MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Big-Name Players That Will Not Be Traded Before the Deadline

The trade deadline for Major League Baseball is swiftly approaching as teams are considering which trades to make. 

In 2011, there have been a lot of big names thrown around as being on the trading block but only a handful will end up being moved.

Here is a list of five big name players who will not be traded this season despite speculation that they are on their way out of town.

5. B.J. Upton, CF, Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the difficult position of being stuck behind the Red Sox and Yankees in the AL East.  The Rays are still in contention but are having a hard time separating themselves from the pack.

There has been speculation for a now that Upton might be playing his last few games for the Rays as the trade deadline looms.  Upton has not had a good season for the Rays batting a mere .239, but he could be reenergized by switching teams.

Since the Rays are by no means out of in the AL playoff chase they will not be seller at the deadline and will want good value for Upton right away. 

Upton has all of the physical tools to be an outstanding outfielder, and Tampa Bay is hoping that he can become that player while he is still on their roster.

4. Javier Vazquez, SP, Florida Marlins

As the 2010 MLB Playoffs showed us, great starting pitching can win a championship.  For teams looking to bolster their starting rotation Marlins starter Javier Vazquez could be a good option.

Although Vazquez is not having a great year he has not had very much run support or good defense behind him.  Vazquez has value because he has show the ability to pitch in both leagues and is a veteran pitcher that can be good pitcher for the backend of a rotation.

With that said I don’t see Vazques chaning teams for a couple of reasons.  First he has a no-trade clause which means he will only get traded to a team with a legit shot at winning a championship, but that isn’t a huge sticking point.

The main reason why he won’t be traded is his $7 million salary which few teams would see as a good value.

3. Matt Kemp, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers

It is no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers are having some financial issues and will be “sellers” this season come the trade deadline.  They have plenty of talented players that will garner attention from other teams, but they will not be giving these assets away for free.

Outfielder Matt Kemp is having a breakout season in 2011 and has been the cornerstone of many trade discussions.  For any contender to pry Kemp away from the Dodgers they would need to give up multiple top-tier prospects.

Although there are plenty of teams that would love to have Kemp’s bat on their roster his price is going to be too high for any team in contention.  With that said, expect the Dodgers to move several of their smaller name players prior to the deadline.

2. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Colorado Rockies

After an outstanding 2010 season Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez has had a rough season this year.  Jimenez was a Cy Young candidate at the All-Star break last year, but this season he is on the trade block.

Despite his down year Jimenez’s trade value is still pretty high.  Although he could be gotten at a perceived value, the Rockies are not going to part with him easily.  The Rockies are asking a lot in return for Jimenez who has bounced back recently posting a 2.52 ERA in his last eight starts.

The New York Yankees have been leading the discussion for Jimenez, but as the deadline approaches, it seems as if the Yanks are unwilling to give up the pieces required to get Jimenez.

1. Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets

When the New York Mets traded away closer Francisco Rodriguez during the All-Star break they announced themselves as “sellers” on the baseball trade market.  The Mets have a lot of talent on their roster, but many players come with a heavy price tag.

One of those players is Jose Reyes who will be a free agent after this season.  Leading up to the 2011 season Reyes had hinted that it might be his last season with the Mets, but he is having a great year for New York and now looks content to stay.

The Mets could definitely be incised into trading Reyes, but they would require a lot in return.  In addition, any team that trades for him would basically be committing to signing him to a very lucrative long-term deal. 

In the end Reyes will be a Met for at least the remainder of the season as no team with have the prospects and future money to make trading for Reyes worthwhile.