Phillies and Braves Both Interested in Rangers Ace Mike Minor

If the rumors hold true then the Texas Rangers will be one of the biggest sellers ahead of the fast-approaching July 31 trade deadline. Perhaps their most coveted prize is southpaw ace Mike Minor, who has been nothing short of brilliant in 2019.

The latest buzz suggests that Minor is as good as gone, so the question remaining is what club will offer a return that will persuade general manager Jon Daniels to ultimately pull the trigger.

Well, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, who's been keeping ever-close tabs on Minor's future, the Phillies and Braves have expressed mutual interest about acquiring the All-Star and even sent scouts to watch his start against the Astros on Friday.

This news truly shouldn't come as a surprise. Both organizations have been rumored to be in the market for a starter ever since the turn of the month. The Phils are desperate to give Aaron Nola some help at the top of their rotation, especially with the uncertainty of Jake Arrieta going forward.

The Braves, on the other hand, are feasibly one starter (and maybe reliever) away from becoming considered an actual threat to the Dodgers in the NL. And a hurler of Minor's caliber -- 2.86 ERA and 131 strikeouts across 129 innings -- would vault them into that very position to compliment the likes of Mike Soroka, Dallas Keuchel, and Julio Teheran.

Not only are they battling it out in the NL East, Atlanta and Philly are going neck-and-neck for one of the deadline's most lauded arms. Fasten your seat belts, folks. It's shaping up to be a thrilling next couple of weeks.