MLB rumors: St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates

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As Friday begins, let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors, including notes on the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins.

MLB rumors: Cardinals and Dodgers have talked Nolan Arenado trade

As we mentioned in a rumors column earlier in the week, the Dodgers are reportedly interested in trying to pry Nolan Arenado away from the Cardinals in what would be a league-shifting trade. On Thursday, Jorge Castillo of The Los Angeles Times reported that the two sides “have engaged in talks” about the Dodgers acquiring the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner to man the hot corner at Chavez Ravine.

Of course, it will take quite a haul to bring Arenado to Los Angeles, and Castillo mentions that it might not just be Arenado coming from L.A., writing, “The Cardinals could also send a starting pitcher — Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery — to Los Angeles for a package of major leaguers and prospects.”

And here’s where it gets really interesting. According to Castillo, “The Cardinals would want young pitching in a deal; they have eyed Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ryan Pepiot, and Emmet Sheehan in talks, according to people with knowledge of the situation.” Castillo then adds that Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, or perhaps both would leave L.A. for St. Louis as part of the trade package as well.

If (and it’s a big if) it were to come to fruition, it would be a massive deal that would change the look of both franchises and accomplish goals for each. The Dodgers would be set for a World Series run this season and the Cardinals would have a stronger roster ahead of a retool for the 2024 campaign.

Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong (11) runs home to score against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB rumors: Cardinals infielder wanted by Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins?

Among the Cardinals who could be dealt at the MLB trade deadline is shortstop Paul DeJong, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. A tweet circulating on Thursday afternoon indicated that both the Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox had interest in DeJong, and interest was piqued even further when DeJong was not in the St. Louis starting lineup for Thursday’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs. However, there seemed to be a logical reason for his absence.

Just a day off for Paul DeJong, I'm told. Cardinals open four-game set with Cubs tonight at Busch. ... FWIW, he and Nootbaar went into yesterday tied for most games played in the majors in July.
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) July 27, 2023

DeJong has heated up at the right time for the Cardinals to improve his trade value, slashing .271/.314/.375 in 51 plate appearances since the All-Star break. However, while DeJong’s batting average has improved, his power numbers have taken a bit of a dive. After coming back from a back injury that had him on the injured list to start the season, DeJong smacked 12 home runs in 245 plate appearances before the Midsummer Classic. He has just one home run since.

It’s also about defense for DeJong as he is in the 94th percentile in Outs Above Average per Baseball Savant.

Jul 14, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB rumors: Plenty of Pirates leaving Pittsburgh in trades?

Pittsburgh sent Carlos Santana to Milwaukee on Thursday, and, based on the buzz around the team, it’s possible that plenty of other Pirates could be shipped out before the MLB trade deadline.

Pirates are getting a lot of hits on Hill, Bednar, Keller and Holderman
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 27, 2023

That would be a lot of pitchers gathering interest, including starting pitcher Rich Hill, closer David Bednar, starting pitcher Mitch Keller, and reliever Colin Holderman. Unlike the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres, it is known that the Pirates are going to be selling, so it’s make sense they would draw plenty of attention, especially with names like Marcus Stroman, Josh Hader and Blake Snell in what feels like a no man’s land with neither of their teams committing to selling at the moment despite disappointing seasons.

While there could be plenty of changes in Pittsburgh, one thing that will not change is outfielder Andrew McCutchen as the Pirates are committed to keeping him through the end of the season after his return to the Steel City was such an emotional moment for Pittsburgh fans.

Will Pittsburgh pull the trigger on trades before names like Stroman, Hader and Snell potentially enter the trade market? It’s something to keep an eye on.

Next. These are the Cardinals who could be traded. dark

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