MLB rumors: Justin Verlander wild card destinations, Pirates buzz, more
By Kevin Henry
Some of the latest MLB rumors involving the Pittsburgh Pirates, Justin Verlander’s future with the New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds.
The morning’s MLB rumors with the MLB trade deadline just hours away start with the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB rumors: Cincinnati Reds looking to boost rotation?
According to Jon Morosi, the Reds could be looking to add starting pitching at the MLB trade deadline.
The Reds remain involved in the starting pitching trade market on Deadline Day, but they are somewhat reluctant to pay high prices for top-of-the-market arms; Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are expected to rejoin the Reds rotation during the regular season. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 1, 2023
The keys to Cincinnati’s willingness to pay for a starter is that last sentence, as the Reds believe that the return of Lodolo and Greene can indeed be like adding another starter or two through a trade. If Cincinnati can get those two back in time for a stretch run, that’s a big plus for a Reds team that could well be battling Milwaukee for the top of the NL Central for the final two full months of the season.
How aggressive will Cincinnati be, with its youth movement in full swing? The chemistry seems right in the Queen City, and Joey Votto has clearly regained his swing. Perhaps the Reds will add minor pieces, boosting the team without mortgaging high-ranked prospects and see if the magic of the 2023 season will continue with a postseason berth.