Happy Wednesday, everyone! As expected, teams are in a tizzy about the Trade Deadline, especially as potential buyers like the Brewers and Yankees are losing key players to IL stints. Things are likely to heat up exponentially between now and the end of the weekend, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on everything going down. But in the meantime, we also have non-Trade Deadline news to offer, including speculation over who will be the AL MVP with Aaron Judge no longer in consideration after missing
much of the season. Even the NL MVP race might be tighter than usual this season.
We also look at bobblehead drama, CBA negotiation drama, and an update on the Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal with new audio.
So let’s get right into it.
- Dan Szymborski makes some theoretical trades ahead of the upcoming deadline.
- The Dodgers are sure to be buyers at the deadline, so let’s take a look at what prospects they might have on offer. Story by Eric Longenhagen.
- The Brewers trade deadline goals might be changing as Jake Bauers hits the IL with his return timeline TBD. (MLB)
- Mark Feinsand answers some burning Trade Deadline questions.
- Tim Capurso assesses which GMs are under the most pressure heading into the Deadline.
- Karl Rasmussen looks at some outfielders the Yankees might target with Cody Bellinger on the IL.
- Ken Rosenthal shares how the Tigers’ recent slide might make them more willing to listen on Tarik Skubal this week. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Juan Soto, bullpen arm? (Here’s a direct link to the Bluesky post for those on Apple News)
- Jay Jaffe looks at how some polarizing honorees resulted in a somewhat sparse crowd for this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
- David Laurila looks at how Caleb Durbin’s comeback has helped turn the season around for the Red Sox.
- An updated look at some Trade Deadline rumors. (MLB)
- Tim Stebbins looks at how a hit-by-pitch turned into a grand slam for the Guardians.
- Zach Meisel looks at why some players are still worried about gambling safeguards after last season’s Clase scandal. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Jimmy Traina has some burning questions about MLB bobblehead giveaways.
- Curtis Mead has a broken wrist, according to X-rays, a disappointing end to his debut game. (ESPN)
- Evan Drellich looks at how “50-50” is causing some tension and confusion between MLB and MLBPA in CBA negotiations. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- I love miniature things as much as the next gal, but I remember when real hats cost this much.
- Davy Andrews explains how a 12-game losing streak have forced the Marlins to become potential sellers.
- Kiri Oler shares who will be managing the WPBL teams this upcoming season.
- How a wily squirrel stole the focus at a Tigers’ game this week. Story by Cody Stavenhagen. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Jason Foster looks at the frontrunners for MVP and the runaway leader in the AL probably won’t surprise you.
- On that note, Tom Verducci explains how Yordan Alvarez could win two types of Triple Crowns.
- Ryan Phillips offers some potential (realistic) trades for Mason Miller.
- New audio sheds some new insights into the case against Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter. (ESPN)
- How this season is proving MLB wrong when they claim there is no competitive balance. Story by Ken Rosenthal. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- When your bestie gets clipped…
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
