MLB Trade Rumors: 6 Players Who Will Waive No-Trade Clauses for the Right Deal

Just 12 days remain until the July 31 trade deadline arrives, meaning many team owners and general managers will spend much of the next week or so trying to complete the perfect deal to propel their respective teams into the postseason.

Although many of the league's top players own no-trade clauses, meaning they have compiled a list of teams that they would not accept a trade to, some have come out in recent weeks and said they will waive their clauses if a deal is struck.

Regardless, here is a list of the top six players with no-trade clauses who are somewhat likely to find themselves playing for a different organization within the next few days.

Carlos Zambrano

The Chicago Cubs have struggled so far this season, which is partly why some experts expect the team to deal some of their top players in an attempt to free up some payroll space and acquire some top minor leaguers to bolster the depth of their team.

One such player is starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

Zambrano, who is currently in the fourth year of his five-year, $91.5 million extension he signed with the team in 2007, has told reporters he is willing to waive his no-trade clause if the team finds a suitor for him.

The former All-Star is 6-5 on the year, has a 4.78 ERA and would make for an excellent addition to any contender looking to bolster their starting rotation.

Carlos Beltran

Ever since New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran hinted that he would waive his no-trade clause,  speculation has surrounded the slugger and where he may end up after July 31.

However, because Beltran is one of the best outfielders available at the deadline, the Mets are likely asking for a lot in return for his services.

Currently, Beltran is batting .287 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI through 90 games with the Mets this season. He could be a difference-maker in this year's postseason race, as is evident by the fact that Beltran's name has been linked to at least six contenders.

The Red Sox, Giants, Rangers, Tigers, Indians and Rockies have all shown interest. 

Aramis Ramirez

Although Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has said he does not want to be traded, his name continues to be thrown around as the trade deadline approaches.

Ramirez is in the last year of his contract with the Cubs, although the team does have a $16 million option for next season. ESPN Chicago writer Bruce Levine recently broke a story that Ramirez's contract does not vest, meaning Ramirez is owed $2 million if the team doesn't exercise its option, and he gets $1 million relocation bonus if he's traded.

Currently, Ramirez is batting .297 with 16 home runs and 54 RBI through 89 games.

Michael Cuddyer

Although the Minnesota Twins are only six games behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central race, there has been some speculation that the team may trade All-Star Michael Cuddyer in an attempt to get the most in return for Cuddyer's services, as he is in the final year of his contract.

As of late, speculation has been swirling around Cuddyer and his possible departure from Minnesota because the Twins are in fourth place in the division and six games below .500.

Cuddyer helped feed the fire as well, telling CBSSports.com that he would consider waiving his limited no-trade clause if it would help the Twins be better in the long run.

Currently, Cuddyer is batting a torrid .293 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI through 88 games with the Twins.

Kerry Wood

Even though Chicago Cubs reliever Kerry Wood took a below-the-market $1.5 million deal to return to the team last offseason, there has still been speculation that the 34-year-old Wood may waive his no-trade clause if he's dealt to a contender.

As of late, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made their interest in Wood known, as they seek to bolster the back of their bullpen after a surprising first half of the season.

Wood is currently 1-5 and has a 3.56 ERA on the year. He has recorded 29 strikeouts in 30.1 innings of work, and has managed to hold opponents to a .252 batting average against.

Last season, Wood was dominant down the stretch with the New York Yankees, as he finished the year with a 0.69 ERA in 24 games with the team.

Hiroki Kuroda

Like all of the other players on this list, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda's name has been thrown around amongst contenders since the beginning of the month.

Kuroda would make for a excellent addition to any contender, although he has previously stated that he may block a move to an East Coast team, making the task all the tougher for the Dodgers' front office.

Kuroda is one of the best pitchers on the market, so the team will likely ask for a lot in return for his services. So far this season, Kuroda has gone 6-11 and has a 3.13 ERA. He's struck out 90 batters in 19 starts this season, and he is holding opponents to a .249 batting average against.