Jonathan Broxton Trade Rumors Are Gaining Steam

On Sunday, the trade market for relief pitchers shifted a bit as the Padres signed Huston Street to an extension, effectively taking him out of trade discussions. Brandon League of the Mariners, was also said to be involved in a deal that was close, though by the end of the day, nothing was finalized and the team interested in him hadn’t been reported.

That puts Jonathan Broxton in the crosshairs for some teams.

Jim Bowden reported that the Giants had interest in Broxton and past reports indicated that they may have had scouts in Omaha to look at potential add-ons.

Another team has surfaced as well. The Rangers are looking at Broxton as well, according to Jon Heyman. Broxton would serve as a setup man for Joe Nathan if a trade were finalized.

Obviously, having more than one team interested increases the likelihood that Broxton will be moved at some point before Tuesday’s deadline. Of the main names known as available – Yuniesky Betancourt, Jeff Francoeur, Jose Mijares and Broxton – the Royals closer is having the most success recently, which sticks in the minds of front offices sometimes.

A deal with the Rangers might – might – be closer, though, as Bob Dutton tweeted that the Royals were interested in Rangers pitching prospect Justin Grimm, a 5th rounder in 2010 who made his major league debut this season at the age of 23. He’s said to have a plus curve and sinker plus is working on a changeup. He was an All-Star in the Texas League this year and earned a promotion to Triple A after 80 innings for Frisco in Double A where he had a 1.80 ERA and a 68/14 K/BB ratio.

The Rangers are loaded with pitching prospects and can use them to go get the pieces they want. Last year, they traded Joe Wieland and Robert Erlin to get Mike Adams as a setup man, so this kind of deal isn’t out of the question. Mutual interest reported and names being named is a good thing if you’re in the Trade Broxton camp.

It’s all speculation for now, though. Talks may heat up or fizzle out on Monday. That’s the intrigue of the trade deadline.