Numerous MLB trade rumors leading up to the July 30 deadline involve contenders such as the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians are also actively monitoring the trade market.
Cleveland and Milwaukee have been among the top teams in baseball this season, competing closely with New York and Los Angeles. Both the Brewers and Guardians demonstrated in the first half of the season that they are strong playoff contenders.
Not only are Milwaukee and Cleveland in the playoff hunt, but they also both have a pressing need for pitching. Injuries have plagued the starting rotations of both teams, impacting their ability to secure quality starts and maintain pitching depth. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, both teams might pursue the same pitcher.
ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers identified Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde as a player whose trade market is heating up. He mentioned the Guardians and Brewers as two teams to watch closely.
Erick Fedde stats (ESPN): 2.98 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 104 strikeouts in 117.2 innings pitched
Fedde, 31, has been outstanding for Chicago this season. In 117.2 innings pitched, the veteran right-hander has held opponents to a .221 batting average and posted a 21.6 percent strikeout rate. Another attractive aspect for Cleveland and Milwaukee is that Fedde is under contract for next season at just $7.5 million.
A quality starter on a reasonable salary with another season of contract control makes Fedde an ideal target for the Brewers and Guardians. Other teams, such as the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles, are likely to be interested as well, but Milwaukee and Cleveland are strong contenders to make the deal happen.
