Baseball Insiders: Freddie Freeman dumps agent, Frankie Montas-Cardinals fit and more

This week’s Baseball Insiders Podcast focused on the MLB rumors at the trade deadline, which is a little over a month away.

FanSided’s Mark Carman and Robert Murray sat down on Tuesday’s Baseball Insiders Podcast to discuss all things baseball. With the MLB trade deadline a little over a month away, you can be sure the overwhelming majority of the conversation centered around that, despite a question about Freddie Freeman firing his agent.

The discussion was so in-depth that during the show Murray actually had to excuse himself from the podcast in order to field a phone call. Despite his best efforts, all Carman could squeeze out of his co-host was that the phone conversation centered around a hitter.

But enough about Carm and Bert, you all want to know about the upcoming MLB trade deadline and whether your favorite team is buying or selling. So let’s talk about what happened on the latest episode of the Baseball Insiders Podcast.

MLB rumors: Will the Cardinals chase A’s starter Frankie Montas?

Look for the St. Louis Cardinals to be actively pursuing bullpen help at the trade deadline. The Cardinals relief corps ranks 12th in all of baseball with a 3.65 ERA and are about in the middle of the pack in nearly every category.

The St. Louis bullpen, however, ranks near the bottom of the league in punch outs (251), so maybe they’ll be targeting a pitcher who knows how to fill up the strike zone.

With the injury concerns surrounding Jack Flaherty, who just went back on the IL, St. Louis may be in the market for a starter. But don’t look for the Cardinals to target a high-end pitcher like Oakland’s Frankie Montas. The A’s hurler will require a huge haul; one that the Cards are unlikely to pay.

MLB rumors: What will the NY Mets do at the trade deadline?

With Pete Alonso being the only “big bat” in the Mets lineup, don’t be surprised if grabbing another power-hitter ranks high on New York’s to-do list. J.D. Martinez was once thought to be a candidate to head to the Big Apple, but with Boston righting the ship, that seems unlikely.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last week that the Mets were targeting Luis Castillo, but they weren’t the only team after the Cincinnati Reds starter. The San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins were also part of that report.

MLB rumors: Will the Blue Jays improve the outfield?

Two names emerged during The Baseball Insiders Podcast as possible trade candidates for the Toronto Blue Jays. Don’t be surprised if Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ or Kansas City Royals Andrew Benintendi find their way to the Great White North.

Beintindi will require a lot in return. With Kansas City still squarely in the middle of a rebuild, the Royals will be looking to get as much as possible for their Gold Glove Award-winning left fielder.

MLB rumors: What other Cubs could be on the move at the trade deadline?

Ian Happ will certainly draw some attention on the trade market, but are there other players on the Chicago Cubs roster who may find a new home before August 2nd? Pitchers Wade Miley, who’s currently on the IL, and Kyle Hendricks will be a pair of names to keep an eye on.

Catcher Willson Contreras, however, is possibly the biggest name that will be moved at the deadline. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to the free agent to-be and their young catcher and former top prospect, Joey Bart, has struggled in 2022.

Quick hits…Joey Gallo’s market, Padres starter on the trade block?

• The New York Yankees would surely move Joey Gallo before the trade deadline, but his market will be very small.
• The San Diego Padres may look to trade one of their starting pitchers with Blake Snell and Mike Clevinger as the most likely candidates to move.
• Might the Milwaukee Brewers be in the market for a starter? It’s possible. Freddy Peralta is on the 60-day IL and Brandon Woodruff is just returning from a stint on the Injured List.
• Some other names to keep an eye on at the trade deadline are Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell, Chicago Cubs reliever David Robertson, and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta.