MLB Rumors: Red Sox can cash in on Adam Duvall

Boston Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall is considered one of the best players at his position who is available at the trade deadline. Of course, this puts Boston in a complicated spot for several reasons. First, the Red Sox aren't out of the AL Wild Card race by any means. Second, should they try to invest in Duvall long term themselves, or trade him elsewhere for assets?

Eventually, Chaim Bloom's long-term vision has to start coming into focus. Bloom's Red Sox didn't deliver in the 2022 season, and then lost Xander Bogaerts in the offseason. While dealing Duvall wouldn't have anything close to that sort of impact, it does signal raising the white flag.

As FanSided's Eric Cole points out, Duvall is a desirable asset for many reasons, not the least of which is his production. Duvall is on a cheap contract (one year, $7 million), provides significant pop at the plate and offers defensive versatility in the outfield.

Much of Boston's willingness to trade Duvall will depend on how they perform leading up to the deadline. Should the Red Sox struggle to maintain much footing in the postseason race, then it'll make their decision much easier. Duvall is sure to demand a larger contract this winter, so Boston risks losing him for nothing.

Potential suitors for Duvall include his former team, the Atlanta Braves, as well as any team in need to outfield help.

MLB Rumors: Astros interested in Cubs' Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman

The Houston Astros could use an upgrade at first base and starting pitcher. With that in mind, it's not so shocking that Dana Brown has reportedly been in contact with the Cubs about Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman, per Bob Nightengale.

Bellinger has primarily been courted as an outfielder, and Houston is certainly flexible as to how they would use the former NL MVP. If anything, Bellinger resembles a deadline acquisition of Houston's from 2022 in Trey Mancini. Should the Astros pull the trigger on this trade, though, they certainly hope Bellinger acclimates to Houston far better than his predecessor.

The Astros acquired Jose Abreu this past offseason, and he's failed to live up to expectations. Acquiring Bellinger would move Abreu to the bench permanently.

Stroman, meanwhile, is the hottest name on the starting pitching market, and for good reason. Houston's rotation has dealt with injuries all season, namely to Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy. Recent struggles from rookie Hunter Brown have only heightened concerns for the Astros as they looked to repeat as World Series champions.

MLB Rumors: Cardinals shopping several stars, but not THOSE stars

No, Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt aren't for sale. We've known this for quite some time, but it hasn't stopped insiders from speculating on what the asking price would be from St. Louis' perspective.

While Arenado and Goldy will stay put, Bob Nightengale did float a number of other capable Cardinals who could be traded by the deadline.

"The Cardinals are certainly open for business, as president John Mozeliak says, but they will NOT be trading first baseman Paul Goldschmidt or third baseman Nolan Arenado. This is not a rebuild. They want to win in 2024. They instead are shopping starters Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty and relievers Jordan Hicks, Ryan Helsley and Genesis Cabrera."

You can throw Tyler O'Neill and perhaps even Dylan Carlson into that mix, as well. The Cards have a ton of outfield depth, and trading from a position of strength is always wiser than the alternative.

Luckily for the Cardinals, this is expected to be a relatively quiet trade deadline. So, they are one of only a few teams open to selling this early on in the process. Montgomery and Flaherty are two solid starting pitchers on expiring contracts. Should the front office decide to pair both, they can likely receive some good prospect capital in return. The same can be said about outfielders Carlson and O'Neill.

As for Hicks, Helsley and Cabrera, bullpen pieces are hard to come by now that the Royals have traded Aroldis Chapman.