Arizona Diamondbacks trade updates, speculation, rumors before 2023 MLB trade deadline

The 2023 MLB trade deadline is on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. Arizona time.

What will the Arizona Diamondbacks do at the deadline?

Speculation and rumors are swirling around how active Arizona's MLB team, which is currently in position for a Wild Card berth, will be at the deadline.

Will the team look to add a starting pitcher to help its rotation? Will it try to strengthen its bullpen with an arm or two?

Could it be willing to give up some prospects to attempt to make a postseason run?

Check out our updates on Diamondbacks trade chatter before the MLB trade deadline.

'Laughingstock': Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen slammed after another blown lead

Sports Illustrated: Diamondbacks should go all-in on David Bednar

Jack Sommers wrote: "Simply put Bednar is ascendant and at 28 years old one the best closers in the game. The Pirates have let it be known that they are listening on him, and the Diamondbacks should not just be doing due diligence here. They should be actively engaged in serious discussions."

The Athletic: Diamondbacks might not approach MLB trade deadline 'aggressively'

Ken Rosenthal wrote: "According to sources briefed on [the front office’s] thinking, they might not approach the deadline as aggressively, knowing their ceiling might no longer be as high.”

Burn City Sports: David Bednar would be perfect piece for Diamondbacks

Jacob Hardin wrote: "After once holding a two-game lead over the Dodgers for first place in the NL West, the Diamondbacks are now four games behind in the division and would not make the playoffs if the season ended today. Nevertheless, despite their .500 record in the past 50 games, GM Mike Hazen has insisted that his team will still be buyers heading into the deadline. In this case, Pirates’ closer David Bednar would be just the perfect piece as the Diamondbacks seek to make a playoff push for the first time since 2017."

Fansided: Diamondbacks should trade for Nationals 3B Jeimer Candelario

Brad Berreman wrote: "The switch-hitting Candelario could become Arizona’s primary third baseman and mix in as a DH while Longoria gets lined up to primarily face left-handers. Not that it would take parting with one of their top prospects to get Candelario, but the Diamondbacks have a highly-rated farm system to pluck a prospect from. As offers the Nationals may (will) get go, Arizona can offer a good prospect to get Candelario as a rental."

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Diamondbacks a possible landing spot for David Bednar

Danny Demillo wrote: "If Arizona is serious about pushing for a playoff spot or even the division crown this year, they will need to add to their bullpen. With Bednar, they wouldn’t only be improving their chances this season, but for the next three years as well. The D-backs have some intriguing young assets that could catch the Pirates’ attention such as Brandon Pfaadt, who could immediately step into the rotation."

Fansided: Shohei Ohtani on Diamondbacks would be nightmare for Dodgers, Giants

Christopher Kline wrote: "While the majority of Ohtani buzz has focused on the Dodgers and Giants, the Diamondbacks also check every box on Ohtani’s wishlist. West coast, check. Contender, check. And Ohtani also wants to keep a low profile; frankly, Arizona’s probably better for that purpose than Los Angeles and San Francisco. ... If the Diamondbacks can bring the best baseball player of a generation to Phoenix and subsequently lock him up on a long-term contract, that would truly change the trajectory of the franchise."

Odds: Diamondbacks included in odds for Pirates' David Bednar

Bet Pennsylvania released odds for where the Pirates could trade reliever David Bednar and the Diamondbacks are second in the odds at +600, making them the favorites to land the pitcher, should he be traded. Bednar is given +125 odds to remain in Pittsburgh.

More: Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen still wants to add at trade deadline despite recent skid

MLB trade rumors: Acquiring Shohei Ohtani would be 'franchise-altering' move for Diamondbacks

Mark Polishuk wrote: "Ohtani is such a special case that it might convince a front office (or, perhaps more importantly, an ownership group) to make an extra push.  His two-way ability enhances a contender on both sides of the ball, and conceivably, the D’Backs and Orioles are both so deep in prospects that they’d still have a good crop of prospects even minus the three, or four, or five names it might take to obtain Ohtani’s services.  In the bigger picture, Ohtani would provide such a financial surge in ticket sales, merchandise, TV ratings, and overseas interest that acquiring him for even two months would be a franchise-altering move, beyond what he might do on the field to help the Diamondbacks or Orioles capture a championship."

Odds: Diamondbacks included in odds for Mets' David Robertson

Empire Stakes has Arizona at +450 to acquire the reliever, tied for second with the Texas Rangers. Only the Boston Red Sox, at +400, are given better odds.

MLB.com: Diamondbacks potential fit with Cardinals RHP Jack Flaherty

Mark Feinsand wrote: "One of the Cardinals' impending free agents, Flaherty has pitched better than his overall numbers indicate. He's allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of 19 starts, including eight starts of one or zero earned runs. Flaherty, who is owed less than $2 million this season, has also pitched well in three of four career postseason starts."

MLB.com: Diamondbacks potential fit with Cardinals RHP Jordan Hicks

Mark Feinsand wrote: "Hicks is owed roughly $600,000 this season, making the impending free agent a very affordable bullpen option for contenders seeking bullpen help. The 26-year-old has a 1.91 ERA in 26 appearances dating back to May 8, and he's 8-for-9 in save opportunities since taking over the closer's role a month ago. Hicks ranks in the top 10 percent in average exit velocity, strikeout percentage, barrel percentage and xSLG this season."

MLB Network: Diamondbacks doing 'due diligence' on Shohei Ohtani

Jon Morosi reported: "Sources: Orioles, DBacks among teams inquiring with the Angels about Shohei Ohtani’s trade availability. Both clubs’ interest has been described as due diligence; both teams have the young talent base conducive to making a trade."

More: Shohei Ohtani trade to Arizona Diamondbacks? Fans sound off on MLB trade speculation

More: Shohei Ohtani trade speculation with Los Angeles Angels includes Arizona Diamondbacks

MLB.com: Diamondbacks potential fit with White Sox RHP Keynan Middleton

Mark Feinsand wrote: "Middleton was one of Chicago's most effective relievers over the first two-plus months of the season, posting a 1.27 ERA in his first 23 appearances. He's struggled over the past six weeks (6.92 ERA in 14 outings since June 11), but the 29-year-old has 44 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings this season and ranks in the top 15 percent in the league in strikeout percentage, average exit velocity, chase rate and whiff percentage. Middleton is owed a little more than $300,000 and will be a free agent after the season."

Odds: Diamondbacks included in odds for White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn

Illinois Bet has the Diamondbacks at +600 to acquire the veteran starter in a trade, third behind the Texas Rangers (+300) and the Philadelphia Phillies (+500).

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for RHP Marcus Stroman

R.J. Anderson wrote: "Stroman has the ability to opt out of his contract this winter if he thinks he can do better than the one year and $21 million remaining on his deal. It stands to reason that he's going to take advantage of that opportunity, if only to gain a longer term. Stroman is in the midst of a high-quality season. His extreme ground-ball tendencies have proven to be a good match with the Cubs' infield defense, and that combination has obscured the fact he's walking a career-high percentage of batters. If the Cubs do trade Stroman, we think that he would make the most sense for a team with a sound defense in place."

TWSN: Diamondbacks top trade destination for Max Scherzer

Daniel Gable wrote: "Mad Max is 8-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 2023. The Mets are down bad this season and need to sell some of their big names for some young talent. They’re a lot like the San Diego Padres, with a lot of big names and supreme talent, but it’s just not working out as a team. Scherzer has been struggling as of late and has been dealing with some lingering injuries, but he can still be essential to a contending team in need."

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for LHP Jordan Montgomery

R.J. Anderson wrote: "Montgomery, like Giolito, is an impending free agent who earns additional credit for his recent durability. He's leaned on his low-to-mid-90s sinker more this season than in any prior, and it's hard to knock that strategy given his results. Despite that shift, he's generated a lower percentage of ground balls than he did in 2022. Go figure. Montgomery doesn't miss a ton of bats, so we still think he's a better fit for a team with a few smooth operators on the infield."

MLB.com: Diamondbacks need bullpen help at MLB trade deadline

Steve Gilbert wrote: "With an outstanding first half, the D-backs have put themselves in the postseason conversation, but they would be well served to bolster their bullpen and possibly their rotation as well. While the bullpen has been much improved over the past two seasons, closing games has at times been a problem. A proven closer and another reliable reliever would be huge additions. With three young players possibly filling spots in the rotation, a veteran starter would also provide a boost."

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for LHP Josh Hader

R.J. Anderson writes: "Will the Padres actually trade Hader, an impending free agent? Who knows. We feel obligated to include him anyway. Hader suppresses quality of contact; he misses bats; and he walks just enough batters to keep things interesting. The last reliever to receive a qualifying offer was Raisel Iglesias. Hader will change that if he hangs around San Diego for the rest of the season."

Bookies.com: Diamondbacks included in Justin Verlander trade odds

The site puts Arizona at +900 to acquire Verlander in a trade, giving the Diamondbacks a 10% implied probability. The Texas Rangers are the favorite to get the New York Mets pitcher, at +400 (20%).

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for RHP Michael Lorenzen

R.J. Anderson wrote: "Lorenzen began his career in the rotation before spending the next six seasons in the bullpen. He returned to starting games last year, and he recently made his first All-Star Game (albeit in part because the Tigers were strapped for good candidates). Lorenzen doesn't have the flashiest profile, but it's clear he's put in the work to maximize his game. In addition to prioritizing his four-seamer and his slider, he's tinkered their shapes: the heater now features more rise, and the slider has reduced sweep but added depth. Whatever you think of Lorenzen's season to date and his chances of being more than a back-end starter moving forward, you have to respect any player willing to reinvent themselves in their ninth big-league season."

Rising Apple: Will Diamondbacks be a trade partner with Mets?

The site issued predictions for where Mets players could end up and the Diamondbacks were picked as possibilities for Mark Canha, Carlos Carrasco, David Robertson and Max Scherzer.

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for RHP Lance Lynn

R.J. Anderson wrote: "Lynn is in the midst of a career-worst season. He's been horrific against left-handed batters. He's owed what remains on his $18.5 million salary, as well as a $1 million buyout on his club option for next year. Why is he here? Because we suspect some team will look at Lynn and say -- to paraphrase Kenneth Patchen -- that there are so many little dyings that it doesn't matter which of them is death … provided the cost is low enough. There's nothing stopping Lynn from becoming a useful starter again if he can rediscover his groove versus lefties. Additionally, there's nothing stopping him from floating into space other than gravity. These things are all relative."

Fansided: Diamondbacks need upgrade at centerfield

Beau Adams wrote: "The Diamondbacks are having themselves an impressive season. At 54-43 (.557), they are in second in the NL West and just two games behind the Dodgers for the division lead. They need to improve their pitching as they are sixth in the NL in homers allowed and runs given up. They are 25-of-42 in save opportunities as well. A starting pitcher and a closer are at the top of their needs list. They are solid across the board at the plate, but one positional upgrade could turn them into a powerhouse. That position is center field."

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for RHP Aaron Civale

R.J. Anderson writes: "Shane Bieber's injury would seem to reduce the likelihood of him getting dealt this summer. The Guardians still have other arms they can move, including Civale, who won't qualify for free agency until after the 2025 season. He's sporting a shiny ERA despite striking out fewer batters, walking more batters, and allowing harder average contact than he did last season. He's also cracked the 100-inning threshold just once so far in his first four seasons. Hm. The pitching market is such that some team might roll the dice."

TWSN: Diamondbacks top trade destination for Josh Hader

Daniel Gable wrote: "The Padres simply have no need for Hader. They aren’t the team that they’re made out to be. He’s a free agent after this season, too. He’s most likely going to be in a new uniform next season, so go ahead and get something in return while you still can. It may pain some Padres fans, but it’s the truth. Hader needs to be traded to a contender."

CBS Sports: Diamondbacks potential landing spot for LHP Rich Hill

R.J. Anderson wrote: "Hill is no stranger to being moved at the deadline, having previously changed hands in the summers of 2016 and 2021. His overall marks suggest that he's still a league-average starter, even at the age of 43 and with an average fastball velocity of 88 mph. We've put him a little lower than that sentence suggests because of some recent control woes."

USA TODAY Sports: Can the Diamondbacks capitalize on their opening to win the NL West?

Bob Nightengale wrote: "The D-backs are in desperate need for pitching. They have only two veteran starters they can count on with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. They don’t have a closer. And they could use another setup man. The D-backs, who just lost their $75 million TV deal, will be aggressive but not reckless, coming away with least one veteran starter, and perhaps a reliever or two. They’re certainly not about to throw away a valuable piece of the future when they’re already in prime position to win at least a wild-card berth."

Just Baseball: Diamondbacks will use deep farm system to improve pitching

Renee Dechert wrote: "Given the depth of the D-backs’ farm system, they are in a position to make a deal. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been sluggish since the All-Star Break, and they know they need to do something to jumpstart their team and get back on a winning trajectory. Look for them to use their deep farm system to improve their pitching."

MLB Network: Diamondbacks interested in White Sox starter Lucas Giolito

Jon Morosi wrote: "The Dodgers aren’t the only NL West team pursuing White Sox starter Lucas Giolito. Sources say the DBacks have inquired about Giolito, as well."

Fansided: How Diamondbacks can acquire Lucas Giolito from White Sox

The site has 3 possible trades between Arizona and Chicago that include the starter. One of them has Arizona giving up pitcher Brandon Pfaadt and infield prospect Blaze Alexander for the right-hander.

More: Max Scherzer MLB trade speculation, odds for New York Mets include Arizona Diamondbacks

NESN: What do Diamondbacks need at MLB trade deadline?

It wrote: "Two years ago, the Diamondbacks were in one of the worst situations in all of baseball. However, through the efforts of young talent like Corbin Carroll, they have turned things around and now seem to be on the ascent. The critical question remains whether they can keep up with the formidable Dodgers – a question that seems to plague the Diamondbacks perennially. Time will tell if Arizona can maintain its momentum and secure a playoff spot. This season is an opportunity for them to show their resolve and continued growth in the world of professional baseball. They should not be sitting on their hands come trade deadline time."

Clutch Points: Marcus Stroman, Eduardo Rodriguez are 'sneaky' trade targets for Diamondbacks

Of Stroman, Shane Shoemaker wrote: "A trade for Stroman could prove challenging for Arizona as he might only be a rental option. Stroman holds a player-option for 2024 worth $21 million, yet he might decline it, thereby becoming a free agent and exploring potentially more lucrative offers. The question remains whether the Diamondbacks would consider such an investment worthwhile, where they would more than likely have to trade valuable parts of their farm system away."

More: Diamondbacks plan to be ‘aggressive’ but not ‘reckless’ at trade deadline

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Diamondbacks MLB trade deadline updates, speculation, rumors