Trade rumors: Yankees, Luis García Jr., Holmes, Cubs

The All-Star break is a thing of the past, and the Trade Deadline on Aug. 3 is quickly coming into focus.

Here's a look at some of the latest topics swirling in the rumor mill, including a breakout bat drawing interest, a starting pitcher on the mend and what the Yankees' plan is amid the latest Aaron Judge news.

What now for the Yankees?

The Yankees received relatively lukewarm news on the Aaron Judge front on Friday afternoon. Re-imaging that Judge took over the All-Star break showed healing in Judge's fractured right rib, but not enough to clear the three-time MVP to resume baseball activities.

Judge, who last played on May 31, maintained that he expects to play again this season.

Without Judge, the Yankees are averaging 4.16 runs per game, which ranks eighth worst in the Majors. It's no secret that the Bombers miss their captain, and the need for offense was further underscored in a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers on Friday evening.

So, where might the Yankees pursue upgrades? Catcher remains a likely target, with general Brian Cashman acknowledging that the club's catching is "an issue." New York's catchers have combined for a .519 OPS this season, tied with the White Sox for the lowest mark in baseball.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, don't expect the Yankees to prioritize an upgrade at shortstop, where Anthony Volpe and José Caballero continue to split time. That means Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor isn't a fit in the Bronx. Even amid news that the Mets are open to listening to offers for Lindor, they are still "very unlikely," per Heyman, to deal the five-time All-Star. Even if that wasn't the case, don't expect Lindor to be switching boroughs any time soon.

Is a new bat on the market?

To this point, the Nationals have been one of baseball's feel-good stories. They enter play on Saturday just three games out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League. But that hasn't stopped teams from inquiring about one of their breakout hitters.

Earlier on Saturday morning, The Athletic reported that multiple teams are expressing interest in Washington first baseman Luis García Jr.. Although the Nationals value García highly -- the 26-year-old is a key part of one of the league's best offenses and has another year of club control -- they are reportedly open to listening.

García is enjoying a breakout season, hitting .284/.317/.554 with a career-high 20 home runs and a 136 OPS+, which means that his production has been 36% better than league average. A left-handed hitter, most of his damage comes against right-handed pitching (.909 OPS in 278 plate appearances) compared to southpaws (.619 OPS in 41 plate appearances). Defensively, after rating in the sixth-percentile in outs above average at second base in 2025, he made the full-time switch to first base. That's seen OK returns, as García rates slightly above average in Statcast's fielding run value metric.

There aren't too many high-profile hitters on the market, which could bode well for the Nationals in a potential return. We'll see what president of baseball operations Paul Toboni decides to do here in his first Deadline at the helm of the organization.

This potential trade chip is on his way back

According to reports from SNY's Chelsea Janes and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman (New York Post subscription required), the Mets are open for business. And one of their most-valuable trade chips is taking a significant step toward a return to the big league mound.

Veteran right-hander Clay Holmes -- sidelined since mid-May with a fractured fibula -- is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Saturday night with High-A Brooklyn.

It's unclear how many rehab starts Holmes will need before returning to the Majors, but he certainly seems to be progressing well. Holmes threw 40 pitches in his first live batting practice on July 10 without issue, then faced Minor Leaguers with Brooklyn during the All-Star break.

The 33-year-old pitched to a 2.39 ERA through nine starts before landing on the IL. In parts of two seasons with the Mets, Holmes has a 3.26 ERA in 42 appearances (40 starts), having successfully transitioned from a high-leverage relief pitcher to a dependable starting pitcher.

Of course, it's possible that the Mets decide not to trade Holmes, who can decline a $12 million player option and become a free agent at the end of the season. On Friday, SNY's Janes reported that the Mets are expected to begin potential extension talks with Holmes in the upcoming days. Of note, Holmes recently told The Athletic that he is "definitely open" to signing an extension with the Mets.

The Cubs are looking for pitching

The Cubs have been beset by a rash of pitching injuries, which makes their Deadline plan clear: pitching, pitching and more pitching.

"I think I've said it to you a million times: You can't have enough pitching," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on Friday. "You never have enough."

Chicago has a slew of pitchers working their way back from injury, including right-handers Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown. But Hoyer said that any impending returns will not temper the club's need.

The Cubs entered play on Saturday trailing the first-place Brewers by six games in the NL Central. Their starting rotation has pitched to a 4.52 ERA, which is eighth worst in the Majors.

It's not just the rotation: Chicago is currently operating without its Opening Day closer, Daniel Palencia, who has not made much progress in his rehab from a mild right flexor strain that landed him on the IL in mid-June. Palencia's absence leaves a void to be filled at the back end of the bullpen.