Trade rumors: Mariners' starters, LA-Skubal, Yankees' catching options

The All-Star break is here, but there’s no break for trade speculation.

With the Trade Deadline now just three weeks away, here's a look at some of the latest hot topics swirling in the rumor mill, including the Mariners possibly dealing a starting pitcher, the Dodgers’ interest in Tarik Skubal and the Yankees’ options to land a big bat behind the plate.

Mariners reportedly open to trading starting pitcher

The Mariners entered the 2026 season with legitimate World Series aspirations but have gone 48-49 so far, in large part because they are averaging only 4.04 runs per game (third worst in MLB).

For years, Seattle has refrained from dipping into its stock of controllable starting pitchers to improve other areas of its roster, but there’s a chance that could change this season. After The Athletic (subscription required) wrote Thursday that the likelihood of the Mariners trading a starting pitcher appeared to be growing, USA Today reported Sunday that Seattle has been informing other teams that it is indeed open to trading a starter for a back-end reliever and/or a right-handed bat.

The Mariners have five starters in the Majors who are under team control beyond 2026 -- Logan Gilbert (through 2027), George Kirby (through ’28), Bryan Woo (through ’29), Bryce Miller (through ’29) and Emerson Hancock (through ’30) -- plus Luis Castillo who is signed through ’27. They also have MLB’s top pitching prospect, Kade Anderson, dominating in Double-A.

Castillo appears to be the most likely to be dealt, but he’s also the least desirable hurler of the bunch as a 33-year-old with a 4.93 ERA this season and a $22.75 million salary this year and next. So the Mariners may need to dangle one of their other starters to bring back a truly impactful piece.

Are Dodgers lurking in Skubal market?

Given their strong farm system and win-now mindset, the Dodgers have long seemed like a natural trade fit for Skubal.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, however, Los Angeles has been indicating that it is only mildly interested in the two-time Cy Young winner, with starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow working their way back from the IL.

Other teams aren’t so sure. Writing for the New York Post (subscription required), Heyman notes that a number of rival clubs suspect the Dodgers are underselling their interest in Skubal.

Tigers, Red Sox flip the script on Deadline expectations

Of course, speculation about the Dodgers' intentions with Skubal might end up being moot. With Detroit surging, Skubal seems far less likely to be traded than he was a couple weeks ago.

The Tigers entered June with a 22-38 record on the heels of a 6-22 May, but they’ve posted an AL-best 22-14 record since that point. Detroit is now just 3 1/2 games out in the race for the third AL Wild Card spot.

The Tigers aren’t the only once-presumed seller that has reversed course lately. The Red Sox have done the same with a 14-2 run that has moved them to within a half-game of the third AL Wild Card spot and silenced trade chatter surrounding Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.

How will Yankees address catching woes?

It’s no secret the Yankees have a major need behind the plate. General manager Brian Cashman didn't beat around the bush when he was asked about the situation recently. Even with Austin Wells homering in consecutive games last week, New York’s backstops have combined for a 46 wRC+ (tied for worst in MLB) this season. Wells himself has a 42 wRC+, second worst among hitters with at least 200 plate appearances in 2026.

However, while the Yankees may wish to upgrade at that position prior to the Trade Deadline, their options to do so could be limited.

In a recent piece for ESPN, Jeff Passan offered up a pair of potential fts for New York, mentioning the Twins’ Ryan Jeffers as the “best match” and the Rockies’ Hunter Goodman as a “dream” target.

But according to USA Today, the Rockies plan to keep Goodman, who ranks sixth in MLB with 27 homers and is controllable through 2029.

Jeffers is a pending free agent, but the Twins could hold onto him past the Deadline if they remain within striking distance of a playoff berth. Per Heyman, Minnesota is currently debating whether it should buy or sell after closing out the first half on a 6-2 run to move into a tie for the third AL Wild Card spot.