MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals

Let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors, including Shohei Ohtani’s future with the Los Angeles Angels as well as roster moves and rumors with the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Shohei Ohtani rumors: Reputation keeping Ohtani as a member of the Angels?

When it comes to the MLB trade deadline, there is no bigger question than if the Angels, who are 2-8 over their last 10 games and trying to overcome an injury to Mike Trout, will fall far enough out of the postseason picture to trade Ohtani.

However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal makes it clear that Angels owner Arte Moreno would rather keep Ohtani than go down in history as the man who traded him.

It’s an interesting choice for Moreno and the Angels should they keep him, knowing a Wild Card may be more out of the realm of possibility with every loss. And who knows, a Los Angeles freefall could change Moreno’s mind, even though that seems very unlikely at the moment.

MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers roster moves coming soon?

Could Miguel Vargas be optioned to Triple-A in order to help correct some of his offensive struggles? It’s possible, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who says that “everything should be on the table” when it comes to next steps for the 23-year-old Vargas. As pointed out by MLBTradeRumors.com, since May 21, Vargas has slashed just .139/.250/.287 in 129 plate appearances.

With Vargas struggling, Mookie Betts has played in the middle infield more in 2023 than in any other previous season. While Betts’ versatility is a plus for the Dodgers, having to use him because of the struggles of others is not an optimal solution at Chavez Ravine.

St. Louis Cardinals rumors: Will Jordan Montgomery’s injury impact potential trades?

There has been plenty of discussion about the Cardinals potentially moving Montgomery at the MLB trade deadline. However, with Montgomery leaving Friday’s start after 4.1 innings with a hamstring injury, trade scenarios could be impacted.

The severity of Montomgery’s hamstring issue has yet to be determined, and the All-Star Game break could allow him to heal without going on the injured list. However, rest assured that if St. Louis is indeed looking to move the 30-year-old southpaw, there will be plenty of questions asked about just how durable that hamstring will be moving forward.