MLB Rumors: Will the Cubs trade Yan Gomes?

The Chicago Cubs won on Tuesday night, ending the conversation (for now) over which rentals they'll trade at the deadline. However, sitting well under .500, it's a question that isn't going away.

Yes, the Cubs reside in the weak NL Central, but unless Jed Hoyer truly believes they have World Series-level talent, it would be unwise to hold onto players they could lose this offseason past late July. Hoyer knows this, and addressed it a week back.

"You're always thinking (about the trade deadline)," Hoyer said. "It's a real factor in every season, right? Whether you're looking for reinforcements, whether it's a year where you're selling, every team has it. You want to act with conviction when you get there — either direction. Like I've said all along, I want nothing more than to be on the (buy) side of the transaction."

Even David Ross admitted his team is lucky to be in the NL Central, where they remain just four games back of the Milwaukee Brewers. So, with that in mind, who might they trade?

A popular candidate might be catcher Yan Gomes, who is having a surprisingly impressive season offensively, and is still solid behind home plate. For a contending team, he could be a real upgrade at catcher. Plus, he's on an expiring contract.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray graded the San Diego Padres as a 6/10 fit for Gomes, highlighting their need for a catcher:

"The San Diego Padres need catching help. Badly. And there are no obvious answers on the trade market this year, especially after Sean Murphy was traded in the offseason…Gomes is only signed through the 2023 season, so he would only be a rental. It would still leave the Padres in need of a long-term catcher. But it would solidify the position for this year…"

It remains to be seen if the Cubs feel the same way.

MLB Rumors: Pressure is on Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver

AJ Smith-Shawver is a former seventh-round pick and doesn't turn 21 years old until November. Nonetheless, he's also excelled at every minor-league level, so much so that the Braves felt they had no option but to add him to the big-league roster.

With that in mind, expect Smith-Sawver to start out in the bullpen. Max Fried did the same in his first few years in the majors as he adjusted to the big leagues. Atlanta just lost a series to the lowly Oakland Athletics, so some good news was needed. Smith-Sahwver's Braves teammates had plenty of good things to say about him right out of the gate.

"It's pretty real stuff right out of the gate," Mike Soroka said.

"He looked really good," Strider said.

With Soroka and Jared Shuster filling out the rotation, starting pitcher is not as big of a need as it used to be in the ATL. Bullpen, however, is. Raisel Iglesias has been inconsistent, and A.J. Minter hasn't been…well, A.J. Minter this year. Smith-Shawver, who owns a 1.09 ERA across 33 innings at three separate levels in 2023, along with a 12.3 K/9, could be a valuable addition. Still Brian Snitker won't shut the door on Smith-Shawver starting at some point this year. That's where the Braves see him long term.

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't make a start this year at some point in time. If he does and he's already had some experience taking the mound before, I think it'll be an easier transition for him," Snitker said.

Safe to say, Atlanta has high expectations for Smith-Shawver. No pressure, kid.

MLB Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez goes down, so Cardinals should look elsewhere

Just a few weeks ago I mentioned Eduardo Rodriguez of the Detroit Tigers as an ideal trade target for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals. That may no longer be the case.

Rodriguez had faired well over his last few outings, giving up just two runs and one run apiece against the Royals and White Sox, respectively. He is pitching like an ace, and should he be healthy, will likely be a target of some lucky contender. E-Rod has a potential opt-out in his contract, as well, though he is scheduled to earn $18 million per season over the next three years if he declines that option.

On Tuesday, Detroit placed Rodriguez on the injured list with a left index finger injury. That might not sound so severe at first, but that is E-Rod's pitching hand, and any looming issue could impact his performance. It is smart of the Tigers to address it now, well before trade season. Scott Harris could be active trying to find Rodriguez a new home by then should the Tigers fall out of the AL Central race.

For now, though, Detroit is in a weird middle ground. They are a few games under .500, but just two games back of the division-leading Minnesota Twins.

If Harris opts to trade Rodriguez, the Cards could still be a decent suitor. St. Louis needs pitching, and the potential to have Rodriguez beyond this season makes him a more attractive target. St. Louis lacks much high-end starting pitching beyond Miles Mikolas and perhaps Jordan Montgomery. Their farm system has talent, so there's help on the way, but until then a player like Rodriguez could provide them a decent postseason rotation to win a World Series with this core, if they are lucky enough to make the playoffs at all.