MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Big-Name Players That Will Be Moved Before the Deadline

Now that the MLB All-Star Game is over, it is time to look ahead to the second half of the season.  The 2011 season has produced some of the tightest division races in recent baseball history, and many teams are looking for ways to widen the gap between themselves and their opponents.

With the trade deadline looming, teams across the country are trying to find the player that can fill their crucial need.  Because the races are so close, there is going to be a lot of player movement over the next two weeks.

Here is a list of five big-name players who will be traded before the July 31st trade deadline.

5. Hunter Pence, RF, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have had a disappointing first half of the 2011 season, and they appear to be sellers this time of year.  With the future of their franchise filled with uncertainty, the Astros are likely to move some of their big-name players for prospects that can help them down the road.

One man who is expected to be on his way out is right fielder Hunter Pence.

Pence is having a great season at the plate, batting .323 and driving in 60 runs.  For teams in need of a right-handed bat, Pence could be the answer.

One contender in need of a right-handed hitter is the Philadelphia Phillies, who pulled off a deadline deal with the Astros last year when they acquired star pitcher Roy Oswalt.  ESPN’s Matt Meyers believes that the Phillies would need to give up one of their top pitching prospects to get Pence, but they would do it because Pence’s contract runs through 2012.

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4. Rafael Furcal, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been in the news this season for all the wrong reasons, due to their owner’s financial problems.  Because of the Dodgers hefty payroll, I would be very surprised if they didn’t move at least one of their overpaid players.

Rafael Furcal has had an up-and-down career with the Dodgers and likely won’t play many more games for them.  Whoever goes after Furcal will likely get him at a discount, based on his lack of production since coming off the disabled list.

Assuming no team gives up their top prospects for Furcal, trading for him is low-risk, high-reward move.  Teams are hoping that Furcal might be re-energized by joining a contender at this point in the season and can make a difference for them down the stretch.

3. Kevin Gregg, RP, Baltimore Orioles

Last offseason, the Baltimore Orioles made some interesting moves that they thought would help them make a run in 2011.  Unfortunately, the Os have not played their best baseball and have had to deal with injuries to several key players.  Although they will definitely try to make a run in 2012, they are likely to be sellers this time of year.

One player they could get a lot in return for is veteran reliever Kevin Gregg.  For teams in need of bullpen help, the veteran Gregg could be a great answer.  He has experience pitching in tough situations and could work as a setup man for his new team.

Pitching always goes for a premium around the trade deadline, so look for the Orioles to try and cash in by trading one of their pitchers.

2. Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets

In recent years, Major League Baseball has been dominated by great pitching.  Last season the San Francisco Giants were able to win the World Series with an outstanding pitching staff and timely hitting.  As the trade deadline approaches, many teams will try to add extra bats to help counter those spectacular pitchers, come the playoffs.

Of all of the hitters on the market, very few have better career numbers than Carlos Beltran.  Although Beltran has not lived up to his monster contract, he is having a very good season in 2011.  There is speculation that teams like the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants are talking to the Mets about Beltran, who is in the final year of his seven-year contract.

Regardless of what teams are interested, there is no question that New York is in selling mode and are ready to move Beltran.  With Francisco Rodriguez already gone, the Mets will likely have a very different roster by opening day next year.

1. Heath Bell, RP, San Diego Padres

As a member of the San Diego Padres, closer Heath Bell has not gotten a lot of attention nationally, despite his stellar numbers.  Bell has been one of the best closers in the league for the past few seasons, despite playing for a team that struggles to score runs.

The 2011 division races are some of the closest in years and many teams could use some bullpen help to propel them into the playoffs.  One of those teams in need of bullpen help is the Los Angeles Angels, who are rumored to be interested in Bell, according to ESPN’s Jonah Keri.

Bell is probably the best bullpen pitcher available around the deadline, so don’t be surprised if a team makes a big offer to get him as the clock ticks closer to the trade deadline.

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