MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Rumors That Make Sense

Each year, as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, rumors circulate just about every team out of contention with trading chips, like the New York Mets and Carlos Beltran.

There are a number of big names floating around this year, which usually happens at this time of year.

Francisco Rodriguez has already been moved to the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Mets could be making more moves in the near future.

Still, there are other teams looking to make moves as well.

Let's take a look at five trade rumors that make sense for both sides.

Randy Choate to the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are the team that is never satisfied with their current roster.

Right now, they appear to be in prime position to make the playoffs, and their pitching has been surprisingly good this season.

Still, the Yankees are being rumored in a number of deals as the trade deadline approaches. 

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, one player they have shown interest in is left-handed reliever Randy Choate.

The only legitimate left-handed option the Yankees have used out of the bullpen this year is Boone Logan. Although Logan has actually done quite well this season with a 3.32 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 21.2 IP, they could use some left-handed depth.

Choate definitely fits the bill. The Marlins are on the brink of being out of contention.

After a controversial up-and-down season, this Florida team needs to start cutting ties with players that are not a part of the future. The Yankees can help them with that by acquiring Choate.

Hiroki Kuroda to the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers appear to be the new favorite in the AL Central. 

Hitting has not been the problem for the Tigers this season. Despite Justin Verlander's phenomenal play, the pitching staff has been the biggest issue in Detroit.

The team ranks 25th in team ERA, WHIP, and BAA.

According to mlbtraderumors.com, starting pitching is their main concern and they are interested in Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.

This would be a perfect fit.

Kuroda has been the epitome of consistency in his four years with the Dodgers, but his team has failed to back him up. Despite his career 3.50 ERA, he only has one winning season, which came two years ago with an 8-7 record.

Kuroda would love the run support that would come with being a part of the Tigers. He would also fill a gaping hole on a team headed for the playoffs. 

Ubaldo Jimenez to the Cincinnati Reds

Ubaldo Jimenez was the pitching sensation of the 2010 MLB regular season.

This year, his name is floating around the MLB hot stove.

Jimenez would be an asset to the Cincinnati Reds and a nice risk-reward trade. He could return to his 2010 form when he posted a 2.88 ERA and 214 strikeouts, or he could continue to struggle a bit.

This year, he has a 4.23 ERA, but has been able to grind out 106.1 innings pitched.

The Reds have found runs easy to come by, but their pitching has struggled. 

Their pitching staff is 24th in ERA and 22nd in WHIP. 

If the Reds want to make a run this year, they should attempt to acquire Jimenez.

Who knows, maybe he will turn back the clock and become dominant once again.

Carlos Beltran to the Pittsburgh Pirates

The New York Mets have not been able to get over the hump since signing Carlos Beltran.

Fans expected big things from the Puerto Rican slugger and received them from 2006 to 2008. Since then, Beltran has had two down-years, but is resurging this season.

Meanwhile, the Mets have struggled to impress and are on the verge of rebuilding mode.

Beltran's name has been flying around in trade rumors over the past couple weeks.

ESPN's Buster Olney sees Beltran as a great fit anywhere, but the Pirates may be a surprisingly good one.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a winning record at the All-Star break. It feels like it has been ages since we have had the opportunity to say that.

They need to do everything they can to make a push for the playoffs. Currently, they sit at one game behind the division leader, and these fans can taste the opportunity.

A trade for Beltran would give them a veteran bat who could explode in the second half to provide the boost they need to overtake the division.

Heath Bell to the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have struggled a bit leading up to the All-Star break, but they still barely lead the NL Central. 

With the return of Albert Pujols, the team should be set on the offensive side of the game for the rest of the season.

Still, they need to find a solution to their pitching woes.

Heath Bell could potentially be a fit in St. Louis.

Bell has become a staple of the San Diego Padres bullpen, racking up saves as the closer over the past three years.

The Cardinals are 24th in quality starts this season, meaning they are relying on their bullpen too much.

If they cannot find starting help, strengthening the bullpen via Bell could be the best route to take at the trade deadline.