Former GM Predicts When Bullpen Trade Frenzy Will Begin

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is Thursday, and the market for relief pitching took a few major hits over the last couple of days with two of the biggest names removed from the board for circumstances unrelated to any deal taking place.

First, the Baltimore Orioles placed All-Star closer Félix Bautista on the 15-day injured list on Thursday after he experienced right shoulder discomfort during his last appearance. The hard-throwing right-hander was likely to fetch Baltimore a decent prospect return as the organization plots its return to playing competitive baseball in 2026.

On Monday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report that Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave through August 31 by MLB as the league continues to investigate suspicions of sports betting in league clubhouses. With Cleveland sitting eight games behind the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central standings, a handful of teams were prepared to line up and make an offer for the three-time All-Star if the Guardians opted to sell.

With a few quality bullpen arms rumored to be available, it’s just a matter of time before things start to get moving ahead of the deadline. And now that two of the most highly sought-after relief pitchers are unexpectedly off the market, former general manager and current Athletic writer Jim Bowden revealed on the “Foul Territory” podcast that the highly anticipated frenzy to acquire bullpen help will take place in the hours leading up to the deadline’s conclusion.

“I talked to several GMs yesterday, and they said it’s going to be Thursday,” said Bowden. “And it’s going to be a flurry, and everyone’s going to pivot once the first guy goes.”

Responding to the news that Clase was placed on leave earlier in the day, Bowden said he believes the Minnesota Twins’ decision about whether or not to trade closer Jhoan Duran will stall the trade market, with contending teams waiting on a final answer.

“I think we’ll have a trickle of trades today and tomorrow,” said Bowden. “I think we’ll see some action Wednesday, but I think Thursday for the reliever market is when you’re going to get the blizzard, the tornado, and the hurricane all in one.”