MLB Trade Rumors: Hunter Pence, Kevin Youkilis and 5 Hottest Bats Available

Prior to the 2011 trade deadline, a number of big names were on the move. That should be the case once again this year.

The trade winds have begun to pick up and more and more rumors have been flying around. A number of big names have already been mentioned as possible trade candidates this season.

Big bats like Hunter Pence and Kevin Youkilis could be dealt, and they will come with a fairly high price tag. Acquiring one of these players could be the piece that a team needs to make the playoffs.

Hunter Pence

Losing Roy Halladay for an extended period of time may have a very large impact on the Philadelphia Phillies' approach to the trade deadline this year.

Jason A. Churchill of ESPN.com (Insider required) has suggested that the Phillies could look to deal Hunter Pence at the deadline this year if they are not in contention. A number of teams would likely jump at the opportunity to deal for Pence.

Kevin Youkilis

As the Boston Red Sox continue to try to figure out how they are going to fit Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks into their lineup, there will be more and more rumors about a possible Youkilis deal.

Rumors regarding Youkilis have already begun to heat up and Danny Knobler of CBS Sports has noted that the Los Angeles Dodgers have already scouted Youkilis this year and could consider trading for him.

Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro looked like a budding star for the Chicago Cubs as recently as last year, but now it appears that his time with the team may be running out. According to Patrick Mooney of Comcast SportsNet, after Castro made a mental mistake in a game against the San Francisco Giants, manager Dale Sveum had some harsh words for him.

Things like this could eventually lead to Castro making his home in a new city. Jason A. Churchill of ESPN.com (Insider required) believes that Castro may be available in a deal this summer.

Justin Morneau

As the Minnesota Twins continue to struggle this year, their front office will need to make a number of important decisions regarding their veteran players. They need to decide who to keep and who to deal.

One player that may be wearing a new jersey before the season is over is Justin Morneau, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com.

Carlos Quentin

Carlos Quentin better not get too comfortable in San Diego based on the reports that are out there. Matthew Pouliot of NBC Sports has stated that the Padres may look to deal Quentin this year.

Quentin could be the power bat that teams are looking for at the trade deadline. Multiple teams should give the Padres a call about him.