MLB Trade Rumors: Predicting Where Jose Reyes and 5 Hottest Names Will Land

I can't believe it.  Just when it seems like Opening Day was just a few days ago, the 2011 MLB season is already half over!

This season has been a good one, from the Pittsburgh Pirates surprising us all to Jose Bautista continuing his dominance at the plate to Derek Jeter's pursuit of 3,000 hits.  Yet, I still have a bone to pick with the coverage of this year's season.

New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is having a career season.  He leads the National League with a .354 batting average, 124 hits, and 15 triples.  Despite this, Reyes' name has been prominent in trade rumors due to the seemingly dire financial state of his team, who will most likely not opt to re-sign him once he becomes a free agent this fall.

Reyes is not the only one who could be traded.  Multiple big name players have popped up in various rumors this season.  Here are five of them, plus the team on which they will most likely end up.

No. 5: Francisco Rodriguez

The 29-year-old Rodriguez has been the Mets' closer since 2009 and going into today, has posted 81 saves.  Yet, he is due to make $12.1 million this season.  On top of that, if he finishes 55 games, a $17 million option for next season kicks in.

Don't get me wrong.  The man known as "K-Rod" is good, but he isn't worth that much money.  Thus, with lots of younger and cheaper arms in the bullpen, don't be surprised if the Mets trade him.

Rodriguez has already said he'd be open being a setup man if he was traded to a contender.  Given the Mets' crosstown rivals' need in that department, I see him moving from Queens to the Bronx.

Most Likely Destination: New York Yankees

No. 4: Hiroki Kuroda

Hiroki Kuroda is a fine pitcher.  This season, he has posted a 2.90 ERA with a respectable 1.21 WHIP.  However, his record stands at 6-9 due to lack of run support.

He is 36 years old and currently on a one-year, $12 million deal.  Considering how the Dodgers are currently about to become (most likely) under MLB control, I have two words for everyone: fire sale.

Given his contract expiring at the end of this season and the Los Angeles Dodgers currently sitting in last place, don't be shocked if Kuroda is on the move come July 31 or earlier.

Most Likely Destination: Detroit Tigers

No. 3: J.D. Drew

Easily the least popular player on the Boston Red Sox, J.D. Drew's 2011 has been, for lack of better word, terrible.  He is hitting .233 with four home runs and just 19 RBI.

To add insult to injury, Drew is making $14 million this season.  With the Red Sox constantly in the hunt for a playoff spot as well as chasing the New York Yankees in the standings, it wouldn't be shocking to see Drew shipped to another team.  The Red Sox have multiple options in right field, so it's not as though he would be a big loss.

No team in particular has expressed interest in Drew as of yet, but I can think of a couple that would be interested in him, at least as a rent-a-player.

Most Likely Destination: San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds

No. 2: Marco Scutaro

Like his teammate J.D. Drew, Marco Scutaro has begun to wear out his welcome in Boston.  Following a 2009 season during which he batted .282 with 12 homers, 60 RBI and 100 runs scored, the Red Sox signed him to a two-year deal worth $11 million, plus a mutual option for a third year.

He was solid last season as he hit .275 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI, plus 92 runs scored, but his consistency with the bat was less than desirable.  His 2011 has been forgettable and marred by injuries, despite a .268 average.

What with Jed Lowrie being younger and also proving to be a better player, I'm anticipating that Scutaro will be shipped out come the trade deadline.  Based on each team's need, my guess is that he'll head out west.

Most Likely Destination: San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers

No. 1: Jose Reyes

As much as I hate to say it, the trading of Jose Reyes from the New York Mets to another team is inevitable.  Up until this point, only one other squad has shown any interest in him.

Back in May, momentum built on a possible trade involving Jose Reyes and the San Francisco Giants, who then had a dire need at shortstop.  Given the latter team's options at the position currently, this trade still makes perfect sense.

The Giants' two best shortstops now are rookie Brandon Crawford and veteran Miguel Tejada.  Crawford is only 24 years old and hitting .216 with two home runs and 16 RBI.  He is a talented player with a bright future, but he just isn't major-league ready at this point.

Tejada is much older at 37 years of age, and he simply cannot keep up with the fast pitching of the young pitchers today.  He is currently hitting .234 with three home runs and 24 RBI and no matter how you look at it, an upgrade is needed at shortstop.

Given Reyes' age and his expiring contract, plus the fact that the San Francisco Giants are looking to defend their World Series championship from last season, this trade destination makes perfect sense.

Most Likely Destination: San Francisco Giants