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The MLB Daily Dish is a daily feature we're running here at MLBDD and rounds up roster-impacting news, rumors, and analysis. Have feedback or have something that should be shared? Hit us at @mlbdailydish on Twitter.
Good morning baseball fans!
Toronto signed Justin Smoak to a two-year, $8.25 million extension Saturday afternoon:
Smoak’s deal includes escalators based on plate appearances that could increase the value of his option from $6 million to $8 million, according to a baseball source. In total, the deal could be worth $16 million over three seasons.
Chicago is seeking relief help but doesn’t want to move prospect Eloy Jimenez this summer.
The Pirates and Yankees reportedly discussed a trade involving New York starter Nathan Eovaldi.
Atlanta is hoping to acquire a starting catcher for 2017, and Jonathan Lucroy is on the club’s radar:
Flowers’ injury leaves Atlanta with limited catching depth. A.J. Pierzynski and Anthony Recker, who was recently called upon from Triple-A, are expected to see time behind the plate for the Braves.
If the Yankees continue to struggle to open the second half, impending free agents, such as Aroldis Chapman and Carlos Beltran, could be moved before the deadline.
Arizona is open to trading Daniel Hudson and Tyler Clippard but doesn’t want to move any of its starters:
Starters like Robbie Ray or Patrick Corbin aren’t going anywhere, Piecoro and McLellan report GM Dave Stewart is saying.
Melvin Upton could be moved before the deadline:
Melvin Upton is "opening eyes'' with his play, #Padres GM AJ Preller says, and is attracting trade interest as a potential 30-30 player.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 17, 2016
Things are looking good for the Astros on the international front:
.@jluhnow says the #Astros will also make a run at Yulieski Gurriel's brother Lourdes, who is a top-flight prospect. Lourdes is 22
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 16, 2016
Houston is aware Gurriel isn’t the best fit for their infield:
#Astros know Gurriel not perfect fit for '16, but DH spot will help create ABs for both him and Bregman. Reed, Gattis likely to lose ABs.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 16, 2016
Several clubs are scouting Tampa Bay’s starters:
Rays hold a lot of power on this trade market. Teams inquiring on their SPs, per sources: CHC, TEX, LAD, PIT, NYY, HOU, TOR, BAL, DET.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 15, 2016
Atlanta added some catching depth:
Source: Free-agent catcher George Kottaras heading to the Braves on a minor-league deal.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 16, 2016
The Rays haven’t been impressed with offers for Chris Archer:
Asked #Rays official if team is receiving any offers for Archer that are worth considering. "They have some comedic value," he said.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 15, 2016
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Today in Baseball History: On this day in 2008, the Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from the Athletics in exchange for prospects.