MLB Rumors: An NL West war for Lucas Giolito

Lucas Giolito grew up in southern California, so it would make all the sense in the world for the Los Angeles Dodgers to add the White Sox starting pitcher as a rental at the trade deadline. Giolito has been linked to LA for quite some time now. However, with the deadline just a week away, the White Sox finally have some leverage — another suitor.

The Reds, along with several other pitching-needy teams have interest in Giolito. The latest to emerge are the Arizona Diamondbacks. Giolito the Arizona would be a tough pill to swallow for the Dodgers, as the two teams are competing for the same division crown. Arizona is just four games back of the Dodgers in the NL West.

As Jon Morosi originally reported (aggregated by Bleacher Report), the D'Backs are expected to make a run at Giolito prior to the deadline:

"Per MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Diamondbacks have joined their divisional rivals as having made an inquiry to the Chicago White Sox about right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito.

With the White Sox currently sitting in fourth place in the AL Central with 41-57 record, they could be one of the most interesting teams ahead of the trade deadline," Bleacher Report's Adam Wells wrote.

As of this writing, Giolito has a 3.79 ERA after giving up just six hits and no runs allowed in a five-inning shutout against the Twins. This was an ideal rebound from his previous start, when he gave up eight runs and five walks in less than four innings of work against the Mets.

MLB Rumors: Reds could trade Jonathan India

Despite winning the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year award, the Cincinnati Reds no longer see Jonathan India as a key part of their future. India's had two straight sub-par seasons — at least in comparison to his 2021 campaign — with a 98 OPS+ this year and a 92 OPS+ in 2022. That's not enough to convince the Reds to keep him around given the litany of prospects in their farm system which project as middle-infield players.

As Mark Feinsand reports, Cincinnati realizes they have an attractive asset playing second base, and would prefer to trade him while his value is highest. Most importantly, the Reds don't consider losing India a dramatic shot at their postseason chances.

As Feinsand points out, the sheer number of top infield prospects the Reds have at their disposal is rather incredible. Considering the surplus, Cincinnati doesn't feel compelled to keep India, who hasn't performed up to his 2021 standard in quite some time. There is sure to be plenty of interest in a player of his caliber, as well.

Perhaps most importantly to the Reds front office is that India is slated to reach arbitration after this season. India is still making league minimum as of this writing, but that will surely change prior to spring training.

MLB Rumors: Who would trade for Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras?

The St. Louis Cardinals are willing to admit defeat in their decision to sign Willson Contreras this winter. It was a bold move for the Cards, who were looking for a natural replacement for Yadier Molina.

Contreras hasn't delivered as the Cardinals had hoped. Whether that is fair to him or not is anyone's guess, as Contreras has never been a defensive stalwart. He's most known for his bat, and frankly projects better as a long-term first baseman or designated hitter.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Contreras could be on the trade radar over the weekend. Any deal would be surprising given the number of years left on his current contract, and the salary involved. If one team were to take a chance on him for relatively cheap, however, it would be the Houston Astros.

Houston catcher Martin Maldonado doesn't contribute much at the plate. He's earned the trust of the pitching staff. The Astros also have a hole at first base, and with the proper training, Contreras could project there long term and fill a void. At his best, Contreras is a solid hitter, and might be even better without the pressures of handling a pitching staff.

St. Louis wants pitching. While Houston can't offer much of that right now due to injuries in their rotation, the Cardinals could take a flyer on a player like Colton Gordon, a 24-year-old Double-A pitcher who has excelled in the Astros farm system of late. He's the No. 8 prospect in the Houston system, and if the Cards are willing to pay some of Contreras' salary, he's surely available.