Some of the latest MLB rumors involving the Pittsburgh Pirates, Justin Verlander's future with the New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds.
The morning's MLB rumors with the MLB trade deadline just hours away start with the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB rumors: Cincinnati Reds looking to boost rotation?
According to Jon Morosi, the Reds could be looking to add starting pitching at the MLB trade deadline.
The keys to Cincinnati's willingness to pay for a starter is that last sentence, as the Reds believe that the return of Lodolo and Greene can indeed be like adding another starter or two through a trade. If Cincinnati can get those two back in time for a stretch run, that's a big plus for a Reds team that could well be battling Milwaukee for the top of the NL Central for the final two full months of the season.
How aggressive will Cincinnati be, with its youth movement in full swing? The chemistry seems right in the Queen City, and Joey Votto has clearly regained his swing. Perhaps the Reds will add minor pieces, boosting the team without mortgaging high-ranked prospects and see if the magic of the 2023 season will continue with a postseason berth.
MLB rumors: Buzz growing around Pittsburgh Pirates potential trade candidates?
One of the biggest players, as the final hours of the MLB trade deadline tick away, could well be the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to Jon Heyman, there are multiple players who could be on their way out of the Steel City if the price is right.
As Heyman mentions, the prizes on the Pittsburgh roster are a starting pitcher (Mitch Keller) and an All-Star closer (David Bednar), with both requiring a substantial return from the Pirates. With San Diego still in limbo and Blake Snell and Josh Hader reportedly not on the market, Keller and Bednar are two of the biggest prizes remaining … if teams can figure out a way to entice the Pirates into a trade.
When it comes to Bednar, our own Robert Murray has written that, "the Pirates have set a high asking price, rival executives say, and are in no hurry to move a reliever (Bednar) who has a 1.27 ERA and 21 saves in 42.2 innings."
Hill is an interesting name for teams looking for a starting pitcher who can be reliable and eat innings. The 43-year-old southpaw is on a one-year, $8 million deal so heading to a contender makes sense. Hedges is scheduled to be a free agent in 2024 and could provide depth behind the plate. Could the two go in the same deal?
MLB rumors: Mystery teams are inquiring about Justin Verlander
It appears the race to land Verlander in a trade with the New York Mets is heating up, with Jon Heyman reporting that, "Mystery team(s) emerging for Justin Verlander." Heyman goes on to write in a later tweet, "One potential issue here is the Astros and Dodgers are thought to be the preferred teams for Verlander, who has a full no-trade. But keep in mind; Last time JV was on market he was said to prefer Dodgers or Cubs but at the last second accepted the Astros, wisely it turned out."
Both Houston and Los Angeles make sense as trade destinations, but there have also been rumors out there connecting Verlander to the Baltimore Orioles and even the San Diego Padres.
The Orioles, in particular, are a team gaining steam on deadline morning.
Could New York have its fair share of suitors for the 40-year-old right-hander, making it a bidding war that could help the Mets down the road with plenty of prospects? With mystery teams in the mix, anything is possible.