Interest in Mike Leake appears to be heating up. A couple top tier pitchers are apparently not on the market. This is excellent news for the Reds.
The Detroit Tigers are interested in Mike Leake, according to Bob Nightengale (USA Today):
The #Tigers have #Reds starter Mike Leake on their radar if they determine this week they can realistically stay in the AL wild-card race.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2015
Walt Jocketty was able to complete a deal with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski in the offseason, sending Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for Eugenio Suarez and RHP Jonathan Crawford. The Tigers are a few games out of the second wild card slot in the American League.
The LA Dodgers have Mike Leake as a backup plan if they can’t land Cole Hamels, according to Jerry Crasnick (ESPN):
I keep hearing Leake and Gallardo mentioned as fallback options for #Dodgers if they don't land Hamels or Price.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2015
The Dodgers have the resources to land Hamels, but recent reports have put the Rangers in the lead for the Philly pitcher’s services. That can change any time, though. Even if the Dodgers do acquire Hamels, it might still make sense for them to pursue Leake.
Update: Throw a Canadian log on the fire. The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Leake according to Jon Morosi (FOX, MLBN):
https://twitter.com/AmericasPregame/status/626142014539735040/photo/1