Trade Deadline: Lucroy talks intensifying?

Many potential deals are in the works as the non-waiver Trade Deadline — Monday at 4 p.m. ET — approaches. Here is a look at the latest news, reports and rumors.

Lucroy talks intensifying Trade talks are heating up surrounding one of the biggest fish left in the trade market, Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy, according to a report from ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick on Wednesday.

Crasnick reports that the offers the Brewers are fielding are getting more serious, and momentum is “building toward a trade” before Monday’s Deadline.

According to Crasnick’s report, the Rangers, Indians, Astros, Mets and Red Sox have all been mentioned as “in the mix” to land Lucroy — as well as a “mystery team.”

The 30-year-old Lucroy has been one of the best catchers in baseball this season, batting .301 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs in 92 games for Milwaukee entering play Wednesday, and he would likely come at a high cost for a contending team looking to acquire him.

The Rangers and Indians both currently lead their division, the Red Sox lead the American League Wild Card standings, and the Astros and Mets are also in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Cashner on the move? Andrew Cashner could be getting closer to becoming a former Padre, and the Giants are reportedly in on the discussion.

Sources told MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi on Wednesday that San Francisco remains in active talks with the Padres about the 29-year-old right-hander, who is 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA in 16 starts for the Padres this season.

Morosi reported Tuesday afternoon that trade talks were progressing regarding Cashner, who allowed three runs on four hits and struck out six in a no-decision Tuesday night against the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays, Marlins, Rangers and Astros have been connected to Cashner in the past.

A free agent at season’s end, Cashner appeared to be on the verge of a breakout a couple years ago, going 15-16 with a 2.87 ERA in 50 games (45 starts) from 2013-14, but he has since been inconsistent.

Nats looking harder for bullpen help The Nationals, who were already reportedly seeking bullpen help, have intensified their efforts after Jonathan Papelbon’s blown save on Tuesday night, according to a report by MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi.

Papelbon entered Tuesday’s game in the ninth inning with Washington holding a two-run lead over the Indians and didn’t record a single out. Papelbon allowed two hits and two walks and was charged with three runs, as the Nationals lost 7-6 on Francisco Lindor’s walk-off single. The 35-year-old right-hander has allowed seven runs in his past two appearances, both losses, in the span of three days.

Washington continues to scour the relief market despite missing out on left-hander Aroldis Chapman, who was traded by the Yankees to the Cubs on Monday, but doesn’t appear willing to part with several of its top prospects, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.

Right-hander Lucas Giolito, infielder Trea Turner and righty Reynaldo Lopez — the club’s Nos. 1, 2 and 5 prospects, respectively, as ranked by MLBPipeline.com — are garnering lots of interest, but the Nationals are balking at any offers involving any of them, rival executives told Stark.

Shields could be on the block again Veteran right-hander James Shields, who has already been traded once this season, could be moved again before the Trade Deadline hits, reports MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi.

Sources told Morosi on Wednesday that Shields, who was acquired by the White Sox from the Padres in early June, is currently available via trade.

According to Morosi, the White Sox would be responsible for paying Shields $22 million after this season, a reasonable amount for a deal to be able to take place.

After a brutal start to his White Sox tenure, Shields has dramatically improved of late, and may have increased his trade value as a result. The 34-year-old allowed at least seven runs in each of his first three starts for Chicago, but since then, he has a 2.11 ERA in seven starts.

Shields threw 7 2/3 shutout innings to beat the National League Central-leading Cubs on Tuesday night.

Cubs could be looking long-term Now that the Cubs have filled their most immediate need by acquiring Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees, they may be using their remaining time before the Deadline to look for someone who can help them long-term, according to a report by ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.

According to Stark, the Cubs could look to make a run at one of the Rays’ young starting pitchers. Tampa Bay right-hander Chris Archer (5-14, 4.42 ERA), left-hander Matt Moore (6-7, 4.31 ERA) and right-hander Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.10 ERA) have all been floated as trade candidates.

The Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin reported on Saturday that the Rays were engaged in trade discussions with “at least 10 teams.”

Despite Archer’s struggles this season, the 2015 breakout star would likely …

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