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MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates

By Kevin Henry |
Jul 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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We are officially one week away from the MLB trade deadline, so let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors, including notes on teams interested in Shohei Ohtani, and which players might be on the move to the Atlanta Braves and away from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MLB rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates listening to offers on All-Star pitchers

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Pirates are willing to listen to offers on closer David Bednar as well as starting pitcher Mitch Keller. Heyman, however, does say that it’s unlikely to see either move while our own Robert Murray adds, “A trade involving Mitch Keller is extremely unlikely.”

On the surface, it would seem that it would take an extremely healthy offer for the Pirates to move Bednar (who is under team control until the 2027 campaign) or Keller (who won’t become a free agent until 2026). Both would figure prominently into any kind of rebirth next season for the Pirates, so dealing them away now would make little sense … unless a team completely blows Pittsburgh out of the water with a trade proposal.

While the Pirates may indeed look to move some players at the MLB trade deadline, it seems that any of the rumors around Bednar, Keller or Andrew McCutchen would simply seem to be rumors and nothing more.

Apr 18, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) follows through on a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) follows through on a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Shohei Ohtani rumors: New teams in the mix for the two-way superstar?

According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, it seems that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants aren’t the only two teams that are hoping to work a miracle and find a path to trade with the Los Angeles Angels for Shohei Ohtani.

Both the Orioles and Diamondbacks are interesting names as both would receive a sure boost as they fight for the top of the American League East and National League West, respectively. Either Baltimore or Arizona landing Ohtani would also be a blow to those team’s division rivals in the New York Yankees (AL East) and Dodgers and Giants in the NL West, all of whom are hoping to lure Ohtani to their clubhouse.

As mentioned in the tweet, both teams do have prospects that could be used as trade collateral … but is it enough to take Ohtani away from the Angels? Also, would these two teams that have worked so hard to get into postseason position be willing to mortgage their near futures for an Ohtani rental and a hope they could sign him to a long-term deal?

It’s a fascinating thought, but there are still plenty of indications that the Angels will not give up Ohtani at the MLB trade deadline, especially with the team within 4.0 games of an AL Wild Card slot heading into Monday’s action.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 02: Adam Duvall #18 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 02, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 02: Adam Duvall #18 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 02, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves rumors: A reunion with Adam Duvall in the cards?

According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, Adam Duvall, currently with the Boston Red Sox, could be a trade target for the Atlanta Braves. In his article, McAdam writes, “The Sox could conceivably trade Duvall – the Braves are said to have some interest in yet another reunion with him – to acquire some pitching or fill other needs.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that the Braves have been interested in bringing Duvall aboard. On July 30, 2021, Duvall was traded by the Miami Marlins to the Atlanta Braves for Alex Jackson. It was part of a grand plan for Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos to rebuild his outfield and turn it into a strength for the Braves. Duvall was one of the keys to Atlanta not only turning around their season, but also securing the World Series that year.

Could the 34-year-old Duvall have one more bit of magic in him to help the Braves back to the Fall Classic in 2023? It would be a different scenario as Atlanta is already churning through their schedule and looking like the favorites to win the NL pennant. Duvall would likely be brought on as more depth rather than being counted on to carry the load this time around.

For what it’s worth, Duvall seems happy in Boston (who is battling for their own postseason spot), telling McAdam, “It’ll be a surprise to me if something happens. I really like this group of guys.”

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