Rosenthal: What I’m hearing about D-Backs’ and Rays’ deadline plans, Cedric Mullins, more

We’re now less than five full days away from the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline July 31. Here’s what I’m hearing from major-league sources as we continue to get closer …

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ initial preference was to trade either right-hander Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly, but not both. Things, however, change rapidly at this time of year.

The desperation of clubs in need of a quality starting pitcher is forcing the D-Backs to reconsider their initial stance. Both Gallen and Kelly could go if the team receives strong enough offers.

The bar the Diamondbacks set will be higher than the value of the draft picks they would receive as compensation if Gallen and Kelly rejected qualifying offers to pursue free agency — and maybe considerably higher.

For free agents who sign for at least $50 million, the compensation pick is between the first round and Competitive Balance Round A. For those who get less than $50 million — and Kelly, who turns 37 in October, likely would fall into that category — the pick is after Competitive Balance Round B, at or around No. 75. With each extra choice, the Diamondbacks’ bonus pool also would increase.

The team’s reluctance to trade both Gallen and Kelly stems from a fear of potentially lacking enough pitching to get through the rest of the season. But if they can get enough back, the D-Backs’ sale might be more extensive than even they initially envisioned.

Third baseman Eugenio Suárez is almost certain to be traded. Another potential free agent, outfielder Randal Grichuk, also is expected to move.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ position on trading certain players — and specifically, first baseman Yandy Díaz — also might be softening.

The Rays entered Saturday 3-4 since the All-Star break and 6-15 since June 28. Any thought of owner Stuart Sternberg going out on a high note before selling the club appears to be fading.

A rapid turnaround might force the Rays to shift course. But Rays officials began signaling to teams late Friday that they will be open to moving Díaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe and others if they do not reverse their tailspin. A final decision might not come before Wednesday, on the eve of the deadline.

The Rays have been reluctant to trade Díaz, who sacrificed perhaps greater money elsewhere by signing two club-friendly extensions. If they indeed become willing to move him, the Boston Red Sox will almost certainly be at the top of the list of teams interested.

Another Rays player who could be on the move: Catcher Danny Jansen, whom the team signed last offseason to a one-year, $8.5 million free-agent contract with a mutual option for 2026. If Jansen goes, the Rays could backfill with another catcher.

Unlike the Rays, the Texas Rangers are trending in a positive direction and moving closer to adding than subtracting. Since June 6, the Rangers are 25-15, including a 6-1 record since the All-Star break.

Outfielder Sam Haggerty returned from a left ankle injury Friday, and designated hitter Joc Pederson from a fractured right hand Saturday. First baseman Jake Burger is maybe 10 days away from returning from a strained left quadriceps. Once he is back, the Rangers’ offense essentially will be whole.

If the Rangers add, they likely will focus on a high-leverage reliever, particularly with righty Chris Martin recovering from a left calf strain. Josh Sborz could return from right shoulder surgery in late August or September. But with two rookies, Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, in the rotation, the Rangers would want to further enhance their bullpen, which is first in the AL in ERA and third in opponents’ OPS. Another starter also could be a possibility.

Offensively, the Rangers rank last in the AL in OPS against left-handed pitching and 28th overall, making a right-handed bat a priority.

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins, a potential free agent, figured to be a hot trade commodity after he got off to a hot start and his team collapsed around him.

Mullins, 30, still could have value, considering the shortage of available center fielders. But he entered Saturday batting .182 with a .554 OPS since April 28. He also is not as highly rated a defender as he once was, ranking last among center fielders in defensive runs saved and 23rd in Outs Above Average.

Ramón Laureano, who entered Saturday batting .273 with 14 homers and an .844 OPS, is the more attractive Orioles outfielder. The acquisition cost for him, though, will be higher. The Orioles hold a $6.5 million club option on Laureano for next season, and very well might want him to return.

All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn, like Mullins, is in an extended cold spell, batting .212 with three homers and a .643 OPS since May 27. But as a rental, he could be an option for the Red Sox, among other clubs, if Díaz is unavailable or is traded elsewhere.

The Orioles have no reservations about trading all three of their potential free-agent starting pitchers — right-handers Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano. Righty Kyle Bradish made his first rehab start coming off Tommy John on Thursday night. Tyler Wells also is expected back from a UCL repair. Several younger pitchers also could enter the mix.

The Minnesota Twins remain a team of intense interest to teams looking for pitching.

As reported previously, the Twins’ front office is proceeding with perhaps even more caution than it normally might because of the looming sale of the club.  Still, that isn’t stopping the Twins from listening on relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax and even ace right-hander Joe Ryan, all of whom are under club control for two additional seasons.

Some teams even wonder whether the Twins would move righty Pablo López, who is still weeks away from returning from a strain of the teres major in the back of his right shoulder.

López, under contract through 2027 at $21.75 million per season, is more likely to be a topic of conversation in the offseason, assuming the Twins are willing to talk about him. Once he pitches again, teams will be in better position to assess his value.

One way or another, the Twins’ front office is under pressure. The team faces the potential of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, and at some point soon, new ownership will be taking over.

And finally, one rival executive proclaimed the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants should be aggressive buyers, saying it’s “open season” on the third NL wild card because of the San Diego Padres’ uncertain hold on the position.

The Padres entered Saturday with four straight losses, a 3-5 record against the Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals since the break and a 41-46 mark since starting the season 14-3. And, in the exec’s opinion, Padres general manager A.J. Preller “doesn’t really have the money or the farm system for big additions.”

Preller is always creative and forever operating with urgency. But entering Saturday, the Padres led the Reds and Giants by one game and the Cardinals by 1 1/2.

The Cardinals are preparing to sell. The Giants, however, plan to buy, seeking a second baseman and starting pitcher. And the Reds are targeting a middle-of-the-order bat and bullpen help.

(Photo of Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen: Chris Coduto / Getty Images)