MLB Rumors: Joey Votto adds pressure for the Reds

Before the season, Joey Votto was floated as a potential trade chip for the Reds. Would he be sent to the Toronto Blue Jays, to finally play for his home country in Canada? The Jays, after all, had a chance to contend in the AL East.

Oh, how times have changed. The Reds lead the NL Central for a reason, as they've won 12 straight games as of this writing. Votto just came off the injured list, and contributed in a big way on Friday night, hitting a massive home run to give Cincinnati the lead.

If the Reds make the playoffs, Votto will be a big reason why. While the Elly De La Cruz's of the world can carry Cincinnati for quite some time, eventually the veterans will have to step to the plate. Heck, Cincy needs pitching, and the front office knows that. As new buyers, they'll have to make improvements in that regard.

Votto compared De La Cruz, who has been a linchpin in the Reds current 12-game win streak, to Yankees legend Mickey Mantle.

"Has there been a better switch-hitting, speed, power guy? The only comp I can think of is Mickey Mantle – a young Mickey Mantle," Votto said, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "That's unfair to put on Elly, (comparing him to) maybe one of the greatest players of all time. Elly has got plenty of time to entertain the fans."

Good lucky, Elly. After just 15 games, De La Cruz has hit for the cycle and made history three times over, at least. Votto has high expectations, but it's tough to blame him at this point. He's having fun.

MLB Rumors: What's wrong with this Yankees trade asset?

If the New York Yankees wanted to make a trade to replace Aaron Judge, or perhaps add to their starting rotation, said move might involve Jasson Dominguez.

Dominguez is a top-100 prospect (ranked No. 32) via MLB Pipeline, but has struggled this season. Frankly, his best attribute has turned against him, as his bat has been quiet for quite some time.

Look — prospects struggle, and Dominguez being unable to get on base at a consistent clip is nothing new. This is a player who has excelled since he was 16 years old, when he was signed by New York. Dominguez was often compared with Giancarlo Stanton, at least in terms of his raw power. As it turns out, he still has some work to do. Most prospects, including Dominguez, go through a rough patch. Having said struggles occur in Double-A is actually ideal, because Jasson has time to figure it all out. It is June, after all.

It's in the spirit of Yanks fans to overreact, even though Dominguez is a prospect. Expect them to do the same here — but the odds are in favor of Jasson bouncing back, eventually.

MLB Rumors. Did Astros sign a Jose Abreu replacement?

It's no secret that Houston is unhappy with their production at first base. Heck, the Astros assumed this wouldn't be an issue when they signed Jose Abreu this offseason. The former White Sox star has a great 2022, and signed with Houston on a multiyear deal. It seemed like a match made on heaven as Abreu chases a ring this late in his career.

So, what's the issue? Well, Abreu hasn't lived up to his end of the bargain. The 36-year-old is slashing just .225/.279/.308 on the year. He hasn't been good enough, which is why it's not absurd to wonder if the Astros will try to acquire some first base help at the deadline, especially if the likes of Paul Goldschmidt are actually available. I wrote about Abreu's struggles just a few days ago:

"Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic, it's not absurd to think that the Astros could move off of Abreu as soon as the trade deadline, if they can.

"It looks like age and decline have caught up with Abreu, 36. If the Astros can get out from under some of the $39 million they'll owe him in 2024 and 2025, they will."

Bowden went on to comment on how Andrew Vaughn, another trade candidate, has all but replaced Abreu's production with the White Sox. Houston will want to buy, as well, in their quest for a repeat World Series appearance. But it won't come easily."

Houston signed Jon Singleton this weekend. While Singleton isn't exactly the ideal replacement for Abreu, it is another signal that Houston is open for business at the first base position, as MLB Trade Rumors suggests:

"If Singleton gets a look and doesn't pan out, the Astros could then explore adding a more proven first-base capable player at the trade deadline. GM Dana Brown has spoken about how the team would like to add a left-handed hitting multi-positional player, though Singleton doesn't fit the mold as a first base-only type."

Houston could force Abreu to platoon if his struggles continue, at least for the rest of this season. The Astros plan on contending for a World Series repeat. So far, it hasn't gone according to plan.

Something has to change, and it will, barring anything unforeseen.