As the weekend approaches, let's take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors, including tidbits on the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox.
MLB rumors: Boston Red Sox prepping for tough roster decisions?
With Pablo Reyes (abdominal strain) and Yu Chang (left hamate) expected to rejoin the Red Sox roster before the All-Star break, Boston could be faced with some tough roster decisions heading into the Midsummer Classic or right after its conclusion.
Chang is expected to take over the starting shortstop role following the All-Star break, that leaves Christian Arroyo, David Hamilton, Kiké Hernández and Reyes battling for essentially one roster spot. With Hernandez gaining some positive comments from Boston manager Alex Cora recently, it stands to reason that he won't be going anywhere any time soon. Hamilton has an option available, so the Red Sox can solve part of their roster situation by sending him to Triple-A Worcester.
That scenario could leave Reyes and Arroyo contending for a roster spot, and it could be a tough decision since neither have any options remaining. If the Red Sox choose to follow the expected path, look for one of them to be designated for assignment in the coming days.
Boston enters play on Friday with a 45-43 record and will have to decide soon upon its strategy at the MLB trade deadline. Could an extension for one of its pitchers be in the cards as well?
MLB rumors: Colorado Rockies GM confirms trade interest in bullpen arms
While the direction the Red Sox will take at the trade deadline is still up in the air, the Colorado Rockies have two choices at the upcoming trade deadline. They can sell some of their desirable arms and bats, or stand pat as they have during recent deadlines.
According to Colorado general manager Bill Schmidt in this interview with The Denver Post, "Some teams have reached out, mostly on our bullpen guys. I'm not going to name names, but there has been interest there."
Those "bullpen guys" are most likely left-handers Brent Suter and Brad Hand, as well as right-hander Pierce Johnson. All three players are with the Rockies on one-year deals, with Hand having a team option in his contract for the 2024 season as well.
The 33-year-old Hand has postseason experience, including throwing two scoreless innings for the Philadelphia Phillies in last season's World Series. That could be valuable to a team with postseason aspirations. Johnson has racked up 13 saves this year, but has struggled in his two July appearances, allowing three earned runs in 1.2 innings as his ERA has climbed to 6.49 and WHIP to 1.817. Meanwhile, Suter is having the best season of the three relievers (2.81 ERA/3.41 FIP/1.176 WHIP) but is working his way back from an oblique injury.
Schmidt also said the team would listen to offers on position players, including long-time outfielder Charlie Blackmon. Chuck Nazty could provide a left-handed bat that might be of interest to other teams, but leaving Colorado would be an interesting choice as he could veto any trade after playing 13 seasons, all with the Rockies.
"If something came up, I would sit down with Charlie and talk to him about that," Schmidt said. "He's meant a lot to this franchise. He deserves that kind of respect."
MLB rumors: Chicago White Sox pitcher tops the list
When MLBTradeRumors.com released its list of the Top 50 trade deadline candidates, one starting pitcher from the Chicago White Sox stood out above the rest.
On the list, White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is at the top. Coming into Friday's action with a 6-5 record and 3.50 ERA/4.16 FIP/1.168 WHIP, the 28-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season, making him a top target for any team looking for pitching.
So what puts Giolito at the top of the list? According to MLBTR, "Giolito is the only member of our top six free agents who has much of a chance to move at the deadline. That makes him a natural fit to top this list."
With the White Sox entering Friday 15 games below .500, there is little doubt that there will be some kind of movement on the South Side at the trade deadline. Should the White Sox deal Giolito, there will likely be a bidding war for his services, helping Chicago potentially restock its farm system and prepare for what it hopes will be better days ahead.
Another starting pitcher for the White Sox, Lance Lynn, comes in at number 13 on MLBTR's list, indicating it could be a pitching-heavy focus in any trade talks that will happen between now and August 1.