MLB All-Star Week buzz: Trade rumors, Soto free agency, more - ESPN

The baseball world gathered in Texas for the 2024 MLB draft, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game this week, and our baseball reporters were there talking to execs, coaches, agents, scouts, players and other team sources.

While fans are focused on the excitement on the field, behind the scenes, it's a great place to gather intel on what teams are thinking with the MLB trade deadline just around the corner and get the pulse of those inside the game on the topics dominating the sport.

Our reporters empty their notebook with the latest news and rumors. Who are the big names to watch at the trade deadline? What's the latest buzz on the biggest free agent? And which teams and storylines will rule the second half? Here's everything we heard on the field in Arlington.

Buster Olney: Unless the Toronto Blue Jays shift in what they've told teams recently and decide to deal Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, then Chicago White Sox All-Star Garrett Crochet will be the Lamborghini of this year's market — the guy who could be the greatest difference-maker for the team that acquires him. That could be as a starting pitcher down the stretch, and then perhaps as a dominant reliever in the postseason.

Jesse Rogers: It's a tough call considering so many teams are in the hunt for the playoffs, especially in the crowded National League, and that limits who could be available. If the Chicago Cubs fall much farther back, they could decide to trade Cody Bellinger — assuming there is a market for him as he has two player option years left at $30 million per year and is on the IL with a broken finger. The Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees could both be interested in Bellinger for different reasons: Seattle can't hit and New York is banged up.