Jimmy Garoppolo apparently plans to go along with 49ers’ revised plan - NBC Sports

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The 49ers wisely have decided to quit pretending that perhaps they’ll keep quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the 2022 season, opting instead to declare a de facto fire sale.

With the team now all-on on Trey Lance, they’ll squat on Garoppolo and hope for a trade opportunity to materialize. If it doesn’t, they will absolutely cut him before Week One, when his $24.2 million salary would otherwise become fully guaranteed as termination pay, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Along the way, the 49ers plan to keep Garoppolo out of practice (and, in turn, out of preseason games). This will eliminate the risk of Garoppolo suffering a season-ending injury, which would also lock in his pay as guaranteed.

“We don’t plan on practicing him with the team,” coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ll take it day-by-day and constantly talk with him and hopefully can figure out the best for both.”

But what’s best for the team may not be what’s best for Garoppolo. As the 49ers wait for a trade to materialize, the clock keeps ticking. If Garoppolo eventually is cut as the regular-season opener approaches, Jimmy G may be SOL when it comes to finding another job. If his goal is to play this year, now is the time to get himself to the market.

On Tuesday, G.M. John Lynch was asked whether Garoppolo was expressed a desire to be released.

“No, he hasn’t had that,” Lynch said.

If Garoppolo did make that request, it looks like the answer would be no.

Said Shanahan on Tuesday, “[You] can’t just give one of the better quarterbacks in the league just to make him available for no reason to the whole world.”

They eventually will, however. The question is whether they get lucky through some other team’s misfortune via injury.

There’s another potential path. With the 49ers finally making it clear that they’re not trying to get a second-day draft pick for Garoppolo, a team that has refrained from engaging in trade talks could take a flier with a late-round offer. Although the Garoppolo contract also would have to be renegotiated, it’s entirely possible that a team that otherwise wouldn’t have been interested sees an opportunity to get Garoppolo at a good time.

In expressing a hope that the situation gets resolved sooner than later, Shanahan makes it even more clear that the time has come to make the 49ers an offer.

Barring a quick trade, Garoppolo’s easiest move is to wait. But what if he’s willing to flip his “nice guy” reputation and insist on getting a fair chance to practice in training camp and play in the preseason? At some point, the union could get involved. Before that happens, however, Garoppolo would have to want to try to bring the situation to a head, by making a push to get himself on the field.

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Michigan football QBs Cade McNamara, J.J. McCarthy in battle to start - Detroit Free Press

England's women reach Euro 2022 final with stunning win over Sweden - CNN

(CNN)England's women banished the heartbreak of their two recent major semifinal defeats by beating Sweden 4-0 to reach the final of Euro 2022.

It didn't all go host England's way, however, as Sarina Wiegman's side had to weather some serious first-half pressure from a world class Sweden side.

But Beth Mead's smart turn and finish after the half-hour mark settled England's obvious nerves and from then on there only looked like being one winner.

Lucy Bronze's header from a corner early in the second half and then a stunning back-heeled goal from substitute Alessia Russo sent the 28,624 fans inside Bramall Lane into rapture, before Fran Kirby's lob added gloss to an already remarkable scoreline.

Sweden, after all, is currently ranked second in the world, with England only previously recording three wins over Sweden in its entire history.

In what has already been a record-breaking tournament for attendances and viewing figures, Tuesday's game set a new record attendance for a Euros semifinal.

After defeats in the semifinals at the 2019 World Cup, Euro 2017, England will now play in the final against either Germany or France at Wembley Stadium on July 31.

England striker Beth Mead celebrates after scoring her team's first goal against Sweden.

"I think they have shown a couple of times they are very resilient," Wiegman told the BBC. "We didn't start well, we had a hard time.

"We found a way. The players in the game found a way to get out of their pressure. I'm so incredibly proud of them."

Slow starters

The nerves that were evident for much of the quarterfinal against Spain were again on display in the early stages against Sweden.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps was called into action inside the opening minute, blocking Sofia Jakobsson's effort after Georgia Stanway had been caught in possession in midfield.

Another smart save from Earps once again kept the scores level just minutes later, this time palming Stina Blackstenius' bobbled effort around the post. From the resulting corner, Sweden had its best chance yet as Blackstenius this time beat Earps to the ball, but her header could only find the crossbar.

With England looking to dominate possession, Sweden was posing a real threat on the counter. The attacking trio of Blackstenius, Kosovare Asllani and Fridolina Rolfo in particular were giving England's defenders nightmares, pulling them this way and that with their interchanging runs.

By the half hour mark, England had barely registered a chance worth mentioning. In fact, the highlight of the Lionesses' opening 30 minutes was a stunning sliding tackle from Kirby, who had tracked back the length of the pitch to deny Sweden a clear goalscoring chance.

Fran Kirby put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal late on.

England manager Wiegman once again named the same starting XI she had for the first four games of Euro 2022, unperturbed by the somewhat toothless display for much of the quarterfinal against Spain.

Wiegman needed all of her tactical nous to turn that game around with substitutions, but her trusty top scorer Mead made sure that wouldn't be necessary this time.

With 10 minutes left to play in the first half, England found the breakthrough seemingly out of nowhere. After Lauren Hemp's cross into the box missed Ellen White's boot by an inch, Bronze did well to keep the ball in play and put it back into the penalty area.

Mead took one touch, swiveled and drilled the ball into the far corner to send Bramall Lane crowd into delirium. It was a wonderful goal, perhaps her best of the tournament so far, and put her into outright first place in the race for the Golden Boot with six goals.

It also equaled the most goals scored at a single European Championship, matching Inka Grings' tally from Finland 2009.

More importantly, however, it finally settled England's nerves and for the first time in the match Wiegman's team began to dominate. Chances came for Kirby and Stanway, but neither were able to test Rut Hedvig Lindahl in the Sweden goal from distance.

When the half-time whistle came, it was Sweden that was relieved to hear it and England was now just 45 minutes minutes away from the final.

Mary Earps kept England level with some brilliant early saves.

Relentless Lionesses

The second half began in identical fashion and England immediately had its opponent on the back foot once more.

It was again Hemp down the left causing Sweden all sorts of problems and the Manchester City winger's cross into Mead was blocked behind by a Swedish boot. However, a towering header from Lucy Bronze from the resulting corner sneaked its way in past the far post and put England in complete control of this semifinal.

Russo has been England's supersub in this tournament, registering three goals off the bench so far. When she was brought on before the hour mark against Sweden, her impact was immediate as a driving run and low cross found Hemp at the far post.

But with the goal gaping, the winger could only divert an effort onto the crossbar.

Sweden did have a wonderful chance to half the deficit, but Earps' full-stretch fingertip save denied Blackstenius a goal.

Alessia Russo's wonderful improvision made it 3-0 to England.

However, with just over 20 minutes left to play, the match was ended as a contest by a moment of genius from Russo. After her initial effort -- which she should have scored -- was blocked by Lindahl, Russo improvised with a cheeky backheel that caught the Swedish keeper completely off guard as it squeezed through her legs.

It was a piece of magic that encapsulated the very best of this England team as it began to dismantle one of the best teams in the world.

Kirby soon added the icing on the cake with just over 15 minutes left to play, lobbing the ball from range over Lindahl. The Swedish keeper really should have done better, but let the ball squirm through her hands, capping off a night she will want to forget in a hurry.

The victory continues Wiegman's remarkable personal record of never having lost a game at a Euros. Everyone in England will be hoping that run continues for just one more match.

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Jerry Jones says Dallas Cowboys 'need to be viable' in playoffs for it to be successful season - ESPN

4:31 PM ET

OXNARD, Calif. -- Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones turns 80 in October. Jones' team has gone 26 seasons without a Super Bowl, and he expresses an urgency when he meets with coaches.

"I told them I've got a birthday coming up here real quick and I don't have time to have a bad time," Jones said at the team's opening news conference of training camp Tuesday. "It ain't on my schedule."

While that might seem like a Super Bowl-or-bust message, Jones would not go that far in determining a successful 2022.

"Well, I need to win it. I need to win it, but I'll be candid with you, there's degrees. I want to be fair to everybody concerned," Jones said. "We need to be in the playoffs. We need to be viable in the playoffs for it to be a successful season."

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Jones said he feels better about the Cowboys, who have not made playoff appearances in consecutive years since 2006-07 and haven't made it consecutively with the same head coach since 1998-99 (Chan Gailey), at the opening of training camp in 2022 than he did last July.

The Cowboys finished 12-5 last season and won the NFC East but lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers.

In the offseason, they traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, released right tackle La'el Collins and lost pass-rusher Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos in free agency while not making any big-name or high-cost additions.

"I knew we were going to have adjustments with this team coming into this year. You always do," Jones said. "But I knew we had a couple of our best shots out there financially last year. And so before we even started the season last year, I knew we were going to be making some adjustments with our players this year. We had it teed up pretty good and in my mind made a helluva run at it. We got disappointed, but we made a run at it."

Why does he believe Dallas is in a better position this summer?

His first mention was Mike McCarthy, who is entering the third year of a five-year contract he signed in 2020, and Jones backed his coach once again.

"I will say it one more time, this guy's sitting right here. The staff he's got. I like the staff," Jones said. "And I frankly like the makeup of the players one year later that were on this team last year. And I like the new players that we brought on. You say it's hard to count on a rookie. A rookie has trouble making that kind of impact. We are fresh off seeing one have a helluva impact in Micah [Parsons]. I know it can happen. Does that happen often? No, but can you get players come in and be real impactful? That is possible. We got a couple of shots at that."

The Cowboys have more than $20 million in salary-cap space, which ranks near the top of the league.

"We do have some dry powder if we want to use it," executive vice president Stephen Jones said.

However, a good portion of that money is currently earmarked for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, who can sign contract extensions for the first time in 2023, as well as some other players, including right tackle Terence Steele. With how the quarterback market has ballooned since Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million deal in 2021, Stephen Jones said the team could look at extending the quarterback's contract as well.

While the franchise is in its longest Super Bowl drought, Jerry Jones believes the team has had "three or four" chances in recent years to win a championship. In 2007 and 2016, the Cowboys had the best record in the NFC only to lose in the divisional round. In 2014, they lost in the divisional round of the playoffs to McCarthy's Green Bay Packers. And then there was last year.

"I can live with the fact that we've been closer than the zeros we have in line here over the last years that you're talking about," Jerry Jones said. "That sustains me. That's food for me. That keeps me going. That's not a loser you're talking to, though it sounds like it. What you have is somebody that wants to go again and feels like we've got the tools to win it. ... We won 12 games last year. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't get a little bit of feel-good out of those 12 games. I understand where our fans are. They should understand where I am. That's not enough, but it's enough to go again."

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Seahawks Release RB Chris Carson With Failed Physical Designation - Seahawks.com

Back in 2017 when the seventh round was winding down, Carroll wasn't sure if Carson would end up in Seattle, but was thrilled when that happened.

"I was hanging on Chris Carson," Carroll said after that draft. "… I really love this guy because he is so physical and tough the way he ran. You haven't heard a whole lot about him, he hasn't run the ball a lot, but when he did, he made a great statement of his style and a style we really covet. I fell in love with how tough he is and how aggressive he is."

That toughness and aggressiveness carried over at the NFL level, leading to Carson winning the starting job as a rookie, only to suffer a season-ending leg injury four games into the season.

Carson bounced back from that injury in a big way in 2018, rushing for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns, making him Seattle's first 1,000-yard rusher since Marshawn Lynch four years earlier. In 2019, Carson became the sixth player in team history to post consecutive 1,000-yard seasons when he ran for 1,230 yards and seven touchdowns. A more pass-happy offense in 2020 limited Carson to 681 yards, but he averaged a career-best 4.8 yards per carry and scored nine total touchdowns, matching a career high.

Former Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright described Carson as, "a guy who really sets the tone for this team. Ever since Marshawn left, it feels good to have somebody back there with that style that can run in between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield, get those short third-and-1s, keep those drives moving. He's a heck of a football player… When the guy's running over DBs, it definitely gets you hyped. I love playing with him, he's a heck of teammate, just comes to work, puts his head down and just gets 1,000 yards."

Said Carroll last month, "He's been one of my favorite Seahawks ever. I loved what he stood for and what he brought… He's a very special player and a very special competitor and person."

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MLB trade deadline cheat sheet: What to watch for all 30 teams and top targets by position - The Athletic

The MLB trade deadline is only a week away: Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. ET.

We are in for a lot of fun and player movement. Although there may not be as many trades as last year, we could have one or two of the biggest trades in baseball history if the Nationals deal Juan Soto or the Angels receive an enticing enough offer for Shohei Ohtani. It appears the Nationals will trade Soto, who has generated robust interest. Meanwhile, the Angels are reluctant to trade Ohtani and have publicly said they don’t want to, but they are listening to offers from inquiring teams. As difficult as it would be to trade either of those special superstars, the Nationals and Angels need talent at the major- and minor-league levels, and the returns from trades of this magnitude might be the best way to kickstart their organizations.

I have been communicating with all 30 teams to gauge where they stand. Here is the latest I’m hearing on who’s buying, who’s selling and what players are being discussed and targeted in talks between teams, along with my thoughts.

First, this cheat sheet takes a high-level look at what to expect from each team. Then, I provide a position-by-position rundown of the major-league players most likely to be traded; these are the names I’m watching closely.

Which team will win the Juan Soto sweepstakes? (Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Sellers

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Arizona Diamondbacks (43-53, .448) — The Diamondbacks will be sellers, but they are not expected to make any major trades. They can offer teams experienced relievers such as Mark Melancon and Ian Kennedy. Their most valuable trade asset is left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply, but they’re not shopping him, and it would take a haul for a contending team to pry him away. Power-hitting first baseman Christian Walker could be traded but that might depend on which teams lose out on Josh Bell.

Chicago Cubs (39-57, .406) — Willson Contreras is the headliner of the Cubs’ next trading spree. The All-Star catcher will be a free agent after this season and could be the best bat moved at the deadline apart from Soto. The Cubs could also trade infielder/outfielder Ian Happ (who is under team control through 2023), their closer, David Robertson, and other relievers such as Mychal Givens and Chris Martin.

Cincinnati Reds (37-58, .389) — The Reds have Luis Castillo, the most talented starting pitcher on the market, and the offers have poured in. Cincinnati will get a strong return for Castillo because of how few top-of-the-rotation starters are available (and the extra year of control enhances his value). The Reds could move third baseman Brandon Drury, who’s been one of their most productive position players this season. They would like to trade veterans such as left-hander Mike Minor and infielder Mike Moustakas if they can find a taker for either, even if it requires significantly paying down their salaries. The Reds have seven impending free agents, all of whom could be dealt. They’re just trying to improve for the long term.

Colorado Rockies (44-53, .454) — The Rockies haven’t decided which direction they’ll go at the deadline, but all signs point to them being sellers. Shortstop José Iglesias is available, and they’d like to trade him to make room for one of their top prospects, Ezequiel Tovar, who is ready for the majors. Rockies closer Daniel Bard will be their most sought-after reliever, but they are willing to move other bullpen arms, such as Alex Colomé or Carlos Estévez, in the right trade. Starting pitcher Chad Kuhl is having a solid year but will be a free agent this winter, so he could be on the move, too. At the very least, I expect Iglesias and Bard will be wearing different uniforms by Aug. 3.

Detroit Tigers (39-58, .402) — The Tigers’ most valuable trade asset is closer Gregory Soto, whom they don’t want to move, but if they get the right long-term position player back, they will. Teams have also inquired about right-handed relievers Michael Fulmer and Joe Jiménez and left-hander Andrew Chafin. In addition, outfielder Robbie Grossman, third baseman Jeimer Candelario and second baseman Jonathan Schoop are solid bench bats who could be dealt. The Tigers will be targeting young position-player prospects in all of their trade talks.

Kansas City Royals (39-57, .406) — The Royals are expected to make several trades, most notably dealing outfielder Andrew Benintendi and second baseman Whit Merrifield. There’s a strong possibility both of their top relievers, Scott Barlow and Josh Staumont, could be moved, too. The Royals are looking for solid returns for their rebuild, and they should get them.

Los Angeles Angels (40-56, .417) — The Angels are sellers and want to add depth in all areas for their major- and minor-league teams. They’ll listen to all trade offers, including for Ohtani, who will be a free agent after the 2023 season. They’ve made it clear they don’t intend to trade Ohtani, but that doesn’t mean they won’t if they receive an overwhelming proposal. The Angels will probably move right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who will be a free agent after this season.

Miami Marlins (45-51, .469) — The Marlins continue to seek a long-term answer for center field and will try to acquire more position players who can hit and field. They can use starting pitcher Pablo López and a loaded farm system of top pitching prospects as trade bait.

Oakland A’s (36-63, .364) — The A’s can finish the fire sale they started in the offseason at the trade deadline, and still have right-hander Frankie Montas, outfielder Ramón Laureano and catcher Sean Murphy they can dangle. They’ve also received a lot of interest in their relievers, including righties Lou Trivino and Zach Jackson and lefty A.J. Puk. The A’s don’t have to move anyone, so they’ll make trades only if it helps them long term.

Pittsburgh Pirates (40-57, .412) — The rebuilding Pirates have virtually no untouchables. They’ll listen to every trade offer with the goal of building a perennial contender as early as 2023 or 2024. The Marlins and Yankees have not stopped calling about center fielder Bryan Reynolds, but so far neither one has offered enough to entice the Pirates. All-Star David Bednar is one of the most sought-after relievers on the market because of his performance since 2021 (2.54 ERA in 100 relief appearances) and his four additional years of control. The Pirates should do well if they decide to move him.

Washington Nationals (33-65, .337) — The Nationals are clearly in sell mode again at this year’s deadline, but it goes beyond trying to trade Soto as Bell and designated hitter Nelson Cruz are expected to also be moved. The Nationals would love to find a team that will take the bad contract of Patrick Corbin off their hands. They also have a bevy of relievers they could move, including Kyle Finnegan, Carl Edwards Jr. and Steve Cishek. Washington will be busy between now and the deadline.

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Buyers

(Listed by winning percentage)

Brian Cashman’s Yankees have a comfortable lead in the AL East, but how will they look to improve for the postseason? (Kim Klement / USA Today)

New York Yankees (66-31, .680) — The Yankees want to upgrade their outfield. They have talked with the Nationals about Soto, the Pirates about Reynolds and the Royals about Benintendi and Merrifield. They are also in the market for pitching, scouring the available starters and relievers, including Castillo of the Reds and Bednar of the Pirates. Go big or go home is what it feels like right now in the Bronx.

Los Angeles Dodgers (64-31, .674) — The Dodgers are always looking for impact moves and this trade deadline is no different. They want to be opportunistic, so like the Yankees, count them in on the best available players, from Soto to Castillo to Bednar to Barlow. The Dodgers are everywhere, and they have the farm system and financial resources to do what they always do (see: Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Max Scherzer).

Houston Astros (64-33, .660) — The Astros are buyers, of course, with interest in several players and positions. They’ve been linked with the Nationals on Bell, the Reds on Castillo and the Cubs on Contreras. The Astros have a strong and deep farm system and a general manager, James Click, who smells another opportunity to win a World Series.

New York Mets (59-37, .615) — The Mets have already acquired DH Daniel Vogelbach in a trade with Pittsburgh and will continue to try to improve their run differential by adding another bat, pitching or both. New York is one of the teams that has talked to the Angels about Ohtani. Mets GM Billy Eppler signed Ohtani in 2017 when he ran baseball operations for the Angels. The Mets’ farm system is stocked at the top, which bodes well for big trades at the deadline.

Atlanta Braves (58-40, .592) — With Adam Duvall’s season-ending wrist injury, left field has become a significant need for the Braves. Benintendi tops their target list because he is a strong defensive player with a high on-base percentage and he’s a left-handed hitter, which would help balance their lineup better. If they have a chance to land a top-of-the-rotation starter such as Castillo, they’ll jump at the opportunity. They’re excited about reliever Kirby Yates (41 saves in 2019) nearing a return from Tommy John surgery, and they’ll monitor his rehab between now and Aug. 2 before deciding whether to trade for another reliever. The Braves will be open to other upgrades, but they’re pretty set in most areas.

Toronto Blue Jays (53-43, .552) — The Blue Jays want to add a starting pitcher and a left-handed bat. They, too, are involved in the Soto and Castillo sweepstakes, and like the Yankees and Dodgers, they have the farm system and financial resources to make a deal happen.

San Diego Padres (54-44, .551) — The Padres have been linked to Soto and could offer the Nationals a strong enough package to land him if they go down that path. (Of note, left-hander MacKenzie Gore exited Monday’s game because of a sore elbow.) They’ve also been pursuing upgrades for the outfield (Benintendi, Merrifield, Reynolds, Trey Mancini, Happ), the bullpen and catcher (Contreras).

Milwaukee Brewers (53-44, .546) — The Brewers’ biggest need is an impact middle-of-the-order bat. They’d like to upgrade at third base, and there are a couple of interesting possibilities in their division: Drury of the Reds and Patrick Wisdom of the Cubs. They’d also like to improve their middle relief.

Tampa Bay Rays (52-44, .542) — The Rays will look to improve this year’s team as much as possible while also keeping one eye on the future. As always, they are open-minded and will attempt to be opportunistic. They are targeting offense and relievers and would love to add an experienced veteran like they did at last year’s deadline when they acquired Nelson Cruz from the Twins.

Minnesota Twins (52-44, .542) — With one of the smartest front offices in MLB, led by Derek Falvey and Thad Levine, the Twins do a great job of making stealth moves, like this past offseason when they surprised the baseball world and landed Carlos Correa. At last year’s trade deadline, they dealt Cruz for Joe Ryan, a standout young starter. This year, they will try to add more pitching at the deadline, such as Bednar, Barlow or maybe even Bard. Also, don’t be surprised if the Twins make a run at Mancini or Bell.

Seattle Mariners (52-45, .536) — The Mariners want to add a starting pitcher. They’ve had conversations with the Reds about Castillo, the Marlins about López and the A’s about Montas. And yes, Jerry Dipoto and company are players for Soto and Ohtani if they’re traded.

St. Louis Cardinals (51-46, .526) — The Cardinals need starting pitchers, and they’d like to add one or two of them. They have the offense, defense and bullpen to win the NL Central and return to the postseason, but starting pitching is their biggest question mark because of injury and underperformance. Montas and López are likely the most attainable higher-end options for them. In addition, they should be in the mix for Soto because they have too much to offer to not be.

Philadelphia Phillies (50-46, .521) — The Phillies are analyzing the return dates for some of their key injured players, such as Bryce Harper, Jean Segura and Zach Elfin, before they decide exactly what they’ll do. They’re in the market for a back-of-the-rotation starter and will look to make other upgrades, possibly in the bullpen and outfield.

Boston Red Sox (49-48, .505) — Despite their recent struggles, the Red Sox mindset is to try and improve this team and make a postseason run. They could use a bat, ideally a first baseman and/or outfielder, as well as a right-handed reliever.

Cleveland Guardians (48-47, .505) — One of the most underrated teams in MLB, the Guardians are fundamentally sound on offense and defense. They are 3 1/2 games behind the division-leading Twins and 3 games back in the wild-card race, but adding at the deadline is imperative if they want to play October baseball. The Guardians need a middle-of-the-order bat, like Mancini or Bell, and bullpen help. They’ll be a fun team to watch at the deadline.

Baltimore Orioles (48-48, .500) — The Orioles are the one team that could still go either way at the deadline. If they buy, it will be smaller moves. They have no interest in trading any of their best prospects and will stay true to their long-term plan. But if they remain close to wild-card position on Aug. 2, they could add a player or two. If they sell, Mancini is the most likely player to be moved. The Orioles haven’t extended Mancini, who will be a free agent after this season. He’s the most popular Orioles player among fans, so if they do trade him, they’ll want to get strong value back; otherwise, they’ll just keep him.

Chicago White Sox (48-48, .500) — The White Sox are having discussions with teams about many of the available premium players, from Soto to Castillo, and they’re also interested in free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto. They are 4 games back in the division and all-in on trying to return to the playoffs. They are also targeting bullpen help and upgrades at second base and in right field.

San Francisco Giants (48-48, .500) — The Giants’ priority at the deadline will be to improve their team defense. A play for Benintendi, a Gold Glove left fielder, and Contreras could make sense.

Texas Rangers (43-52, .453) — The Rangers could be characterized as buyers and sellers. What I mean is they will try to add starting pitching or outfield help if the players are controllable beyond this year. But they’ve also had talks with other teams about selling, including starting pitcher Martín Pérez, several of their relievers and even some of their prospects.

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Big Board: Players who could be traded

(Ranked by position and trade value) 

Catchers

Willson Contreras (Charles LeClaire / USA Today)

Willson Contreras, Cubs: A three-time All-Star, Contreras and the Cubs have been unable to agree on a contract extension so he almost certainly will be traded. The Padres, Mets, Astros and Giants are the most likely landing spots.

Sean Murphy, A’s: The A’s are loaded with catching prospects, from Shea Langeliers to Tyler Soderstrom to Jonah Bride, and they just drafted catcher Daniel Susac in the first round. It’s only a matter of time before Murphy is traded, opening the door for Langeliers, whom Oakland acquired in the Matt Olson trade with Atlanta. Murphy is under team control through the 2025 season.

Tucker Barnhart, Tigers: Barnhart won two Gold Gloves with the Reds and will be a free agent after this season. He has struggled in his first year with the Tigers, hitting .211 with six extra-base hits.

First basemen

Josh Bell (Scott Taetsch / USA Today)

Josh Bell, Nationals: Bell is a rental but his switch hitting and ability to play first base or DH increase his trade value. The teams interested in him include, but are not limited to, the Mets, Astros, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays.

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker has 22 home runs, but his low batting average (.205) and on-base percentage (.314) lower his trade value. He’s under team control through 2024.

Hunter Dozier, Royals: Dozier’s ability to play first base, third base, right field and left field, and his power from the right side, could make him an important bench addition for a contending team.

Jesús Aguilar, Marlins: Miami is ready to move on from Aguilar, who is having a down year but still provides 20 home run power.

Second basemen

Whit Merrifield (Jordan Johnson / USA Today)

Whit Merrifield, Royals 2B/OF: The Royals have resisted offers the last couple of trade deadlines, but not this time. Merrifield will be moved by next week. Because of his versatility and base-stealing ability (15 in 18 attempts), he brings a special element to an acquiring team.

Jon Berti, Marlins: Berti has stolen a league-leading 28 bases in 31 attempts and can play all over the diamond. A perfect 26th player for a contending team.

Jonathan Schoop, Tigers: Schoop provides right-handed power off the bench and can play second base and first base.

Rougned Odor, Orioles: Odor provides left-handed power off the bench. He has 10 home runs and 36 RBIs, but is hitting .199 with a .263 OBP.

Shortstops

José Iglesias (John Leyba / USA Today)

José Iglesias, Rockies: Iglesias is still a plus-plus defender at shortstop and is having a strong offensive year. He’d be a great fit with the Cardinals.

Miguel Rojas, Marlins: Rojas has been the Marlins’ clubhouse leader and starting shortstop for several years, but it’s time for him to transition into a utility role, which should happen with his next team if he’s dealt before the deadline. He’s signed through next year.

Third basemen

Brandon Drury (Katie Stratman / USA Today)

Brandon Drury, Reds: The versatile Drury has been one of the Reds’ most productive players this season, slashing .274/.333/.523 with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs. He’d be a great fit with the Brewers.

Patrick Wisdom, Cubs: Wisdom has hit 17 home runs, driven in 47 runs and played solid defense at third base. The Cubs aren’t motivated to trade Wisdom, but he is already 30 years old, and this would be a good time to maximize his trade value. He’s under team control for four more years.

Jeimer Candelario, Tigers: He’s the definition of a solid-average major-league player across the board. Candelario, 28, is under team control through 2023. 

Outfielders

Bryan Reynolds (Eric Espada / Getty Images)

Juan Soto, Nationals: Soto is a cross between Hank Aaron and Ted Williams and if he’s dealt, it will probably result in the biggest trade haul of prospect talent going the other way. The Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, White Sox, Mariners, Mets, Cardinals, Padres, Giants and Dodgers are all in play, along with other teams. Soto buzz will dominate this deadline and a deal could reshape the league’s power dynamics. He’s under team control through 2024.

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates: Reynolds is the most sought-after outfielder not named Soto, with the Yankees and Marlins showing the most interest over the last couple of years. Last year, Reynolds slashed .302/.390/.522 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs. This year he’s slashing .257/.339/.459 with 15 home runs. He got off to a slow start but then began raking in June, when he hit .333 with eight homers. It will take a strong package to land Reynolds, or the Pirates will just keep him.

Andrew Benintendi, Royals: Benintendi is in the running to win a second consecutive Gold Glove in left field. He’s hitting .322 with a .390 OBP. The Yankees, Braves, Padres, Giants, Brewers, Mets and White Sox are good fits. He’s as good as gone.

Ian Happ, Cubs: Happ has an .812 OPS, 24 doubles and nine home runs, good enough to make his first All-Star team this year. His ability to play second base and in the outfield increases his trade value.

Trey Mancini, Orioles: Mancini hits for both average and power and can play first base, left field and DH, but he’s so much more to Orioles fans. He’ll be a free agent after this season and it’s 50-50 whether he’s traded in the next week. It may come down to their position in the standings the morning of Aug. 2.

Tommy Pham, Reds: When he’s not slapping Joc Pederson over fantasy football, Pham has produced on the field with 11 home runs and seven stolen bases in 85 games. He can help a contender if he stays healthy.

David Peralta, Diamondbacks: Peralta has hit 18 doubles and 12 home runs so far in his ninth major-league season. His left-handed bat would fit nicely on a team like the Braves.

Randal Grichuk, Rockies: The Rockies aren’t planning to trade Grichuk, but I could see them moving him if the right deal materialized. Grichuk hasn’t done much this season, batting .248 with nine home runs, but he might interest a contender as a right-handed bat off the bench or in a platoon role.

Robbie Grossman, Tigers: Grossman is having a disappointing season, but he can still help a contender as a fourth or fifth outfielder. He’s a career .348 OBP player who knows how to work a count.

Designated hitters

Shohei Ohtani (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)

Shohei Ohtani, Angels: I don’t think the Angels will trade Ohtani before this deadline. However, a team that misses out on Soto could call the Angels and their package of four or five elite-to-good prospects and young major leaguers might be enough for GM Perry Minasian and owner Arte Moreno to consider it, though the Angels are expected to seek established major leaguers in return for Ohtani. He will be a free agent after next season and by all indications, he’s unlikely to re-sign with the Angels.

Nelson Cruz, Nationals: Cruz is no longer an impact middle-of-the-order bat, but he does have eight home runs and 48 RBIs.

Starting pitchers

Luis Castillo (John Fisher / Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani, Angels: Ohtani is the reigning AL MVP and the front-runner, ahead of Aaron Judge, to repeat this year. On the bump, he’s 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA and a 2.42 FIP in 16 starts with a stunning 134 strikeouts in 93 1/3 innings. 

Luis Castillo, Reds: Castillo, 29, is expected to be the best starting pitcher traded at the deadline, and his new club will control the right-hander through the 2023 season. He’s sporting a 2.77 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 78 innings. The Reds should get a haul of top prospects for Castillo, who is worth 3.2 WAR this season, according to Baseball-Reference.

Frankie Montas, A’s: Montas went 13-9 last year with a 3.37 ERA in 32 starts (187 innings) and 207 strikeouts. This season, he’s posted a 3.16 ERA in 18 starts (99 2/3 innings) with 105 strikeouts. However, he missed two and a half weeks this month because of a shoulder injury, returning last Thursday to pitch three scoreless innings. His medicals will determine his trade value.

Pablo López, Marlins: López has one of the best changeups in the league (.188 batting average against) and he’s putting together another solid season that includes a 3.14 ERA in 19 starts and 2.3 WAR. If the Marlins trade him, they’ll want a long-term answer for center field in return.

Martín Pérez, Rangers: Pérez is having a career-best year, going 8-2 with a 2.59 ERA in 19 starts, which helped him make his first All-Star team. The Rangers are not motivated to trade him but let’s be real: He’s a free agent after this season, and if he’s not extended by the deadline, they should trade him for prospects and then try to re-sign him in the offseason.

Tyler Mahle, Reds: Once the Reds trade Castillo, they can turn their attention to moving Mahle, who is also a free agent after the 2023 season. Mahle, 27, is 4-7 with a 4.48 ERA in 18 starts (2.1 WAR). However, he’s only a year removed from going 13-6 with a 3.75 ERA in 33 starts.

Noah Syndergaard, Angels: The Angels signed Syndergaard in the offseason to a one-year, $21 million contract, but it has not worked out as well as both sides hoped. Still, he has made 15 starts, pitching to a 3.83 ERA in 80 innings. However, he has only 64 strikeouts and does not have the velocity nor the break on his pitches that he did a few years ago, before Tommy John surgery.

Chad Kuhl, Rockies: Kuhl is 6-5 with a 4.11 ERA and can provide innings for a contender in a back-of-the-rotation role.

José Quintana, Pirates: The Pirates have been thrilled with Quintana’s numbers (3.70 ERA in 19 starts). He can help the back of the rotation for some team down the stretch.

Relief pitchers

Gregory Soto (Rick Osentoski / USA Today)

Gregory Soto, Tigers: Soto is one of the best left-handed closers in the game. He has 18 saves, a 2.56 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. He’s under team control through the 2025 season.

Scott Barlow, Royals: Barlow has a 1.93 ERA in 42 relief appearances and has converted 16 of 18 save opportunities. He’s under team control through 2024.

David Bednar, Pirates: Bednar has followed up last year’s success with another strong season, converting 17 of 21 save opportunities and posting a .206 batting average against. He’s under team control through 2026.

Daniel Bard, Rockies: Bard, 37, has posted a 1.91 ERA and 21 saves. His trade value will never be higher so this is the time to move him.

David Robertson, Cubs: Robertson, who had Tommy John surgery in 2019, must be in the discussion for Comeback Player of the Year. He’s put up a 1.83 ERA in 39 1/3 innings with 14 saves.

Mark Melancon, Diamondbacks: Melancon is having a “down” year, but because of his experience and past success, several contending teams have interest, and they should. He’s converted 13 of 15 save opportunities.

(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic / Getty Images)

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