The trade season started on Wednesday with the Cubs landing a lefty David Peterson from the Mets. It’s not really a blockbuster, but it can show the direction of the organization in both directions. Speaking of business…
1. Top 35 Trade Candidates article drops today
We’re publishing a full list of the most interesting trade pieces heading into the August 3 trade deadline. It’s the perfect prelude to what should be a busy six weeks of rumors and deals. Check it out later today!
2. Swanson’s big doubleheader
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson put together a good performance in Wednesday’s Twins bill against the Mets. He broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning of Game 1 with a three-run homer, then put the game away with a grand slam two innings later. Swanson had three more hits in the nightcap. He drove in four runs, giving him 11 RBIs on the day. Swanson set the record for most runs scored in a doubleheader, surpassing Ron Santo’s 10 RBI on July 6, 1970 (h/t Bill Ladson of MLB.com). The pitcher now has 15 RBI in three games in New York, the most of any player in the series against the Mets. And he still has one more game to add to the tally.
3. Bet hits HR milestone
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts you took Joe Ryan into the second half of last night’s game against the Twins. It marked the eight-time All-Star’s 300th career homer. Betts missed part of the 2026 campaign with an oblique strain, and struggled to get back on track after returning from injury. He’s been hot lately, posting an .882 OPS with three home runs over his last 15 games. Betts, 33, may not have the 40-homer pop he showed in his MVP season, but he’s taken it from a power standpoint this year. After hitting 20 homers in 663 plate appearances last season, he is nine to 200 PAs in 2026.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
