Yesterday it seemed like the Pirates were close to a deal with Alex Rios. By the end of the night a trade for Rios seemed unlikely. Then Rios hurt his foot, which pretty much sealed it.
Jayson Stark reports today that the White Sox would like to move Rios today, but that it doesn’t look promising. He also says the Pirates and Rangers have no more than lukewarm interest.
I know White Sox would like to move Rios today, but doesn't look promising. Both #Rangers & #Pirates have no more than lukewarm interest.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 31, 2013
At this point I don’t see a trade happening for Rios. He’s been connected to the Pirates all month, but we heard yesterday that they balked at the huge asking prices from the White Sox, and the more rumors that come out, the more it appears that the Pirates aren’t really looking strongly at Rios. It seems more likely that they’d go for one of Nate Schierholtz or David DeJesus if they made a deal for an outfielder.
UPDATE 2:06 PM: Jim Bowden says the Pirates and Rangers are balking on the price for Rios, both in prospect cost and dollars.
Pirates/Rangers not interested in Rios prospect cost and $ unless it changes dramatically in next 2 hours…Rios could end up being Aug deal
— Jim Bowden⚾️
Bowden notes that Rios could be an August deal if he doesn’t get traded today. I could see him clearing waivers, since I don’t think a team will want to take on all of the remaining $18 M he is owed. Then again, that’s exactly how Chicago got Rios in the first place.
