MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Players Likely to Change Leagues at the Trade Deadline

The MLB trade deadline is getting closer. Major names, such as Carlos Beltran and Colby Rasmus, have already changed team and several more deals are on the brink.

As the AL and NL playoff races heat up, acquiring talent at the deadline continues to gain importance. Teams are looking to fill needs, and more importantly give their team the shot in the arm it needs to finish the season strong.

When Cliff Lee went to Philadelphia from Cleveland in 2009, he made a major impact in the NL pennant race. Now in 2011, several other players will have the chance to make their marks in uncharted territory.

Here are five players that could possibly be changing leagues before August:

Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox

Reports of the Philadelphia Phillies being interested in Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin have surfaced.

This should not come as a major surprise. The Phillies have been on the market for a right-handed batter in the outfield, and Quentin comes fairly priced at just over $5 million a year.

Quentin is a solid hitter. With 20 home runs and a .265 average this season, Quentin can definitely produce in the Phillies lineup down the stretch.

He has a history of being a solid hitter and a quiet contributor. Quentin would be a great veteran addition for a team considered a World Series favorite.

The Phillies would have to part with a few prospects, but it would be worth it as they push on in the season.

Denard Span, Minnesota Twins

The Washington Nationals seem to be hot on the heels of Minnesota Twins centerfielder Denard Span.

However, he will not come cheaply for the Nationals as they look towards the future.

The Nationals may not be in a playoff race, but they have had periods of success throughout the season. They appear to be headed in the right direction, and Span would solidify the outfield for Washington.

He is a solid leadoff hitter. He is hitting .295 this season, and also is above average defensively.

The Nationals could potentially lose Ian Desmond in order to get Span, or they could wind up parting ways with closer Drew Storen. No matter what unfolds, Span could be an underrated pickup for a team headed in the right direction.

Hiroki Kuroda, Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite holding a full no-trade clause Hiroki Kuroda could be moved by Sunday. As one of the best arms available, potential playoff teams are lining up for his services.

With AL contenders trying to land the talents of the veteran pitcher, it looks more and more possible for Kuroda to waive his no-trade clause. Every team making a playoff push could use either an insurance arm or an upgrade.

Kuroda would be a solid upgrade for most teams.

With a 6-12 record on a struggling Dodgers team, Kuroda has had some bad luck. His 3.09 ERA suggests that his record should be much better than where it currently stands.

Kuroda has a career ERA of 3.52 and is a solid arm to add to the back of a playoff rotation.

He will not overpower batters but he will have quality starts.

B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

Of the six teams mentioned concerning B.J. Upton, five of them are in the National League.

The Reds, Phillies, Pirates, Braves, and Nationals have all shown interest in the Rays' athletic centerfielder.

Upton has underachieved so far at the plate in his career, including so far this season. Upton is batting just .227 with 15 homers and 53 RBI. Upton's 15 home runs leaves hope for his average to climb, but he seems to lack consistency in his swing.

However, defensively, Upton is well above average. He has a great arm and range. Upton takes great routes to the ball, and possesses great instincts and awareness.

Upton's best asset to an offense is his speed and athleticism. The Braves could use an upgrade over Jordan Schafer and Nate McLouth in center field. Upton would be the perfect compliment to the powerful Braves' lineup. For that to happen, the Braves will have to say goodbye to one of Arodys Vizcaino, Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado.

Whether the Braves make it happen or not, Upton seems to be a lock to move before Sunday.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies

Ubaldo Jimenez is one of the biggest names left in the rumor mill. He is also being chased by two of the league's major teams, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.

Jimenez has struggled this season after being in the NL Cy Young award race in 2010. His 4.20 ERA could be worse, but it is not nearly as good as it should be for a player of his potential.

He has time to bounce back while a change of atmosphere could do the fireballing right-hander some good.

The Red Sox and Yankees both have tremendous offensive firepower but could use another arm or two in their starting rotations. Jimenez would be worth a shot just for the potential upside. He will not come cheap though. For Boston, it could cost Will Middlebrooks. For New York, they could part with Dellin Betances.

Whoever winds up with Jimenez will get a very talented pitcher trying to put it all together. If he can, that team could wind up being very tough to beat.