As Major League Baseball approaches the trade deadline on July 31, discussions surrounding potential trades are gaining momentum, especially with Memorial Day on the horizon. While the trade rumor season typically intensifies in June, preliminary conversations and insights are beginning to emerge, painting a picture of possible developments for teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the crucial timeframe. To evaluate the credibility of these rumors, Moneyline has introduced a BS Meter categorized into four levels: non-existent, low, medium, and high. This tool aims to provide clarity on how much weight to assign to the information circulating among baseball analysts and insiders.

One prominent rumor, reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, indicated that the Philadelphia Phillies reached out to reliever David Robertson prior to the announcement of José Alvarado's 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing substances. Feinsand made it clear that no serious negotiations took place, suggesting a BS Meter rating of low. The potential need for bullpen support was acute for the Phillies, particularly in light of Alvarado's absence. While Robertson, who managed a 3.00 ERA and 2.65 FIP with the Texas Rangers last season, is still a free agent, questions linger regarding his availability and readiness to join a new team. Observers are left pondering his current situation: whether he is seeking a lucrative multi-year deal or contemplating the next phase of his career. Regardless, it is anticipated that he will play in the current season, with uncertainty surrounding the destination, be it the Phillies or another organization.

In further trade discussions, Bob Nightengale from USA Today mentioned that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are closely monitoring Colorado Rockies' infielder Ryan McMahon, as the Rockies might consider trading him. This speculation raises the BS Meter to high given the Rockies' historical tendency not to engage in major transactions, even amid below-par performances. With McMahon's current statistics—including a .211 batting average and .706 OPS—questions arise about which teams would exhibit enthusiasm in trading for him, especially since he is contracted to earn $32 million over the next couple of seasons. Should the Rockies decide to trade him, a potential scenario involves them absorbing some salary or accepting a lesser prospect return to facilitate the deal. However, unless the Dodgers believe in the possibility of Max Muncy rebounding from his slump, they may not find McMahon a logical fit on their roster.

Furthermore, in his latest statements on the B/R stream, Jon Heyman dismissed the likelihood of the Pittsburgh Pirates trading pitching prospect Paul Skenes this summer, rating the situation as non-existent. Despite some fans speculating about such a move in light of the Pirates’ struggles, Skenes, at 22 years old, represents a significant asset for the franchise, poised to become arbitration-eligible in 2027. Known for his impressive 2.12 ERA across his first 33 MLB starts, the idea of trading Skenes at this early stage in his career appears to be unfounded. While the Pirates may eventually consider such options as Skenes nears free agency, the current narrative does not reflect any credible intentions to part with such a pivotal talent.

Finally, Nightengale also suggested that Rhys Hoskins could be an ideal addition for the Boston Red Sox should the Milwaukee Brewers opt to sell. While his comments represent opinion rather than concrete reporting, the notion of a power-hitting first baseman excelling at Fenway Park resonates well. The Brewers are currently maintaining a competitive standing at 24-26 and may not be inclined to trade Hoskins if they aim to retain a shot at contention. However, his significant rebound from a prior injury, leading to a .902 OPS, could prompt the Brewers to consider moving him for prospects, especially in light of his respected standing in the clubhouse and the opportunity to divest from his contract option for 2026.

In the same vein, Heyman shared thoughts on Luis Robert Jr. and the implications of his recent performance. He remarked that Robert is unlikely to be traded while batting under .200, a sentiment that holds considerable truth. Once viewed as a team-friendly contract, Robert is currently struggling at the plate, demonstrating an overall lack of consistency that would deter teams from offering significant returns in a potential trade. With portions of his salary tied to club options, it remains to be seen whether he retains value as a rental player. Again, while teams might view him as a viable option down the line, the likelihood of attracting serious offers hinges on a resurgence in his performance.