MLB Trade Rumors: Michael Cuddyer and 5 Trade Candidates Currently Playing Well

With the July 31 trade deadline looming, some of baseball's best players may find themselves switching uniforms by the end of the month. That being said, players performing well at the current time will likely find themselves in conversations with teams looking to bolster their lineups for a run down the stretch.

By overachieving this month, these five players have shown potential buyers that they are both healthy and capable of adding talent to their respective suitors, something that will intrigue general managers league-wide.

Mark Reynolds

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds is on a tear this month, as his eight home runs in the last 30 days place him tied for fifth most over that time frame. In addition to his increased power numbers, Reynolds has raised his batting average from .190, as it was on June 1, to .227.

Currently, Reynolds has 20 home runs and 49 RBI on the season. He also has a .346 on-base percentage and is slugging .493. Although he's due $7.5 million next season and has an $11 million option for 2013, he's a likely to be dealt to a contender by July 31.

Carlos Pena

Chicago Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena has proven in the past that when he gets hot, he can all but carry a team offensively, which is one reason Pena may find himself on the trade market before this month's deadline.

Although Pena's batting average is a cool .225, he's recorded 19 home runs on the year, 10 of which have come in the last 30 days. His playoff experience could make him a viable candidate for any contender as well.

Livan Hernandez

Despite being under .500 record-wise, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Livan Hernandez may find himself being shipped out of the nation's capital before July 31.

Hernandez, who is 5-8 with a 4.01 ERA, has performed extremely well this month, as he is averaging over seven strikeouts per nine innings and less than two walks per game in June and July. The ageless Hernandez has not lost a game since June 9 and could prove to be a veteran leader on a contender's staff down the stretch.

Ryan Dempster

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster may also draw some interest from contenders, as his strong performance in both June and July make him a viable option for many teams looking for starting pitching depth.

In the last 30 days, Dempster is 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA and is averaging just under eight strikeouts per nine innings. On the season, Dempster is 6-6 with a 5.01 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 111.1 innings pitched. Look for Dempster to be moved by the deadline as well.

Michael Cuddyer

Entering Tuesday's All-Star game, the Minnesota Twins find themselves seven games under .500 and 6.5 games out of first place in the American League Central. Although the team hasn't given up on their season yet, General Manager Bill Smith must decide if Minnesota wants to get the most out of the hot-hitting Michael Cuddyer.

Cuddyer leads all Twins starters with a .368 batting average over the past 30 days and he has also hit a team-high five home runs over that time frame. On the season, Cuddyer is batting .298 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI. His impressive numbers make him a target for many contenders league-wide and also ensures that the Twins could receive top minor leaguers if they decide to put him on the market. If the Twins decide that 2011 is a rebuilding year, watch for Cuddyer to switch uniforms by July 31.