MLB Rumors: 3 Finalists For Frankie Montas, Per Insider

Frankie Montas has pitched only eight innings since shoulder inflammation landed him on the injured list earlier in July, but that hasn't stopped three top contenders from emerging as the top teams in the chase for the Oakland A's right-hander.

The Frankie Montas trade market is focused on the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Cardinals, sources say.

Montas, who has thrown 8 innings since returning from the IL earlier this month, is not scheduled to pitch again before Tuesday's 6 pm ET deadline. @MLB @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2022

According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi's sources, "the Montas trade market is focused on the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals."

All three teams have one man down from their preferred starting rotations, and all three are trying to give their staffs a huge boost. 

The 29-year-old is having another superb year with the Athletics, posting a 3.18 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and a 109:28 strikeout to walk ratio. 

The shoulder woes are a bit of a concern, however, as it shut Montas down at a most inopportune time. His last start, on July 26th, he built up to 5 innings, but surrendered 7 hits with 2 earned runs, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. He will not pitch again before the deadline passes on Tuesday at 6pm Eastern. 

He has one more year of team control before he becomes a free agent in 2024.

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports