MLB Trade Rumors: Who Are Buyers and Sellers Among All 30 Teams?

The 2011 MLB trade deadline is inching closer, and the rumor mill is beginning to spin at a fast and furious rate.

Carlos Beltran, Hunter Pence and Heath Bell have emerged as the premier players who are available—but there are plenty of other lesser-known players who have been discussed recently.

Remember the biggest deadline pickup in 2010 was a part-time player who had fallen out of favor with his team. One monster postseason later, and Cody Ross will forever be remembered in the city of San Francisco.

Half of the league is still in contention as baseball enjoys a season full of parity. Does that mean we can expect an extraordinary amount of deals in the next few days?

We’ll go through the plans for all 30 clubs. Is your team loading up for the stretch run or selling away the vets in an attempt to get younger and begin the rebuilding process?

Arizona Diamondbacks: Buyers

The surprisingly strong D-Backs are in a position few thought they would be in during Spring Training. Yet somehow the offense has been strong enough to keep them within reach in the National League West.

If they plan on overtaking the Giants, the pitching staff is going to need an upgrade. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Diamondbacks would be very interested in acquiring Chicago Cubs setup man Kerry Wood. His no-trade clause may keep him in Chicago, but the Diamondbacks are doing all they can to get him out West.

Other names Rosenthal mentioned include the Nationals' Todd Coffey, the Mets' Jason Isringhausen and the the Blue Jays' Jason Frasor.

Atlanta Braves: Both

The Braves are a complicated bunch.

They are firmly entrenched as the Wild Card leader, yet trade rumors are swarming starter Derek Lowe. He is the highest paid player on the team at $15 million and has been less than stellar this season (6-7, 4.37 ERA).

You can make the argument that Lowe is only the fourth-best starter on the Braves right now. The Detroit Tigers want him, but can they give the Braves an attractive enough package?

The Braves are looking to add a right-handed hitter and a middle reliever, so any trade involving Lowe would have to include players filling those needs.

Stay tuned to see if the Braves pull the trigger on a deal or simply attempt to add another bat while keeping Lowe.

Baltimore Orioles: Sellers

The O’s midseason tailspin has once again made Baltimore relegated to a seller. J.J. Hardy just signed a three-year extension to stay with the club, so he’s off the table.

The player who has recently been mentioned is starter Jeremy Guthrie. He may sport a 4-13 record, but he has a respectable 4.35 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in the deadly American League East.

A veteran who’s considered an innings eater, Guthrie is the perfect fit in the back of a contender's rotation.

Potential trade partners include the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees—two teams the O’s have been scouting in the minors.

Young pitching is what the O’s will be seeking in return.

Boston Red Sox: Buyers

The Red Sox are looking to hoist the World Series trophy and could use a bit of tinkering to ensure they get there.

Trading for Carlos Beltran wouldn’t exactly be classified as tinkering, but they have been linked to the Mets All-Star. Yet judging from the recent comments of a Red Sox official, it’s not going to happen:

"We're interested in Beltran, but the price would have to be sensible. We lost a lot of good prospects for (Adrian) Gonzalez and want to protect our better minor leaguers."

The young Josh Reddick is a guy who may have to be included in a deal to get Beltran. Is it worth it to the Sox to mortgage their future for a shot at winning a title this season?

Securing a much cheaper outfielder is the more likely scenario. Guys like Ryan Ludwick, Coco Crisp and Chone Figgins are much more realistic.

Chicago White Sox: Sellers

The Sox are currently sporting a six-man rotation, and somebody has to go; the two prime options are Edwin Jackson and Mark Buehrle. Both are eligible for free agency after the season, and it’s unclear if the White Sox plan on shelling out the dough to keep Buehrle.

The rotation has been pretty solid this season, ranking 13th overall in MLB. With the White Sox sitting a mere 4.5 games out of first, they may be better off staying put.

A team that usually makes a big splash at the deadline will likely be quiet this time around.

Chicago Cubs: Sellers

The problem with the Cubs is all the players they are trying to get rid of have incredibly awful contracts.

There is no chance of a team reaching out to the Cubs for Alfonso Soriano. His insanely awful contract still has three years and $54 million left after this season. Carlos Pena is just plain unappealing.

The one name that has been floated around has been Aramis Ramirez. But he has a no-trade clause and has made it clear he wants to bring winning brand of baseball back to Chicago.

Expect the Cubs to stand pat at the deadline.

Cincinnati Reds: Buyers

The Reds have been involved in as many rumors as any team in baseball. The defending NL Central champs are still within striking distance and could use a few upgrades.

GM Walt Jocketty recently told the Cincinnati Enquirer that his club is indeed looking to buy, and he is willing to go for a big name.

Colorado Rockies Ublado Jimenez and Tampa Bay Rays James Shields have been two starting pitchers who have been mentioned. Both are under long-term deals, and it would allow the Reds to control them for a few years, as they aren’t looking to add a rental.

A leadoff hitter is an area of need, and the names Coco Crisp and Chone Figgins have been brought up recently. We’ll see if the Reds think they are an upgrade over the likes of Fred Lewis and Chris Heisey.

Cleveland Indians: Buyers

The Tribe are experiencing a surprise season and are reportedly interested in taking advantage of their good fortunes. Names that have been brought up include: Ryan Ludwick, Josh Willingham, Jeff Francoeur, Scott Hairston, Reed Johnson and Marlon Byrd.

Management is willing to spend around $3 million in extra salary this season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer and even "considerably more" if it’s for a big name.

It’s unlikely for them to land Carlos Beltran, but it appears they are at least willing to try.

Colorado Rockies: Sellers

The disappointing season in the Mile High City has media members speculating that ace Ubaldo Jimenez is on the trading block.

A year after starting 15-1, he has pitched poorly for the most part in 2011, but is playing much better of late. He is under team control for a few more years and has an incredibly team-friendly contract.

Problem is, the Rockies are asking the world for him. Troy Renck of the Denver Post has come to the conclusion that GM Dan O’Dowd is merely entertaining offers to see if one blows him away.

The odds of Jimenez actually getting traded are extremely slim, and it’s going to take a bevy of young pitching to get a deal done.

 Expect a historically quiet deadline team to do more of the same.

Detroit Tigers: Buyers

Can the Tigers find a way to secure Derek Lowe of the Atlanta Braves?

Lowe will be owed about $6 million for the rest of the season, and the Tigers have deep enough pockets to foot the bill. The big x-factor may be what type of package they are willing to surrender to the Braves, a team looking to get better not only this year, but for the foreseeable future as well.

Starting pitching is the clear need since Phil Coke hasn’t panned out. The Tigers may not land Lowe, but they could end up with a guy like the O’s Jeremy Guthrie.

Florida Marlins: Sellers

The roller coaster ride of a season has made the Marlins a very confusing team to figure out. After winning a grand total of five games in the month of June, they have scratched and clawed their way back to the brink of .500 and a faint pulse in the Wild Card race.

Realistically they know the odds of an incredible turnaround are slim and expect a few players to be shown the door.

Danny Knobler of CBS Sports talks about who is un-tradeable and who should start thinking about packing their bags:

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"They will consider dealing Javier Vazquez, Leo Nunez and Randy Choate. They won't talk about Ricky Nolasco or Anibal Sanchez, or Josh Johnson.

"'We were told 'no way' on Nolasco,' said an official of one team that checked in with the Marlins in the last few days. 'They want to build around Johnson, Sanchez and Nolasco moving into their new stadium.'"

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The Marlins have identified their nucleus and are willing to get younger in an attempt to build around them.

Expect top pitching prospects to be the main targets the Marlins will be courting.

Houston Astros: Sellers

The worst team in baseball is going to be getting rid of anybody they can. Jeff Keppinger was shipped off to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitchers Henry Sosa and Jason Stoffel on Tuesday.

Now the attention turns to OF Hunter Pence. The lone ‘Stros All-Star has been excellent this season and is an attractive addition to multiple teams.

The worst team in baseball has a ton of holes to fill and won’t be picky with the position of prospects they acquire. Multiple reports have the Pittsburgh Pirates heavily scouting Pence. They have plenty of talent in the minors and a few players in their system who would interest the Astros.

But would Houston be willing to trade their best player to a division rival? Odds are the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are all teams with fat payrolls and prospects that aren’t afraid to make a gamble in order to get a supreme talent like Pence.

Kansas City Royals: Sellers

The Royals are once again in the basement and looking to get younger.

Possible aging players who are candidates to be traded include Jeff Francoeur, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francis. All three of them are affordable and can help a team down the stretch.

Bruce Chen is a great cheap pickup for a contender as well. The 34-year old is sporting a terrific 5-3 record with a 3.56 ERA. He can be had at a very cheap price as well.

Expect one or two of the above-mentioned players to be gone by Aug. 1.

Los Angeles Angels: Neither

The Angels are sort of sitting in no man’s land right now.

They still have a pulse in the American League West, but seem to be missing far too many parts to realistically make a run in the postseason.

After taking on the monstrosity that is Vernon Wells’ contract, money isn’t gushing from the Angels' front office.

Standing pat is the likely scenario here.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Sellers

The disastrous season of the Dodgers starts and ends with the lack of money owner Frank McCourt is putting up. Odds are they will not be adding any sort of payroll to a team that finds themselves almost 15 full games out of first place.

The big name to surface recently is starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Whoever picks him up will have to pay him around $5 million. Considering he will be a free agent at the end of the season, it would be a smart move to get something in return before he walks.

Utility-man Jamey Carroll has also been sparking interest from teams and is another player likely to be gone by Aug. 1.

Milwaukee Brewers: Buyers

They already made a splash by signing reliever Francisco Rodriguez on All-Star night. Now the Brewers are going all-in on the 2011 season, and money is not as big an issue as it usually is for the small-market club.

Next up on the needs list is a versatile utility-man. The latest rumors have focused on Jamey Carroll, but other players are on the radar as well. Expect Milwaukee to make a run for a player who can be a part-time starter and a key pinch-hitter.

Minnesota Twins: Buyers

Vaulting from 16.5 games back to five in the American League Central has been an incredible achievement, and the Twins enter the deadline looking to improve their team according to assistant GM Rob Antony:

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"We think we're right in the middle of this thing, and I think we're looking to see if we can't do some things to help this ballclub."

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The target at Target Field will be relief pitching. Matt Capps has struggled mightily as of late and recently lost the closer spot to Joe Nathan. So are they going to be searching for a closer?

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"I'm not sure we're looking for a closer. I think we're fine there. I think we're looking for maybe a middle guy and some guys to help bridge the gap and come in in that sixth, seventh inning."

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Expect them to be in contact with the San Diego Padres about their strong stockpile of talent at the position, as well as the Washington Nationals about Tyler Clippard.

New York Mets: Sellers

The most popular trade deadline team, the Mets have big-name players teams want.

Carlos Beltran has been widely regarded as the top trade target in all of baseball. Teams from all over the league are pursing his services. The San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians are the teams that have a realistic shot at landing the 2011 All-Star.

The ball is in the Mets' court as they decide which team gives them the best offer for a player who will be entering free agency once the season ends.

Jose Reyes was just as hot a trade rumor a month ago, but now it appears he will be sticking with the Mets for the remainder of his last year under contract. He leads the league in batting average, hits and triples despite missing 12 games with a hamstring injury. His terrific play is the reason Reyes will likely stay put, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

New York Yankees: Buyers

The Yanks are always buyers, and this year the focus is on starting pitching. The back end of the rotation is shaky at best, and it comes as no surprise that they are courting Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez.

The problem is, Jimenez comes at a huge price. The Yanks would likely have to part with super prospect Jesus Montero if they wanted to pull off the deal. The big appeal of Jimenez is his team-friendly contract that is as a cheap as it gets for a player of his caliber; problem is, the Yankees don’t care about that.

Expect the asking price to be too high for the Yankees, as they shift their attention to a lesser-known player like the Chicago White Sox duo of Mark Buehrle or Edwin Jackson.

 Beefing up third base is a option as they wait for Alex Rodriguez to return from injury.

Oakland Athletics: Sellers

The A’s are going nowhere fast and have plenty of vets to unload.

Coco Crisp isn't getting any younger. David DeJesus has some value, as does Connor Jackson, Josh Willingham and Michael Wuertz.

Since none of the above mentioned players are difference-makers, expect teams that fail to acquire big-name players to hit up the A’s very close to the deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies: Buyers

It’s unclear exactly how much the Phillies are willing to spend considering their team payroll is approaching the dreaded luxury tax, but you can bet they are going to find some sort of right-handed hitter who can play in the outfield.

They have been mentioned in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes, but expect them to settle for a lesser-known player.

Domonic Brown has been up and down this season, but adding a veteran presence with postseason experience would be very beneficial.

Jason Churchill of ESPN.com suggests the Royals' Jeff Francoeur, Ryan Ludwick of the San Diego Padres, the A’s' Josh Willingham and Seth Smith of the Colorado Rockies as potential options.

Playing at the bandbox that is Citizen’s Bank Park, expect Francoeur and Willingham to be the prime targets.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Buyers

Yes, you read that correctly; the Pirates are buyers for the first time in 19 years.

They are currently scouting Houston Astros outfielder Hunter Pence and have the sort of prospects to get a deal done.

But that’s not all—they are also courting Josh Willingham, according to a tweet by Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

There is also speculation that the Pirates are in the market to add another reliever to an already-impressive group of talent. The bullpen currently sports a 3.12 ERA and closer Joel Hanrahan, who has yet to blow a save this season.

The likely scenario here is for the Pirates to trade for Willingham or one of the other veterans stuck on the A’s' roster who comes at an extremely affordable price.

San Diego Padres: Sellers

The Padres are chock-full of relievers who are extremely enticing to pick up in a deadline deal.

Leading the pack is closer Heath Bell.

Bell is an All-Star and a veteran leader; a prototypical deadline deal can push a team over the hump. That’s why the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox have all expressed interest.

But don’t forget about Mike Adams either. All of the above listed teams should be interested in a player who comes at a cheaper rate and is just as effective.

San Francisco Giants: Buyers

The Giants need to bolster their offense if they plan on making another World Series run, and that’s why Carlos Beltran continues to be linked to the champs. 

The Giants are able to take on the remainder of his deal and can give him a new contract as well.

They also have a need for a shortstop who can put up better numbers than Miguel Tejada, Brandon Crawford and Mike Fontenot—which shouldn’t be hard considering they are hitting .205 at the position.  Are they satisfied with newly-acquired Jeff Keppinger?

The Giants could also use another catcher to go with Eli Whiteside. Ramon Hernandez of the Reds has been the name linked to them—and it makes a ton of sense.

Hernandez is a veteran leader who is hitting over .300 and is more than capable of starting for a championship-caliber squad.

There are a lot of potential moves to make. Expect the Giants to be extremely active in the next 11 days.

Seattle Mariners: Sellers

There are a ton of players who are causing the phones to light up in Seattle.

All-Star closer Brandon League has been terrific this season and could be very valuable to a contender. He would garner a nice package in a trade.

Doug Fister, Jason Vargas and Chone Figgins are all names being suggested as well. Fister and Vargas have solid numbers, and teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees could use a back-of-the-rotation innings-eater.

The Mariners will likely deal at least one of the players mentioned above.

St. Louis Cardinals: Buyers

The Cards are right in the thick of things in the NL Central and could use a few upgrades for the stretch run.

Rumors around trading Colby Rasmus have surfaced, but Cardinals GM John Mozeliak recently claimed he wants to add payroll without subtracting anybody from the current roster.

They have brought up the Heath Bell discussion, as well as fellow Padres reliever Mike Adams.

The Cards are also in the market for a utility-man, such as the Dodgers' Jamey Carroll or Coco Crisp.           

Tampa Bay Rays: Sellers

Life is tough in the American League East, and despite a relatively successful season, the Rays are looking like a pretender at this point.

Look for them to field offers on B.J. Upton, a free agent after this season, as well as Johnny Damon. Both can be difference-makers for a team on the brink.

James Shields has been courted by the Reds recently and is another potential candidate to go.

It's got to be tough to stomach for fans, but it's the reality of being in the same division as the Red Sox and Yankees.

Texas Rangers: Buyers

The Rangers are looking to add some help in the pitching department and have plenty of options to do so.

Evan Grant of Rangers Blog lists Heath Bell, Mike Adams, Andrew Bailey, Tyler Clippard and Brandon League as potential targets.

The return on Bell is huge, and it’s unclear how much the Rangers are willing to sacrifice to obtain him.

Clippard is the guy to keep an eye on. He has struggled lately for the Washington Nationals, but has plenty of talent and makes the paltry sum of $440,000. The Rangers could save a lot of money and keep their farm system intact by acquiring him.

Trading for Carlos Beltran is an extreme long shot at this point.

Toronto Blue Jays: Sellers

Expect the Jays to either sell off a lesser-known player or simply stand pat. They already traded Juan Rivera to the Dodgers for a player to be named later.

The trade buzz on the Blue Jays has been dormant, and expect them to be very quiet in the next week and a half.

Washington Nationals: Sellers

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo claims the team is willing to listen to offers on any of his players.

Their pitching is receiving the bulk of the calls.

Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard are the most coveted, so expect one of them to be dealt before the deadline.

Yet the Nats’ are best off standing pat.

Storen and Clippard are both under the age of 27, are still under team control for years to come (neither player has hit arbitration yet) and have shown flashes of dominance.

As the Nationals continue to move toward relevancy, being patient is the best move to make at this point.