With the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline approaching, teams worked to close deals and contenders continued shopping for controllable pitching. Rival executives say the Mariners are listening on George Kirby (two-plus years of control) and Emerson Hancock (four-plus years), with many expecting Seattle to move at least one; rival clubs view Hancock as likelier to be traded because Seattle has placed a huge price tag on Kirby. The Angels' morning trade of José Soriano to Toronto and the Blue Jays' acquisition of Soriano signaled demand for controllable starters. The Giants dealt Luis Arraez to the Phillies, and reports circulated about other clubs including the Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, and Guardians still seeking starting pitching. The Rockies are expected to make at least two trades, with right-handed reliever Antonio Senzatela, whose fastball averages 97 mph, he has a 3.61 ERA in 52 1/3 innings, and who has performed much better on the road, described as almost certain to move; outfielder Brenton Doyle could also be traded. The Rangers are openly shopping the roster, with president of baseball operations Chris Young said to favor acquiring more pitching and willing to consider flipping MacKenzie Gore for longer-controlled starters. Several relievers and outfielders are already listed as available around the league, including Freddy Peralta, Huascar Brazobán, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Luis Robert Jr., and Tyrone Taylor.
