MLB Trade Rumors: Power Ranking Top 5 Teams with Best Shot at Carlos Beltran

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is 10 days away. Carlos Beltran is the hottest name on the trade block, and more than a half-dozen teams are interested in him. 

The New York Mets outfielder will be a free agent following this season, which means there is no guarantee he hangs around with whatever team trades for him.

Nevertheless, several contenders are willing to take the risk on Beltran just being a second-half rental. With so many tight division races, Beltran has the power to help propel a team into first place.

Beltran won't be headed anywhere until the last minute of the July 31 trade deadline. So for now, we'll just have to sit back and watch the rumors fly. 

Here are five teams with the best shot at winning the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes.  

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are surprisingly in contention in the National League Central. Four teams are in the hunt for the division title, and many wonder if the Pirates can keep up for the long haul. 

The Pirates haven't been relevant at the trade deadline in over 20 years. For once, Pittsburgh gets a chance to be buyers at the trade deadline.

Adding Carlos Beltran would give the Pirates a much-needed offensive boost. However, they may not be willing to give up so much for a rental player, and Beltran may turn them down because of his no-trade clause.

In the end, the Pirates are serious about obtaining a playoff berth, which means they're going to do whatever it takes to strengthen the team. Competing and winning the Beltran sweepstakes would do just that. 

4. Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have are the best hitting team in baseball. Despite outscoring everyone else, the Red Sox want to get even better by adding Beltran to their roster. 

Ken Rosenthal reported that the Red Sox are one of the most aggressive teams pursuing Beltran. They have bigger needs for some pitching, but because they're in such a close race with the New York Yankees, adding a solid hitter like Beltran wouldn't hurt. 

Boston hasn't had great play in right field from J.D. Drew, which is another reason they're interested in Beltran. Even though Josh Reddick is rolling right now, adding Beltran would benefit this team down the stretch and into the playoffs. 

3. San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants were the first team to enter the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes. Closer Brian Wilson hinted that the Giants were looking to add Beltran to help their offense. 

The Giants have a dominant pitching corps, but they rank 26th in the league in batting. San Francisco shouldn't have any trouble winning the National League West since it's a down year for everyone except the Giants. 

However, if they want to beat the other National League teams with exceptional pitching in the postseason, then the Giants need to add hitters. 

The Giants have a strong chance to land Beltran simply because they are the one contending team that needs him the most. 

2. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Carlos Beltran, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal.

The Phillies are the best team in Major League Baseball right now, and they show no signs of slowing down. In fact, the wish to get better by adding a hitter like Beltran, as well as help in the bullpen.

Beltran would definitely love to join the club with the best record in baseball. He would take over in right field, which is a position the Phillies have had problems with this. Domonic Brown and Ben Francisco just aren't getting it done.

Philadelphia's chances of landing Beltran are very good because they desperately seek to put themselves even further ahead of everyone else.   

1. Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have every intention of adding a bat at the trade deadline because it's what they need to do to catch the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. 

With so many great young pitching prospects, the Braves have the best chance of any team out there to win the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes. 

Atlanta must now decide if they are willing to give up a ton for a rental veteran. The Braves have a few veteran pitchers they'll need to replace in a year or two, which is why they are hesitant to pull the trigger on any deal.

I don't believe the Braves should trade for Beltran because they are fully capable of winning on their own. Unfortunately, the continued struggles at the plate will soon force Atlanta to make a move. Whether or not it's for Beltran remains to be seen. 

The Mets would prefer to take Julio Teheran, Mike Minor or Brandon Beachy from the Braves, but since they're division rivals Atlanta will be very hesitant on making any far-fetched deals.