Deadline buzz: Rangers pursuing Sale

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.

Rangers aggressively pursuing Sale The Rangers remain the most aggressive team in hoping to pry Chris Sale from the White Sox, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

The Sox asking price remains steep; many people assume the White Sox could seek as many as five players in return for Sale, who is under club control through 2019 at a very reasonable rate ($12 million in 2017, plus a $12.5-million team option in 2018 and a $13.5 team option in 2019).

Sale is a five-time All-Star who started this year’s game for the American League.

The Sox reportedly want third baseman/outfielder Joey Gallo and outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Rangers, according to Nightengale. That, of course, would only be the start for a deal involving the lefty.

Nats looking at bullpen help The Nationals’ search for a reliever has taken them to Kansas City. Pittsburgh and — once again — New York.

Washington is engaged in talks regarding Pirates right-hander Mark Melancon and Royals righty Wade Davis, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal. Multiple teams are pursuing Davis, Rosenthal reports.

The Nationals also are interested in Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller after missing out on Aroldis Chapman. Sources who have spoken with the team tell MLB.com’s Jon Morosi that they could be willing to trade top prospect Lucas Giolito straight-up for Miller. Giolito is the game’s No. 4 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

Washington reportedly had been unwilling to deal Giolito, shortstop Trea Turner and a handful of other prospects. But Miller is more than a rental; he is under club control for two more seasons at $9 million a year. Plus, closer Jonathan Papelbon has a 4.41 ERA and has surrendered seven runs in his past three appearances.

Davis, 30, has a 1.60 ERA with 21 saves in 35 appearances this season and is owed $10 million in 2017. The two-time All-Star posted a 0.94 ERA in 69 appearances last season.

Melancon, a free agent at season’s end, led the league with 51 saves a year ago and has a 1.51 ERA and 30 saves in 45 appearances this season.

Jays pursuing A’s Hill The Blue Jays are in talks with Oakland about left-hander Rich Hill, Toronto manager John Gibbons confirmed to MLB Network Radio on Friday.

Toronto has been in the market for both a reliever and starter, as All-Star Aaron Sanchez’s first season in the rotation could end in the bullpen because of his innings total. Sanchez, 24, has already thrown 132 1/3 innings this season.

Hill had blister issues lately but is considered one of the top arms available.

Lucroy’s no-trade list revealed as talks intensify As rumors surrounding Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy continue to swirl with Monday’s Deadline looming, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick shed light on Lucroy’s no-trade list. Crasnick reported that the eight teams to which Lucroy could block a trade are the Indians, Tigers, Angels, Twins, A’s, Padres, Mariners and Nationals.

The Indians, as MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reported on Thursday, have been considered one of the likeliest potential landing places for Lucroy, along with the Rangers. The Tigers had also been linked to Lucroy, although Crasnick and Jayson Stark reported Friday that Detroit was no longer in the running.

Lucroy’s no-trade list does not mean that he would block a trade to Cleveland, especially since the American League Central-leading Indians are a strong playoff contender. But Lucroy could use his ability to block a trade as leverage in negotiations — for example to attempt to secure an extension.

Other teams are also still involved in the Lucroy discussions. The Mets, for one, whose talks with Milwaukee were reported to have stalled, were “re-engaged” by …

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