason in the world to be aggressive at the trade deadline, and the latest reporting suggests that's exactly what they're going to do. General manager John Schneider may have offered a hint in his pre-game radio hit with KIRO, saying that the Seahawks spoke with teams at the Maryland-Indiana game on Saturday. That give us an idea of who they might be dealing with, based on the reports of the other teams who sent personnel to that game. That includes the San Francisco 49ers, the New York Jets, the Carolina Panthers, the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders, who may have had some extra face time with the Seahawks during last night's game. We can safely cross the 49ers off the list of potential trade partners, but we can't do that with any others. The one question mark is the Panthers - and nobody seems to know which way they're leaning. Carolina is a surprise 5-4 after shocking the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but the gap between the Panthers and the NFC teams currently on pace for a playoff spot is pretty massive. That makes the Jets, Browns and Commanders the most likely candidates to make a deal with the Seahawks from this list but we also have to assume they're talking with other teams. Pete Carroll's Raiders are another obvious potential trade partner based on their relationship and the fact that they're 2-6 going into the deadline. The Seahawks have also had a long history of making deals with the Philadelphia Eagles, who need cornerback help an have reportedly been considering a deal for Riq Woolen. On that note, the math may have changed last night due to the injuy to Josh Jobe, who was ruled out early with a concussion. Woolen responded with his best game of the season - which might be just enough to convince the Seahawks to keep him around for the playoffs.
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