MLB Rumors: Even the Pittsburgh Pirates get lucky

The Pittsburgh Pirates were once 20-8, don't forget that. But since then, Ben Cherington has failed to put a winning product on the field, and extended manager Derek Shelton prematurely.

Austin Hedges, one of the Pirates many rental players they signed with the intent of trading come August, is readily available. In fact, he's one of the worst offensive players on Pittsburgh's roster. At this point, Hedges would register as a decent backup catcher, as he's sound defensively at the very least.

Per Jon Heyman, teams have started asking about Hedges. Yes, really.

Now, Hedges could be paired with, say, Rich Hill to improve a potential Pirates return. Pittsburgh is hoarding prospects, as they should, with the hopes of one day becoming a competitive baseball team.

The more important question is whether the Pirates will trade David Bednar or Mitch Keller. Andrew McCutchen is off the table despite being a rental, as he wants to remain in Pittsburgh long-term. His family is there.

Bednar could fetch a decent return and despite being signed long-term, relief pitchers are rather unpredictable. Eventually, Bednar could falter, and the Pirates would rather him play elsewhere when that happens.

Keller is due a contract extension. Starting pitching is tough to find and very valuable. Sure, the Pirates could get a lot for him, but they'd also struggle to replace him. Pittsburgh's system is short starting pitching, minus the recently-drafted Paul Skenes.

MLB Rumors: Will the Red Sox trade Alex Verdugo?

Alex Verdugo still has another year left on his contract, as he'll hit arbitration again in 2024. However, Verdugo will be a free agent after next season, meaning his trade value will never be higher for the Red Sox from this point forward.

Verdugo was among the centerpieces in the Mookie Betts trade, which sent the former Boston star to Los Angeles. Since then, Verdugo has been up and down for the Sox. This season, he's slashing .271./.344/.427, all while playing a corner outfield spot for Boston. His struggles of late suggest he could be the odd man out in a crowded outfield.

A trade, nonetheless, seems unlikely. Adam Duvall is a known trade target, and he's a free agent after the season. The Red Sox should cash in, which would leave an open spot for Verdugo, who is an important part of the team's future. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic confirmed this in her mailbag:

"I'm not sure the Red Sox are going to make the big splash people want, but rather smaller moves like they have in years past. I don't see them trading Paxton or Verdugo, but I could see Adam Duvall and potentially some prospects being on the market," McCaffrey wrote.

Verdugo also told WEEI in Boston that he hasn't had any contract extension talks with the Red Sox, though he welcomes them.

"I always mess around with them about it, but I don't think there has been anything serious so far. What I plan on doing is going basically year to year," Verdugo said. "It's the easiest way to get your mindset where you do it year to year and you will get paid for whatever you do that year. If they want to talk, we can talk. I just joke around with them. There has been no seriousness to it. I'm just trying to make it fun."

If Boston were to pair Verdugo with some available starting pitching, then perhaps they could get a decent return. However, that's unlikely given the market.

MLB Rumors: What went wrong with Cardinals, Jordan Hicks extension?

Just a few days ago, it appeared the St. Louis Cardinals viewed Jordan Hicks as a key member of their future core. In fact, the two sides were engaged in contract extension talks. However, they've since fallen through, per Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch. So, where will the Cards go from here?

Per Goold, a trade is increasingly likely given St. Louis doesn't believe they can agree to a reasonable deal with Hicks.

Per Goold, the Yankees and Rangers are two teams with interest in Hicks. They are not alone, as a high-profile closer who can reach 103 MPH with his fastball doesn't become available often. Hicks has performed well since transitioning back to the Cardinals closer role. To trade him now, St. Louis should demand solid prospect compensation in return, despite the fact that Hicks is on an expiring deal.