The new MLB season is closing out its first month, but there are already rumors flying about a few big names who could be dealt before the trade deadline. There are also injuries for teams to deal with, as well as preparations for the draft in June. Here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know.
Top MLB prospect hoping to drop to Padres
17-year-old Hunter Greene is one of the top prospects in the upcoming MLB draft, as he is a pitcher (who can throw 100 mph) and shortstop. He projects to be a pitcher at he professional level, and he doing what he can so that he falls to the San Diego Padres with the No. 3 pick, according to R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports.
Alas, while Greene is probably a pitcher heading forward, there's speculation he's not going to pitch for the rest of his season. According to John Manuel of Baseball America, that could be because Greene wants to slide to the San Diego Padres, who own the No. 3 pick. Per Manuel, who called Greene's desire to drop to San Diego a "poorly kept secret," Greene would like to remain on the West Coast and likes that his throwing program is similar to the Padres'. It's unclear how effective Greene's play will be, however, and Manuel says the Cincinnati Reds (who pick second) are willing to call his bluff.
Pirates trying to acquire outfield help
Following Starling Marte's 80-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy, the Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to trade for some outfield help, according to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The Pirates are looking for outfield help outside their organization as the ripple effects of Starling Marte’s steroid suspension continue, general manager Neal Huntington said.
After Marte was suspended 80 games because he tested positive for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, the Pirates promoted Jose Osuna. He, Adam Frazier and John Jaso have played right field, with Andrew McCutchen moving back to center. Osuna’s best position is first base.
“If we felt there was something better internally at this point in time, we’d make that move,” Huntington said. “As we sit here today, this is the right 25 for us in our minds.”
Marte was batting .241 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 13 games this season before the suspension. Last year, Marte hit a career-high .311.
David Price may be out until June
The Boston Red Sox have slowed down pitcher David Price's recovery timeline from his elbow injury, meaning he could be out until sometime in June, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
The Red Sox are calling it a slowdown, not a setback. But however you parse the language, it’s clear that David Price may not rejoin the team until sometime in June — if then.
Price went 17-9 with a 3.99 ERA and 228 strikeouts last season.
Follow our MLB page for all the latest MLB news or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the MLB Newsfeed