As Memorial Day nears, the MLB trade rumor season begins to take shape, providing insights into potential storylines leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. Recognizing the evolving nature of trade discussions, Moneyline has developed a 'BS Meter' that categorizes speculation into four levels: non-existent, low, medium, and high. This framework enables readers to gauge the credibility of various reports regarding player transactions.

One of the recent rumors involves Philadelphia Phillies' interest in veteran relief pitcher David Robertson, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand noted that the Phillies had made an inquiry prior to José Alvarado’s suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. However, Feinsand emphasized that "no serious talks took place." The credibility of this report appears relatively strong, particularly as the Phillies are in need of bullpen reinforcements following Alvarado's absence. Despite Robertson’s impressive statistics from the previous season, he remains a free agent, prompting questions about his market value and future plans. It remains to be seen whether he will sign with the Phillies or another team, but his readiness for action will likely take some time regardless of the outcome.

In another rumor, Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggested that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have been "closely monitoring" Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, anticipating a potential trade. The Rockies, traditionally hesitant to shed key players even amidst underperformance, have not shown clear intent to deal McMahon, who is struggling offensively this season. Teams may not exhibit strong willingness to trade for McMahon, considering his performance combined with his contract obligations. Whether the Dodgers are a suitable trade partner for McMahon is also questionable, given their current roster dynamics.

Jon Heyman recently stated that the chance of the Pittsburgh Pirates trading Paul Skenes this summer is practically nonexistent. Skenes, a promising 22-year-old talent, has demonstrated considerable potential with a strong ERA in his first few MLB starts. With the Pirates in a rebuilding phase, it seems unlikely they would part with such a pivotal player at this stage in his career. The conversation surrounding Skenes emphasizes the value of nurturing emerging talent within the organization.

Additionally, Nightengale speculated that Rhys Hoskins could be an attractive option for the Boston Red Sox should the Milwaukee Brewers choose to make trades. While this suggestion is rooted more in personal opinion than any definitive report, Hoskins' power hitting profile could suit Fenway Park's dimensions. The Brewers' current standing adds complexity to any potential trades, as they are still within range of contention in their division. However, past decisions have shown that the Brewers are willing to move veteran players, indicating that Hoskins could be a player to watch if the Brewers decide to explore trades.

Lastly, Jon Heyman remarked on the status of Luis Robert Jr., stating that he would not be traded if his performance does not improve. Robert, who had previously been seen as a valuable long-term asset, is currently struggling offensively and has a notable injury history. Given the dynamics of Major League Baseball, teams would likely be cautious in pursuing a trade for Robert under current circumstances, emphasizing the complexities surrounding player performance and trade value.