MLB Rumors: Dodgers connected to Lucas Giolito trade
It's no secret that the top MLB Trade Deadline priority for the Los Angeles Dodgers figures to be pitching. Whether it's a starter, a reliever, or both, the Dodgers desperately need to combat a series of unfortunate injuries in addition to some underperformance if they are going to have any chance of catching the Diamondbacks in the NL West.
The problem with that plight, however, is that LA is going to have hefty competition for starting pitchers. Not only is it a top need for a number of contenders throughout baseball, but the number of starting pitchers on the market is a bit thin.
Having said that, the Dodgers might have a guy who fits exactly what they need, specifically a high-end rental who could stabilize the rotation, a player who they could bring back home to Los Angeles: Lucas Giolito.
It's been one of the worst-kept secrets in MLB that the White Sox are going to have a fire sale at the trade deadline, which was recently furthered once more by insider Jon Heyman for the New York Post. In that report, Heyman connected Giolito to his "hometown Dodgers" as a possible trade fit, while also noting the potential involvement of the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers.
That hometown connection could be enticing, but even without that, the Dodgers should be interested in the veteran righty in the final year of club control with the White Sox. Giolito has been resurgent and dominant this season, posting a 3.45 ERA and 1.14 WHIP on the year for Chicago over 19 starts, 11 of which have resulted in Quality Starts.
With notable contenders vying for Giolito too, the Dodgers would likely have to pay a premium in a trade, even in a rental. For a club that feels like solidifying its pitching can put them in true World Series contention, though, it could well be worth it.
MLB Rumors: Braves trade for Red Sox P Nick Pivetta makes perfect sense
If the Atlanta Braves elect to make any kind of move at the MLB Trade Deadline, the likelihood is that it's going to be to help fortify the bullpen.
Yes, you could make the case for trying to add another arm to the rotation given the myriad of injuries that the best in the National League have weathered through the first half of the season, but with Max Fried, Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright on the mend and either returning soon or already returning, that's less of a priority.
There are a number of relief pitchers who could help the Braves in a big way, but one of the sneakier options could be looking to the Boston Red Sox. No, they wouldn't be looking to get Kenley Jansen back in Atlanta, but they could look to give veteran Nick Pivetta a change of scenery.
Pivetta began the season in the Red Sox rotation but, after struggles as a starter and with others returning from injuries, Pivetta was moved to the bullpen. Though he was less than thrilled with the move, he has been substantially better as a reliever this season.
In 29.0 innings as a reliever this season, Pivetta has posted a 2.79 ERA and 0.93 WHIP for Boston, looking like a dominant hurler who may have stumbled into his best role as a multi-inning guy out of the bullpen.
Often, the Braves have turned to Michael Tonkin in that role, but their other options aren't readily apparent. And while Boston could be looking to buy at the trade deadline in their own right, the Red Sox could use more stability in the lineup, meaning someone like a Vaughn Grissom or Travis d'Arnaud could fit the bill, though that might mean offering another player along with Pivetta, who is only under club control for one more year after this season.
Even still, there are fits for both teams in a trade, so you have to wonder if the two front offices are already cooking something up.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals best trades could be packaging pitchers, position players
Everything is about to change for the St. Louis Cardinals.
On Wednesday after the All-Star Game, President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said that the team's focus at the forthcoming trade deadline would be to build the roster for the 2024 season and beyond. Essentially, he was admitting the obvious that fans have been aware of for some time now: This season is toast.
The Cardinals figure to be active at the trade deadline with the expiring contracts of starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty in addition to reliever Jordan Hicks. Moreover, they could also potentially aim to move one or a few outfielders such as Dylan Carlson, Tyler O'Neill or others with their organizational depth at the position, especially with some of those guys having years of club control remaining, which could up the trade price for them.
But there is a better option — a best option — for the Cardinals to best build for the 2024 season and the future. No, it isn't trading Nolan Arenado or Paul Goldschmidt (though that would definitely help the future with the hauls they could get in return), but it's instead potentially packaging one of their arms with a position player prospect in order to maximize what the team gets back in any trade.
If a contender is in need of an outfield bat and starting pitching help, it's only sensible that the Cardinals would be able to get much more back trading Montgomery or Flaherty with a controllable young player like Carlson as a duo than if they were just trading a rental pitcher, even if those are going to be in high demand at the deadline.
Mozeliak didn't mince words about his objective at the trade deadline. The best way to reach that goal, however, might be to think a bit outside the box and look at bigger package deals that St. Louis could potentially make.