MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Teams in Dire Need of a Trade Deadline Deal

The MLB is about to hit the halfway point and there is a good race in every division. The Philadelphia Phillies hold the largest division lead, and it's only by four games. 

With multiple teams still in play for a playoff spot, certain clubs must make a move if they want to solidify themselves as legit contenders. 

The trade deadline is July 31, which means teams will soon be making deals. There is still time to strike up that perfect trade, but it will more than likely take place after the All-Star break. 

Some teams have a much bigger need for a trade, while some will be making minor moves to boost their team. 

Here are five teams in dire need of making a trade. 

5. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently in second place in the NL West. They trail the San Francisco Giants by one game. 

If the Diamondbacks want to stay in this position and give the Giants a run for their money they need to make a deal. They need to become a stronger pitching unit, and right now the best way to do that is through a trade. 

Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson  and Josh Collmenter have been good, but this rotation could use some help. Plus, closer J.J. Putz has an injured elbow, and if he doesn't get better it will hurt this team down the stretch. 

4. Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have the second best record in the National League at 51-36. The only problem with that is that the best record in the National League belongs to the division rivals Philadelphia Phillies. 

The Phillies hold a four game lead over Atlanta, and if the Braves don't do something they're never going to close that gap. Atlanta never seems to take advantage the times when the Phillies lose. 

The Braves pitching has been superb this season, but their offense has been lackluster at times. Dan Uggla should change his name to "Mr. Struggla" because he's hitting a pathetic .178. 

The outfield is the only position that the Braves need help with. They have had a platoon of players out there, and if they could manage to make a trade for a guy like Hunter Pence or even Matt Kemp to help this team offensively then Atlanta has a strong chance of taking down the Phillies. 

3. Cincinnati Reds

The defending NL Central champs are currently in fourth place and four games out of first. The NL Central is an extremely tight race at the moment, and if the Reds expect to repeat as champs it's time to make a trade.

The Reds pitching just isn't cutting it this year. They rank 13th in the National League in pitching, and 22nd overall. Outside of Johnny Cueto this team's rotation is weak. 

Cincinnati has the offensive power to make a comeback, especially if they get hot at the right time. However, their pitching is bring them down, and they need to do something about it. 

2. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have been battling the Cleveland Indians for the top spot in the AL Central. The Indians have a one and a half game lead over the Tigers at the moment, but a lot can change in the second half of the season. 

Detroit has done a good job despite having a run differential of minus seven. Rarely do you see teams with a negative run differential competing for the division lead. 

That shows you that the Tigers need to deal for better pitching. Justin Verlander has been outstanding this season, but no other pitcher for Detroit has been near as consistent. 

The Tigers are only 2-4 against Cleveland this year, giving up an average of five runs per loss against the Indians. 

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

Who would have guessed that the Pittsburgh Pirates would be in contention for the NL Central lead at the All-Star Break? Pittsburgh is only a game and a half behind the St. Louis Cardinals for first place. 

The Pirates aren't strong enough to keep this going for the remainder of the season. They currently have 10 players on the disabled list, and are looking to bring in help. 

Manager Clint Hurdle told Karen Price of the Pittsburgh Tribune Tribune-Review that, "We're just trying to be smart with the moves we make. We want to make sure we bring in a good skill-set that fits in the clubhouse as well." 

The Pirates will look to add some offensive fire-power to help them stay in the fight for the division lead.