MLB Trade Speculation: Cincinnati Reds' Edinson Volquez Being Shopped

ESPN's Jason Churchill speculates that the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers could each make a case for buying the Cincinnati Reds' right-hander, Edinson Volquez.

And according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Redlegs are listening to all offers.

Inconsistency has landed Volquez in Louisville for his second stint this year in Triple-A. The 6'0" Dominican has clearly struggled since his Tommy John surgery in 2009, compiling 90 walks in 147.2 innings.

He is 5-4 in the big leagues this season, accumulating a 5.93 ERA while allowing 55 BB and 15 home runs in 85 innings pitched.

Volquez has given the Reds five quality starts in 2011, proving he still has some value. However, he's only produced one seven-inning performance in 16 starts.

After turning down a four-year deal with Cincinnati in February, Volquez is set to become a free agent following this season (although he still has two more arbitration-eligible years) and is currently making $1.625 million in '11.

It wouldn't be difficult for Reds' GM Walt Jocketty to part with the former All-Star. And at this point, he may have no other choice but to take what he can get.

Here is why the right-handed veteran would fit on each of the previously listed teams.

4. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers (55-49) find themselves atop the AL Central by two games, with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins trailing close behind.

Although they are 9th in the MLB with 460 runs scored and 4th in batting average (.266), the Tigers struggle on the mound. Detroit's pitching ranks 23rd in the league with a 4.23 ERA and is subpar at walks plus hits per inning pitched (1.36).

Starters are a combined 43-34 with a 4.03 ERA. In 103 games, they have pitched 632.1 innings (just over six per game) and have struck out 443 batters.

Subtract Jason Verlander, and the team ERA skyrockets to 4.67—good for 28th overall.

So, why would Detroit pursue Volquez? Certainly not for his dominance over AL Central opponents, in which he is a career 1-4 with a 14.29 ERA.

Nevertheless, the Tigers are in need of a solid No. 5 pitcher in the rotation and could have the leeway to take a chance on the Cincinnati blunder.

3. Texas Rangers

Cincinnati acquired Volquez in a deal for Josh Hamilton with Texas back in 2007.

It's too bad the Rangers called "no give-backs".

Starting pitching has been phenomenal for the Texas Rangers this season. They total for 47 wins to 26 losses, a 3.49 ERA and have struck out 514 batters (7.03 K/9).

However, it's the bullpen that's struggled. It has lost 19 games this year while surrendering 42 home runs (one every 6.4 innings, compared to the starters' 9.52).

Volquez started his career in Texas, so maybe the staff knows something the Reds don't and could get him rolling. It could use some extra help in the bullpen, and although he doesn't have much experience in this field, why not give it a chance?

2. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians (52-50) are currently two games back of first place behind the Detroit Tigers.

And it they want to stay in contention, they need to add another strong arm to the starting rotation.

During the last 10 games, starters have a solid combined ERA of 3.71. However, their record is 4-7 in this time, having only gotten to the seventh inning (or better) seven times.

In his last 11 starts, Fausto Carmona has posted two wins to seven losses. He has just four quality starts throughout the span, allowing 43 earned runs in 57 innings pitched (6.79 ERA).

The Indians need a roster change at this position and Edinson Volquez could be the wildcard deal that works in their favor.

1. New York Yankees

Edinson Volquez has proven that he has great stuff—he owns a career 8.75 K/9—and a 17-6, 3.21 ERA season in 2008 shows he knows how to win.

However, he's wild, averaging 4.89 walks per nine innings throughout his career. This makes him a project to most teams.

Which is perfect for the Yankees.

New York is notorious for its everlasting payroll and reputation for adding virtually any player it wants to its roster. So why not give Edinson Volquez a shot?

Since his return from the disabled list, Phil Hughes is 1-1 with a 6.46 ERA in four starts. He has only two quality starts in 2011.

Hughes may just be having an off season, or maybe he's still not be fully recovered. Either way, New York cannot ride this question mark into the postseason. It needs to make a trade for an insurance pitcher, just incase Hughes continues to sink.

The worst-case scenario is that Brian Cashman wastes a little under $2 million.

Big deal.

Edinson Volquez could end up becoming a huge asset to the Yankees' starting rotation. Maybe he just needs a fresh start; new teammates, coaches and scenery.

Any way you look at it, it's hard to think that Volquez will still be in a Reds uniform after July 31.