MLB Rumors: Padres and Dodgers both in on Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez
The rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers runs deep. These two franchises have seen their fair share of bench clearing brawls, extra-inning games and batters thrown at. But this rivalry runs even deeper than it appears. It runs deeper than just a baseball game. These two teams have found themselves competing at the trade deadline, off the field, in a war for starting pitching.
Both of these teams desperately need a starting pitcher or two. They are also no strangers to spending a ton of money and prospect capital in order to get what they want. Unlike teams like the Cubs and the Reds who have added some of the lower-level trade pieces, these two squads have their eyes on the big prizes: Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez.
While Verlander isn't a guarantee to be moved, Rodriguez is seen as almost 100 percent certain to be traded. These two teams are two of the top teams in the market for both players, which is going to result in a no-holds barred bidding war as the trade deadline approaches. Losing a trade target is crushing by itself but losing that target to a division rival is even worse. Both of these teams will likely do whatever it takes to make sure they get the guy they want and don't leave any scraps for their rival.
MLB Rumors: Braves mentioned as a potential suitor for Justin Verlander, again
It seems like every year, the Braves make a move that completely shifts the outlook of the National League. Alex Anthopoulos has truly gained a reputation for being a trade deadline wizard and he looks to continue to work his magic with mere hours left before the trade deadline.
Atlanta hasn't been the most active team in the trade market this season, but that seems bound to change. Recent rumors have connected Atlanta to the biggest piece currently on the trade market: Justin Verlander. Yeah, that isn't a typo. Justin Verlander could end up in Atlanta by the days end. And it would completely destroy a lot of hope for other teams in the NL.
If the Braves were to add Verlander, they would be taking a three-time Cy Young winner and adding him to the best team in the league, which already has an incredible offense and the MLB leader in strikeouts. A healthy Atlanta team could trot out Justin Verlander, Spencer Strider and Max Fried across a three-game stretch.
While nothing is certain and a Verlander trade is still far from complete, it's incredibly noteworthy that Atlanta is once again in on the 40-year-old ace. If they can make a trade happen, the MLB is in big, big trouble.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals not done, could move multiple bats before the deadline
The St Louis Cardinals have not been shy as the trade deadline has approached. They have already moved three pitchers, Jordan Hicks, Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton. But Jon Morosi of MLB Network has noted that St Louis isn't done in the trade market just yet. He even went on to drop the names of a few players they have been discussing, notably some hitters. Paul DeJong, Dylan Carlson and Alec Burleson have all been rumored to have their names thrown around by the Cardinals front office.
In terms of production, these three names have struggled this year. All three are hitting under .240 on the season and DeJong is the only one with an OPS above .700. Carlson and Burleson, both 24, provide the youth that could be intriguing to many teams.
But their value can truly be seen when you take a look at their team control. Carlson and Burleson both hold multiple years of arbitration left, under team control until at least 2026. DeJong on the other hand, has a team option for next season and for the year after that. They could gain true value through their controllability.
There's plenty of teams that could be in the market for young, controllable hitters. While a trade isn't a guarantee, it should be noted the Cardinals are actively still shopping Major League talent on the day of the deadline.
