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MLB Rumors: Cubs panic, Brewers switch lanes, Reds trade targets

By Mark Powell

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Marcus Stroman and David Ross of the Chicago Cubs greet before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Marcus Stroman and David Ross of the Chicago Cubs greet before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) /
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May 26, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn (33) waits to greet relief pitcher Keynan Middleton (99) in the dugout after Middleton had a 1-2-3 seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Rumors: Reds in trade talks with the White Sox

It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Reds want to upgrade their rotation. It’s one of the more obvious weaknesses with the NL Central leaders, as the Reds competitive window opened far sooner than they expected. Buoyed by Elly De La Cruz and a host of young players playing for the team’s first postseason berth in quite awhile, Cincinnati’s front office doesn’t want to waste this opportunity.

The Reds farm system remains strong, which is why they are one of the more intriguing buyers on the market. The Chicago White Sox, a clear seller in the AL Central, have taken note. Trade talks between the two teams are reportedly underway, with Jon Morosi reporting Cincinnati’s interest in Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito, for starters.

Dylan Cease feels like a pipe dream, as he would cost an arm and a leg, but Giolito is arguably having a better season and can be had. Giolito has a 3.45 ERA and in his final start prior to the All-Star Break threw seven innings of two-run ball against the Cardinals. Lynn, meanwhile, struggled for the majority of the first half, but struck out 11 in seven innings of one-hit ball against the Blue Jays in his final start prior to the break. Should he continue to pitch at that rate, his value will only increase for a White Sox team looking to retool for 2024.

Lynn may be the more realistic target for the Reds. The organization is hungry to win, sure, but over-investing in a team still a year or two away from being a true World Series contender isn’t wise, as it would rid the system of much-needed depth. Lynn has experience in the NL Central, and likely won’t cost all that much. He also has another year left on his contract.

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