MLB Trade Deadline: Top Five Bats Available After the Beltran and Rasmus Deals

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JULY 22: B.J. Upton #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays swings during the 1st inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals on July 22, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

With both Carlos Beltran and Colby Rasmus being traded, the two of the top hitters available on the market at the MLB Trade Deadline are no longer options for any team. However, there are still many good players available.

Teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox are just a few of the teams that are still looking for a player to help bolster their lineup.

5) Reed Johnson

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Reed Johnson #5 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Washington Nationals won 5-4. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)

Ned Dishman/Getty Images

2011 Stats: .328/.369/.555, 4 HR, 23 RBI

One of the most appealing things about Reed Johnson is the fact that his salary for the year was just $900,000. This means that he is one of the most affordable players on the trade market.

Johnson has done an outstanding job of getting on base this season. The Chicago Cubs might not get a strong offer for Johnson, but he is certainly a player that has some value in the trade market.

4) Andre Ethier

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 25: Andre Ethier #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homerun against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning of the game at Dodger Stadium on July 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

2011 Stats: .297/.371/.444, 10 HR, 47 RBI

Andre Ethier is not exactly on the trade market, but he is not exactly off of it. Given the Los Angeles Dodgers current financial situation and Ethier's contract, it is entirely possible that he is moved.

The Boston Red Sox are looking for an outfielder and have the talent to make a good offer to the Dodgers. There are also a few other teams that could offer the Dodgers the prospects that they are looking for in return for Ethier.

3) Michael Bourn

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 20: Michael Bourn #21 of the Houston Astros lays down a bunt single in the 5th inning against the Washington Nationals on July 20, 2011 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Astros won in the bottom of the 11th 3 - 2. (Photo by Thomas

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

2011 Stats: .302/.360/.403, 62 R, 7 3B, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 38 SB

The Houston Astros speedy outfielder has not been drawing as much attention as was expected. That does not mean that the will not be moved before the MLB trade deadline.

WIth Beltran and Rasmus off the market, teams may not take a closer look at Michael Bourn. He could be a perfect fit for both the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies.

2) B.J. Upton

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 3: Outfielder B. J. Upton #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs to third base against the St. Louis Cardinals July 3, 2011 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

2011 Stats: .227/.307/.395, 15 HR, 53 RBI, 23 SB

Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times has said that the market for B.J. Upton is beginning to come much clearer in light of the recent deals that have occurred. There is a strong belief that Upton will be dealt this year.

While Upton has not hit for average, he has demonstrated both his power and speed. If he can bring his batting average up with his new team then Upton will be a great pickup.

1) Hunter Pence

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 20: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros hits a triple in the first inning against the Washington Nationals on July 20, 2011 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Astros won in the bottom of the 11th 3 - 2. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/G

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

2011 Stats: .308/.355/.468, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 7 SB

There have been multiple teams, including both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, that have been interested in Hunter Pence. This could start a bidding war and the Houston Astros could end up with an outstanding return.

Pence does not become a free agent until 2014 and he is by far the best offensive player left on the trade market. If he were to be traded, the Astros would receive at least one top prospect in return.

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