MLB Rumors: Why Matthew Boyd, Edwin Diaz Are Among Players Unlikely To Be Traded By 2019 Deadline

Some of the biggest names that have been at the center of MLB trade rumors in the days and weeks leading up to Wednesday’s deadline aren’t going anywhere. Teams with losing records have made the biggest splashes, and contenders seem unwilling to give up what it would take to acquire potentially impactful pitchers.

Matthew Boyd and Edwin Diaz are among those players that could be had at the right price but are likely staying put. With just a couple of hours remaining until the 4 p.m. EDT deadline, neither pitcher is expected to be traded.

It was reported a while ago that the Detroit Tigers would listen to offers for Boyd. The left-hander has been among the best pitchers in the American League and won’t get a chance to compete in the 2019 playoffs in his current situation. Detroit has the worst record in baseball.

The Houston Astros and New York Yankees are actively trying to trade for a starting pitcher. Neither team has gotten close to acquiring Boyd.

Matthew Boyd isn’t close to being dealt anywhere, sources say. I’ll be curious to see if #Padres engage with #Tigers in next 3 hours, especially with Noah Syndergaard staying in New York, per @Joelsherman1. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2019

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman has reported that Detroit is valuing Boyd as an ace. He’s having his first really good season at 28 years old, preventing contenders from meeting the Tigers’ expectations in trade talks.

Boyd is under team control for three more seasons after 2019. If the Tigers don’t like the offers they are getting before the deadline, they can always entertain more offers in the offseason.

Boyd has a 3.94 ERA with 178 strikeouts and just 29 walks in 132.1 innings.

The New York Mets aren’t as far out of contention as Detroit, though at four games under .500 they aren’t a legitimate title contender. New York is reportedly willing to trade Diaz, but not for the offers they are receiving.

The Mets would be trading Diaz at his lowest value. After leading the league with 57 saves in 2018 and posting a 1.96 ERA, the closer has struggled mightily in the Big Apple. He’s got a 5.05 ERA after blowing yet another save Tuesday night, increasing his WHIP to 1.46.

Belief now (not guaranteed) is Mets hold onto Edwin Diaz. He might need to rebuild value first.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2019

Per source, the asking prices for closers Edwin Diaz, Felipe Vazquez, Raisel Iglesias and Kirby Yates remain very high. Shane Greene's price is "far more reasonable," the source said. Sam Dyson/Tony Watson might be on the reasonable side, too, should the Giants decide to sell.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2019

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are among the teams that have been linked to Diaz.

In a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Mariners that saw Robinson Cano and Diaz head to New York, the Mets gave up two highly touted prospects. The Mets aren’t going to give up Diaz for an unimpressive return just a few months later.

Zack Wheeler might be the only Mets’ pitcher that gets dealt on the day of the trade deadline.