Trade season kicked off on Wednesday with the Cubs landing lefty David Peterson from the Mets. It’s not exactly a blockbuster, but it could signal the organizational direction for both sides. Speaking of trades…
1. Top 35 Trade Candidates article drops today
We’re publishing a full breakdown of the most interesting trade pieces heading into the trade deadline on August 3. It’s the perfect precursor to what should be a busy six weeks of rumors and deals. Look out for it later today!
2. Swanson’s massive doubleheader
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson put together a massive performance in Wednesday’s twin 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 picked up three more hits in the nightcap. He drove in four runs, giving him 11 RBI on the day. Swanson set the franchise record for most runs batted in across two games of a doubleheader, surpassing Ron Santo’s 10 RBI on July 6, 1970 (h/t Bill Ladson of MLB.com). The infielder now has 15 RBI across three games in New York, the most by any player in a series against the Mets. And he still has one more game to add to the total.
3. Betts reaches HR milestone
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts took Joe Ryan deep in the second inning of last night’s matchup against the Twins. It marked the 300th homer of the eight-time All-Star’s career. Betts missed a chunk of the 2026 campaign with an oblique strain, and he struggled to get on track after returning from the injury. He’s heated up lately, posting a .882 OPS with three home runs over his past 15 games. The 33-year-old Betts might not have the close to 40-homer pop he showed during his MVP season, but he’s picked it up from a power perspective this year. After hitting 20 homers in 663 plate appearances last season, he’s up to nine through 200 PAs in 2026.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
