MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Players Who Are Already One Foot out the Door

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As the 2012 MLB trade deadline gets closer, there are some players that seem to already be on the way out the door. It is just a matter of where they will be traded.

Some talented players may be dealt because of issues that they have. It could be an attitude problem or the fact that the player is going to want a lot of money in the offseason.

Other players will be traded because their teams are looking to bring in some young prospects that can help them in the future.

Chase Headley

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Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) has identified that Chase Headley may be the most sought-after player at the 2012 trade deadline. This would certainly be interesting considering the other names that could be on the market.

The San Diego Padres third baseman has already been linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers by Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports. Headley has the potential to invigorate a lineup with his ability to get on base.

Brett Myers

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There certainly were not high expectations for the Houston Astros this season, and they have been one of the worst teams in baseball this year. It is not surprising that they will be sellers this year.

Brett Myers has been mentioned as a trade candidate by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, and given the number of teams that are interested in adding relievers, the Astros should have no problem moving him for a decent package.

Justin Upton

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Justin Upton has shown that he can be a 20/20 player already during his career, and he is just 24 years old. A talent like that is hard to find.

That makes people wonder why the Arizona Diamondbacks have Upton on the trade block. One executive has said "people who work in this game are smart. Why is he willing to trade a guy like that on a fairly reasonable contract?" (h/t Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic).

There are a number of teams that have interested in Upton, and Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) sees the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and the Detroit Tigers as some of the fits.

Cole Hamels

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Even with the returns of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, the Philadelphia Phillies are looking like they will miss out on the playoffs this year. They are trying to negotiate an extension with Cole Hamels, according to Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sports Net, but the two sides may not be able to work out a deal. 

Danny Knobler of CBS Spots says that the Phillies may be open to dealing Hamels if they are not able to work out an extension. There are a number of teams that would be wiling to give up top prospects for Hamels.

Zack Greinke

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The Milwaukee Brewers are still hanging onto a shot at the National League Wild Card, but they are slowly starting to fall out of contention. Milwaukee needs to pick things up if it is going to make the playoffs.

The first week or two following the All-Star Break will be big for the Brewers, and it could decided Zack Greinke's fate, according to Tom Haudricourt of The Milwaukee Journal Sentential. If the Brewers get off to a slow start, then Greinke will almost certainly be on his way out of town.