MLB Trade Deadline: Cubs Pursue Peralta as Red Sox Navigate 'Complicated' Outlook
Chicago Cubs target Mets ace Freddy Peralta while Boston evaluates health and identity; Angels prepare to flip starters
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, 3 August, creating a distinct seller’s market as only seven teams remain out of playoff contention. With 23 teams still in legitimate pursuit of a postseason spot, the scarcity of sellers has heightened demand for established talent. The Chicago Cubs are reportedly targeting New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, while the Chicago White Sox have monitored Mets starter Clay Holmes for potential rotation reinforcement.
Peralta, who is a free agent after the current season, holds a 5-8 record with a 4.66 ERA this year. The Cubs, who rank second in the majors in defensive efficiency and first in fielding run value, may view the move as an opportunity to improve their pitching support, given the Mets rank 22nd in both defensive categories. Additionally, there is a personal connection, as Cubs manager Craig Counsell previously managed Peralta for six seasons in Milwaukee.
The White Sox, currently in a virtual tie at the top of the AL Central, have sent a special assistant to observe Holmes during his rehab assignment. Holmes has been sidelined since 15 May with a broken fibula but threw a private bullpen session on Saturday after a scheduled High-A start was cancelled due to weather. Prior to his injury, Holmes posted a 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 52 ⅔ innings, offering a potential veteran presence for Chicago’s rotation.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels, a consistent seller this season, are expected to make starting pitchers José Soriano and Reid Detmers available in trade discussions. Both pitchers have displayed inconsistent results but have shown flashes of potential that could appeal to contenders looking for depth.
In contrast, the Boston Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position after winning 12 consecutive games to move to a 49-48 record, sitting in the final American League wild card spot. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow described the team’s trade plans as "complicated," citing uncertainty regarding the short-term status of key players including Rangers Suarez, Connelly Early, Roman Anthony, Garrett Crochet, and Trevor Story. Breslow emphasised that the next 10 days are critical for determining the team’s identity and whether they should pursue additions or maintain their current roster.
