Major League Baseball's trade deadline, scheduled for July 31, is now just a week away. In other words, it's that blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective) time of the year when rumors and transactions dominate our coverage.

The New York Yankees have reportedly held talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding outfielder Oneil Cruz "and some others," according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

"The Pirates continue to listen to offers for everyone on the team but Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz." It sounds like righty pitcher Mitch Keller is the best player the Pirates plan to give up. Cruz remains part of the core group in Pittsburgh. Sure, he can frustrate with some inconsistency and some swing-and-miss.