As Major League Baseball approaches the August 3 trade deadline, teams are already strategizing, leading to a flurry of trade rumors. Here are the latest updates from the league.

Yankees Scouting Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers
The New York Yankees are actively seeking a solution to their catcher woes, with their current options struggling to produce. Yankee catchers, primarily Tyler Wells, have combined for a disappointing .175/.252/.272 this season. To address this, the Yankees had a scout present at the Angels-Twins game on Friday night to evaluate Ryan Jeffers. The Minnesota Twins catcher recently returned from a hamate bone injury and went 1 for 4 with a double. For the season, Jeffers boasts an impressive .294/.408/.540 line with seven home runs. Although the Twins are contending for a playoff spot, Jeffers could be a valuable addition for the Yankees, who are in dire need of offensive support.

Pirates and White Sox Complete Trade
In another significant move, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded for Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert from the Chicago White Sox. In exchange, the Pirates sent the 34th overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft and minor league reliever Jaden Woods. Gonzalez, a 24-year-old rookie and former No. 15 overall pick in 2023, is expected to fill in as the regular shortstop while Konnor Griffin recovers from a thumb injury. Eisert, who has an ERA+ of 88 and a FIP of 4.52, adds depth to the bullpen. This trade allows the White Sox to enhance their draft position, as they now hold the Nos. 1, 34, and 41 picks in the upcoming draft.