MLB Trade Speculation: The Player Each Team Would Be Better Off Without

It is almost the MLB Trade Deadline and teams are very close to knowing if they will be buyers and sellers. Every team does have a player that they will be better off without.

This list is based on the type of players that sellers could get back. The players and prospects that buyers would need to deal to fill their needs or guys that realistically could be replaced on their roster are the ones that are included.

Arizona Diamonbacks: Zach Duke

The Diamondbacks had a huge loss when Stephen Drew fractured his ankle. He was a big part of the Diamondbacks and was a big reason why they were in second place in the NL West.

Arizona has had some problems in their bullpen recently. They released Aaron Heilman and have moved Zach Duke to the pen. He has not been good at all this year. The Diamondbacks could use another pitcher for their bullpen.

Atlanta Braves: Nate McLouth

The Braves have a desperate need for an outfielder this year, and Nate McLouth and Jordan Schafer have not produced for the Braves.

There has been talk that the Braves are going hard for Carlos Beltran. If they are able to acquire the slugger, one of these guys might no longer be a part of the outfield rotation.

Baltimore Orioles: Jeremy Guthrie

The Orioles are not going to be be making the playoffs this year, so it is time to build for the future. They will not be trading J.J. Hardy, but Jeremy Guthrie may be on the move.

Guthrie is much better than his record this year indicates. He is also not a free agent until 2013. Guthrie could help a contender and bring the Orioles a good prospect.

Boston Red Sox: J.D. Drew

The Red Sox are another team that could be in on Carlos Beltran. Acquiring him would give the Red Sox enough reason to keep J.D. Drew out of their starting lineup.

Beltran would instantly improve what is already the best offense in baseball. The Red Sox would become the team to beat in not only the American League but all of baseball if they pick up Beltran.

Chicago Cubs: Carlos Zambrano

Zambrano's attitude problems with the Cubs have been well documented over the years. Along with his large contract, Zambrano has become a headache for the team.

The Cubs would be very lucky if they could move Zambrano and receive a prospect in return that could help them in the future. With what looks to be yet another disappointing season, the Cubs should rebuild for next year.

Chicago White Sox: Adam Dunn

After getting big free-agent deal this offseason, Adam Dunn has been absolutely miserable for the White Sox this year. All of his numbers have dropped significantly.

Dunn is batting well below the Mendoza line and could easily be replaced as the White Sox's DH if they are able to bring in a bat.

What looked like a great signing in the off season has turned out to be a big mistake for the White Sox.

Cincinnati Reds: Jonny Gomes

At this point in the year, there is no reason why Jonny Gomes should be in the Reds lineup unless it is to give one of the other starters a rest. Gomes has hit for power but has not hit for a good average.

The Reds have an outfield of Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs and Chris Heisey that is one of the better combinations in the National League. Gomes is a good bat to come off the bench or could be traded for pitching help.

Cleveland Indians: Jack Hannahan

Hannahan was not the answer that the Indians were looking for at third base. As result of his struggles, the Indians called up top prospect Lonnie Chisenhall. However, Chisenhall has struggled early on.

The Indians have a chance to win the AL Central this year, and to do so they will need a solid third baseman.

They will need to look for a one year replacement to bridge the gap and give Chisenhall some more time to develop.

Colorado Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez

Jimenez is having an average year this season and there has been talk that the Rockies have placed him on the trading block. It is not very likely that Jimenez would be dealt.

However, if the Rockies do find a trade partner that would be willing to acquire Jimenez, they can expect a massive return.

The Rockies should get at least two top prospects that are ready for the majors in addition to at least one more high upside player that can help them in the future.

Detroit Tigers: Brandon Inge

Inge has had some great seasons for the Tigers in the past, but he has been in a constant decline. This season, he has been just terrible and is hitting below the Mendoza line.

The Tigers have already acquired Wilson Betemit to replace Inge. Then, the team designated Inge for assignment and may trade him if he refuses to go to the minors.

Florida Marlins: Hanley Ramirez

There has been talk that the Marlins may look into trading Hanley Ramirez. Yes, he is having a down year and his value is low, but there are other issues surrounding Ramirez.

Frustration about Hanley and his attitude has been growing in Miami. He was called out by Jack McKeon and there is debate as to if he is still the face of the franchise.

Scouts have also wondered if Ramirez is getting too big for shortstop.

Houston Astros: Hunter Pence

The Astros are the worst team in baseball this season. They will almost certainly have a fire sale and look to acquire prospects that can help them in the future.

One of the most desirable players on their roster is Hunter Pence. He will bring back a big return for the Astros and the team will not need to worry about how expensive he will be next season.

Kansas City Royals: Jeff Francoeur

Royals fans have already gotten a glimpse of the future since so many of the team's best prospects have already been called up to the majors.

The Royals plans for the future are beginning to take shape, and Francoeur is not a part of them.

Francoeur has been having a solid year and is one of the more desirable bats that could be on the trade market this season. Kansas City could bring in yet another prospect that could help them win the AL Central in a few years.

Los Angeles Angels: Fernando Rodney

Rodney is no longer the impact pitcher out of the bullpen that he once was. He is currently on the DL, but he has not had much success this year. This has left the Angels looking for some bullpen help as the trade deadline creeps nearer.

Los Angeles has an uphill battle ahead if they believe that they have a chance to make the playoffs this season. They will need to improve their team and the bullpen is the place to start.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Hiroki Kuroda

The Dodgers' current situation is impacted more by Frank McCourt's financial situation than the team's actual needs. It seems very likely that the Dodgers will look to shed salary at the trade deadline.

Hiroki Kuroda has had a pretty good year for the Dodgers. However, he has a very expensive contract. The Dodgers may look to trade Kuroda to save money.

They may also get a good prospect or two in return for Kuroda.

Milwaukee Brewers: Casey McGehee

The Brewers have suffered a major loss when they found out that Carlos Gomez has a fractured clavicle. This is not only going to impact the Brewers offensively, but also defensively.

Casey McGehee had been a big part of the Brewers' lineup last season, but he has struggled this year. The Brewers are going to need to look for an upgrade at third base if they plan to contend this year.

Minnesota Twins: Jason Kubel

The Twins have been one of the biggest disappointments in the majors this season. They have a few players that are of interest to other teams.

Jason Kubel was having a good year before he was placed on the DL. Kubel is expected to return before the trade deadline and is a free agent after the season.

The Twins would be wise to take what they could get for him.

New York Mets: Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran is arguably one of the best players to wear the Mets uniform in the past decade. However, his time with the team appears to be reaching its end. The Mets are struggling to stay in contention.

Beltran is the best offensive player on the trade market and the Mets believe that they can receive an A prospect for him.

If this is the case, the Mets should move Beltran and begin to look toward the future.

New York Yankees: Jorge Posada

Early on this season, there was talk that the Yankees might look to cut Jorge Posada. That has not happened, but Posada has not improved his production much.

The Yankees could improve their lineup and their chances of winning the AL East title by replacing Posada. He is not the player that he once was and the Yankees have a better internal option at DH in Jesus Montero.

Oakland Athletics: Josh Willingham

The last place Athletics don't have much to look forward to this season. It was mentioned that their dream scenario could be to move Josh Willingham for prospects.

It now appears like that dream may come true. Willingham's name has been linked to many different teams this season and appears to be very likely that he will be traded.

Philadelphia Phillies: Domonic Brown

Brown was one of the top prospects in the game according to Baseball America. However, he has not produced much in the majors this season.

It has been mentioned that the Mets are asking for Brown in return for Carlos Beltran. While this may be a large price to pay, the Phillies would get significantly better by making such a move.

This type of deal could lead the Phillies to the World Series this year.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Lyle Overbay

Without a doubt, the Pirates have been baseball's biggest surprise this season. The have been in first place in the NL Central and have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time.

However, the Pirates have not gotten much out of first baseman Lyle Overbay this season.

If the Pirates can improve at that position, they will give themselves a much better chance to continue their magical season.

San Diego Padres: Ryan Ludwick

Ludwick has an impressive RBI total this year and that should appeal to many teams. However, his batting average and on-base percentage are less than sterling.

The Padres should look to trade away Ludwick, who is a free agent after the season, for prospects.

San Diego could compete next year, and it is unlikely that Ludwick will be a part of their plans.

San Francisco Giants: Miguel Tejada

Every single player that the Giants have trotted out to the shortstop position this year has struggled. The team has not been able to fill the position, and it is their second biggest hole, the first being catcher after the loss of Buster Posey.

Even with all of the issues that they have had this season, the Giants are in first place in the NL West.

Acquiring a starting shortstop would give the Giants an even bigger edge over the rest of their division.

Seattle Mariners: Chone Figgins

Figgins has been one of, if not the worst players in the major leagues this season. The Mariners are buried under the rest of his contract, and there is no way that they will be able to move him.

The Mariners have a chance to win the AL West and make the playoffs this year, but that will be very hard for them to accomplish if they have Figgins starting at third base.

Seattle can make a small trade, Wilson Betemit would have been a fit, and they will improve their roster significantly.

St. Louis Cardinals: Kyle McClellan

It is not that McClellan has been bad for the Cardinals this season. However, the team could certainly use an upgrade over him in the starting rotation.

McClellan could be moved back to the bullpen to make room for a starter that gives the team a better chance of making the playoffs.

By doing this, the Cardinals could improve two parts of their team with one move.

Tampa Bay Rays: Reid Brignac

Over the past two years, Brignac has gotten his chance to prove that he deserves to be the Rays starting shortstop. This season, Brignac is batting below the Mendoza line.

If the Rays believe that they can compete with the Yankees and the Red Sox in the AL East, then there is reason to believe that the Rays should go after a shortstop.

They can fix their outfield issues internally with Desmond Jennings.

Texas Rangers: Mark Lowe

The defending American League Champions have once again complied a roster that puts them in an outstanding position to succeed this year. They have had a few week spots in their bullpen however.

Rangers reliever Mark Lowe has struggled a bit during the course of the season. If the Rangers want to repeat their performance from last season, then they need to make improvements to their bullpen.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jo-Jo Reyes

The Blue Jays have struggled to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in the American League East. However, the Jays do have some good young talent that could help them be competitive in the future.

Toronto may look to cut ties with Jo-Jo Reyes. The starter has struggled for most of the season and may not be a piece of the team's future.

Washington Nationals: Rick Ankiel

Many teams in the majors are looking for outfielders at the trade deadline. Some of the asking prices for these players seem to be outrageous. This is something that the Nationals can take advantage of.

The Nationals may be able to move Rick Ankiel for a reliever or a prospect with the potential to be a platoon player in the future.

Washington's time to compete is soon, and they should start to add players to their roster that can help in a year or two.