MLB rumors: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers

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Another week begins, and we begin the new week with some of the latest MLB rumors surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Boston Red Sox rumors: Alex Cora wants franchise to be aggressive at MLB trade deadline

With the Red Sox entering Monday just 2.0 games out of an AL Wild Card spot, it’s clear that manager Alex Cora thinks his team can be a factor in the postseason, especially with Trevor Story preparing to make his season debut following elbow surgery.

According to this article from USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, “Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora’s frustrations were made clear when he implored the front office to be aggressive at the trade deadline and not worry about hoarding their prospects.” It’s an interesting twist as the Red Sox are in the middle of a jumbled and competitive AL East race and, while the Red Sox might want to dive in for glory this season, will there be enough ways the team can strengthen itself to compete with the defending World Champion Houston Astros and other potential adversaries in the postseason?

Cora apparently believes that is the case, telling reporters, “It’s not about how many prospects you have or where your farm system is. The one that really counts is how many games you win in October and how many games you play in October.”

For a Boston team that was counted out by so many before the season began, a chance at being an aggressive buyer at the trade deadline is certainly a change in direction. Will Chaim Bloom take the chance on a 2023 postseason run by mortgaging some of the franchise’s future in the farm system?

Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers to be “passive” at MLB trade deadline?

Also in his column, Nightengale makes the case why the Dodgers will not be among the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline, despite being locked in a battle with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top of the National League West.

Nightengale expects the Dodgers to hold on to their prospects and not make any big moves in anticipation of chasing free agent Shohei Ohtani this offseason. Nightengale writes that, “they will come away with a veteran starter, and some bullpen help too, but they’re gearing up for Ohtani to be an integral part of 2024 and the rest of the decade, while still hanging onto their top prospects.”

This could be good news for any teams that are going up against the Dodgers for free agents such as Lucas Giolito of the Chicago White Sox or other pitchers that could be used as a needed boost by Los Angeles. If the bidding war gets too high, will the Dodgers back away in order to keep their collective eyes on the main prize of Ohtani this winter?

Yes, Los Angeles may improve its rotation, bullpen and depth at the MLB trade deadline, but it may not be with the star power like the Dodgers have acquired in past seasons.

New York Mets left fielder Tommy Pham. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies rumors: Targeting a player from the New York Mets?

Finally, Nightengale wrote that the Phillies are hoping to grab a player from their division rivals, the New York Mets, at the MLB trade deadline. That player would be Tommy Pham, a 35-year-old corner outfielder who would strengthen an area where the Phillies could use some help. Entering Monday’s play, Pham is slashing .272/.356/.475 with nine homers and 35 RBI in his first 250 plate appearances in a Mets uniform.

With the Mets at 46-53, it won’t be a surprise to see New York dump some of its salaries at the trade deadline, including Pham, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason for $6 million.

Nightengale writes that the Phillies “would love to land Pham from the Mets,” a strong endorsement for a player who has been traded three other times in his career, including last year by the Cincinnati Reds to the Boston Red Sox.

Pham hasn’t played in the postseason since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign when he was with the San Diego Padres. However, his .352/.375/.556 in 56 postseason at-bats would likely be an attractive advantage for the Phillies as well, a team that hopes that, like last season, it can just get into the playoffs and create its own opportunities to make another World Series appearance.

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