Hunter Pence: With Carlos Beltran off the Board, Is the Astro Next?

As expected, the San Francisco Giants came out winners of the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes, marking this year's first blockbuster trade before the July 31 deadline.

But it certainly won't be the last.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Astros outfielder Hunter Pence is likely the next candidate to find a new baseball home.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal recently tweeted that as many as eight teams are in the race for the 28-year-old; some more than others.

Pence is hitting .306 for the last-place Astros. He has 11 home runs, 62 RBI, a .354 on-base percentage and a .351 batting average with runners in scoring position.

The right fielder is statistically having the best season of his young career and could be a huge asset to a contender in need of a hot bat.

Here are a few teams that need Hunter Pence the most.

3. Atlanta Braves

It doesn't look like the Braves will catch the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, but they may have a tight grasp on the wild card; they are currently four games ahead of the Diamondbacks.

Atlanta (61-44) is a mere 27th in the league when it comes to team batting average (.240) and 15th in runs scored with 426.

In 2011, Braves outfielders are a combined 292 for 1,205 (.242 BA), 31 homers and 104 RBI, while striking out 243 times.

Last season's rookie sensation, Jason Heyward, is going through a sophomore slump. He is Atlanta's primary No. 2 hitter in the lineup, and he's hitting just .223 this year.

If the Braves were to grab Pence, he would be expected to fill that hole.

2. Cincinnati Reds

Dusty Baker's ailing Cincinnati Reds are in need of a quick and timely roster move to set themselves up for contention in the competitive NL Central.

The Redlegs (50-55) have lost seven of their last 10, falling to fourth place and 6.5 games out of first.

Although the offense has been proficient (sixth in runs scored, 10th in BA), its lack of production in clutch situations has been a huge issue—the Reds are batting just .261 with runners in scoring position.

Cincinnati's left fielders have struggled all season long, combining for a .218 batting average, 52 RBI and a .317 OBP.

Pence, who would assumably make the transition to LF if acquired by Cincinnati, would be a huge boost to the lineup.

GM Walt Jocketty doesn't have much time left to make a decision, but he possesses the requirements to make a deal with the Astros. The question is, will he use them?

1. Cleveland Indians

They may not be the front-runners to get him, but the Cleveland Indians need Hunter Pence.

Sure, they may have just received Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs, but that isn't enough. The Japanese left-hander is batting .273 this season, with just three home runs and 13 RBI. The 34-year-old is expected to take over right field, moving Michael Brantley to either left or center.

Overall, Cleveland outfielders are hitting .248 with 24 homers, 120 RBI and 271 strike outs. In addition, the team ranks 22nd in the MLB in batting average (.246) and 18th in slugging percentage (.386).

And if the Indians want to make a run at the AL Central, these numbers have to improve.

If Hunter Pence were to be affixed on the team, he would presumably start in left field over the troubled Austin Kearns. Brantley would fit in center and Fukudome would stay in right for a solid outfield.

Either way you look at it, it's hard to think that Pence will still be an Astro by the trade deadline.