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The lack of buzz surrounding potential Mets trades over the past 24 hours turned out to be prescient, as the Mets declined to make any additional moves after earlier acquiring Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays and sending Jason Vargas to the Phillies.
They adhered to their reported decision to pull Noah Syndergaard from the trading block, but more surprisingly, also held on to Zack Wheeler despite activate trade talks throughout the day with several different teams. The Astros, the Rays, and - of course - the Yankees all expressed interest, but no one met the Mets’ high price tag.
Their NL East rivals, on the other hand, were quite busy today with each team making at least one trade.
Braves
The busy first-place Braves started off the day by adding right-hander Chris Martin to their bullpen from the Rangers in exchange for minor league pitcher Kolby Allard. They then brought in closer Shane Greene, who is under team control through 2020, from the Tigers, added catching insurance in the form of John Ryan Murphy from the Diamondbacks for cash, and topped it off with veteran reliever Mark Melancon from the Giants.
Nationals
The Nationals entered this trade season determined to improve their bullpen and they did just that. They first acquired Daniel Hudson, who is having the best season of his career, from the Blue Jays for Single-A RHP Kyle Johnston. They followed that up by acquiring two Mariners relievers - Hunter Strickland and Roenis Elias - for a trio of minor league pitching prospects.
Phillies
After being on the receiving end of the Mets’ deal swapping left-handed starter Jason Vargas for minor league catcher and Wilpon family acquaintance Austin Bossart, the Phillies, who are currently tied with the Cubs for the second wild card, picked up scorching-hot outfielder Corey Dickerson from the Pirates for international bonus slot money and a player to be named later.
Marlins
On pace for 63 wins, the Marlins sent their closer Sergio Romo and two other players to the Twins for promising first base prospect Lewin Diaz. The pitching-heavy Fish also prospect-swapped with the Diamondbacks, bringing over shortstop Jazz Chisolm in exchange for right-hander Zac Gallen.