MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Beltran and the 5 Best Sluggers on the Market

The 2011 MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the excitement is heating up.  Sellers are planning moves in desperation, speculation is rampant amongst the buyers.  It's a safe bet that come 4 PM on July 31, some teams will look quite different.

Last week, I discussed the best pitchers who could be available come the deadline.  This time, I would like to visit the opposite end of the spectrum.

While there are certainly a great number of pitchers available, us fans should not forget the amazing hitters who could also find themselves on new teams in the next 11 days.  Sluggers like Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets (pictured) have been the subject of trade rumors not only for the past few weeks, but for the entire season.  Be it for salary dumping or for a fire sale, some of our favorite hitters could be on the move.

Here are the top five available, and hopefully none will end up on the Boston Red Sox.

No. 5: Josh Willingham

Josh Willingham is a prototypical power hitter.  He hits home runs, but not very much else.  In eight major league seasons, he has hit 115 career taters to go with an average batting mark of .263.

He has spent this season with the Oakland Athletics and has been very average with a .244 BA, 12 homers and 46 RBI.  Given how team GM Billy Beane still subscribes to moneyball and has the A's in a constant state of rebuild, Willingham is a prime candidate to be traded.

While this season might not be his best, Willingham would be a valuable asset to some teams.  His career OBP of .362 will look attractive to many executives.  On top of that, he's proven in time also spent with the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals that he's capable of averaging 20-25 home runs per season.

Thus, don't be surprised if a team looking for either a big bat off the bench or some protection in their lineup makes a play for Willingham.

No. 4: Ty Wigginton

Just a few days ago, it was reported that the New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies were adjusting Ty Wigginton.  Like Willingham, he is someone who can hit home runs, but not much else.  Still, some teams could use a man like that.

What also makes Wigginton attractive is that he can play multiple positions.  He can play both corner infield positions as well as the outfield, and he has even spent some time at second base.

Yet, any team that trades for Wigginton must understand that he isn't going to be a rental player.  He is also under contract for next season and unless there is a place for him in the starting lineup, that's one expensive bench player to have on the squad.

Still, with his team-first personality and rocket home runs, Wigginton is worth a shot despite the .253 batting average on the season.

No. 3: Carlos Beltran

2011 has been something of a rebirth for Carlos Beltran.  After playing in just 145 games over the previous two seasons, he has played in 90 of the New York Mets' 96 games this year and has posted impressive numbers.  Thus far, he is batting .293 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI.

Yet, while the Mets certainly can contend for the NL Wild Card with Beltran in the lineup, one must take into account their financial state.  What with the apparent loss owner Fred Wilpon suffered at the hands of Bernie Madoff, the team needs to cut costs.  Beltran makes just over $19 million this season, so do the math.

Simply put, Beltran is still a valuable asset at age 34.  He has come back from knee injuries to show that he can still hit as well as play the outfield well.

Throw in the fact that the Mets are willing to cover the rest of his salary for this season, and he becomes a very attractive trade target.

No. 2: Aramis Ramirez

After an off 2010 during which he only hit .241, Aramis Ramirez has come back with a vengeance.  He is batting .302 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI, and is basically the only member of the Chicago Cubs who is producing consistently.

Yet, once again, the Cubs are underachieving and are a total mess.  Thus, GM Jim Hendry will probably have a fire sale come July 31 and look to shed the third baseman's $14.6 million salary.

Still, as great as Ramirez is, trading for him is easier said than done.  He has a full no-trade clause and according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Ramirez has said that he will not accept a trade to any team.  Ramirez also has ten-and-five rights, further complicating any attempts to trade him.

Whether or not he gets moved, it's no secret that the Cubs are shopping Ramirez and that he is one of the best sluggers available.  Just what happens to him is the only question that remains.

No. 1: Hunter Pence

The Houston Astros' 2011 season has been, for lack of better word, a joke.  The team has the worst record in baseball at 32-65, is 20 games out of first place in the NL Central, and only has one redeeming quality.

That one positive trait comes in the form of outfielder Hunter Pence.  Given the state of the team as well as the fact that a new owner is on the way in, GM Ed Wade's hands are tied.  All that's left to do is have a fire sale.

Sadly, the Astros' most attractive trade chip is Pence, who at 28 is one of the top outfielders in the game with a very bright future were he to be traded to a contender.

The man can simply do it all.  He can hit for average, has power, and can even steal bases.  Throw in his cannon of an arm, and it's safe to say that some team will make a play for Pence and the .311 average, 11 homers and 61 RBI he would bring with him.