MLB Trade Rumors: Deals All 30 Teams Could Make Before Sunday

We have reached the final weekend before the 2011 Trade Deadline. The gears are in motion for buyers looking to add a weapon to their lineup, and sellers looking to drop some unneeded talent .

Even though the big fish Carlos Beltran is now a Giant, there are still a variety of talented options left for every team.

Here are the deals that all 30 teams are hoping to make before Sunday rolls around.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays made a big move including three teams on Wednesday, and they came out with the young former St. Louis outfielder Colby Rasmus and former White Sox third baseman Mark Teahen.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com notes that the Jays are "likely done making deals," but still may be willing to trade Jon Rauch or Frank Francisco.

Baltimore Orioles

The O's have yet to make a splash in this year's trade market, but according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Derrick Lee, Jeremy Guthrie, and Koji Uehara are the key players that Baltimore would discuss trading.

Detroit and Cleveland have been the main suitors for Jeremy Guthrie to this point.

Expect a bidding war between these two clubs as neither would want the other to acquire the talented Guthrie as they compete for the top spot in the AL Central. 

Boston Red Sox

With the recent injury bug that's hit the Red Sox rotation, they're looking to add starting pitching to help secure their spot atop the AL East.

Boston is one of the remaining teams leading in the contention for high priced Ubaldo Jimenez.  They have also been looking at the cheaper option of Erik Bedard, as they are not likely to give up the prospects that would be required for Jimenez.

New York Yankees

Apparently, contrary to many of the rumours that have been circulating, Joe Girardi doesn't think the Yankees need to add more starting pitching.

However, as Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News notes, Ubaldo Jimenez of the Rockies, Wandy Rodriguez of the Astros and Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers are all among their top options for starting pitching that remain on the market.

I have expressly noted in previous articles that it is unlikely for the Yankees to part with three of their top four prospects for Jimenez. The cheaper options of Rodriguez and Kuroda seem like much better fits for the Bombers.

Tampa Bay Rays

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes that it is quite unlikely that the Rays would end up moving starting pitcher James Shields, as he has put up an all star season in 2011.

This being said, centre fielder BJ Upton's name has been all around the rumour mills of late, and Ben Nicholson-Smith of www.mlbtraderumors.com has noted that the Braves, Indians, Nationals, Phillies, and Pirates have all been linked to the outfielder, so don't be surprised to see him suited up for a National League team come August 1.

Chicago White Sox

Although there hasn't been any confirmation on his availability, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com notes that Carlos Quentin could be moved for "multiple top prospects".

The Braves have been the most interested in the right fielder and according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the White Sox are interested in Atlanta's young arms, so if a deal for Quentin takes place, look for the Braves to be involved.

Cleveland Indians

Although the Indians recently acquired outfielder Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has indicated that the Tribe is making a "strong push" towards San Diego Padres' outfielder Ryan Ludwick.

The Indians seem to be making efforts towards outfielders in order to compensate for the absences of Grady Sizemore, and Shin-Soo Choo.

Detroit Tigers

You're going to be seeing this man's face a lot in this slideshow as teams interest in the Rockies' overpriced hurler Ubaldo Jimenez has not waned.

The Tigers have added their names to the mix and contacted Colorado with an inquiry about Jimenez yesterday.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports reports that it would take at least Jacob Turner and Rick Porcello for the Tigers to complete a deal for Jimenez. 

This would be the least outrageous deal if the Rockies were to accept it, so watch for the Tigers to move up in the ranks of Jimenez contenders in the next day or two.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals have been relatively quiet in the rumour mills this year, and according to GM Dayton Moore, “The guys we have, I think, are more valuable to us than the potential [return].”

This means they will have no desire to move any of their prime aged players, even those going into free agency next season.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, reports that the Royals could look to get a third starter for either outfielder Jeff Francoeur or Melky Cabrera, although there hasn't been much interest surrounding the two thus far.

Minnesota Twins

Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports report that the Twins are close to completing a deal that would send outfielder Denard Span to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Drew Storen.

Morosi and Rosenthal also note that Delmon Young and Kevin Slowey have been on the block, with interest in Slowey coming from the Rockies.

Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have also yielded strong interest.

The Twins will need to be quite active in the next two days if they hope to come back from six games down in the AL Central.

Los Angeles Angels

The Halos have been slightly out of luck of late as they just don't seem to be compatible trade partners with teams who's players they would like to pursue.

They would like third base and closer help, and as far as the most talented closer on the market, Heath Bell, goes, Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times has reported that the Angels may not have the right pieces to create a package for the all star closer; specifically in the upper level prospects regard.

CBSSports' Scott Miller indicates that the Angels have shown interest in Cubs' Aramis Ramirez, who has a no trade clause that would need to be waived, and Twins' Michael Cuddyer, who the Twins likely won't be keen on relocating as they make a push in the AL Central.

Oakland Athletics

The Athletics have a number of players who won't be under team control beyond this year on the block. These include David Dejesus, Coco Crisp, and Josh Willingham.

In the Braves' pursuit of a centre fielder, they have had internal discussions about the acquisition of Coco Crisp.

Willingham is on the Braves' radar as well, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Seattle Mariners

Though previously, both Jason Vargas and Doug Fister have been talked about being on the trade block, Danny Knobler of CBSSports has reported that a team with interest in Fister heard that there is "zero" chance of the M's parting with him.

This being said, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has indicated that Jason Vargas has been offered to the Red Sox, who have made it clear they are looking for a starting pitcher, and like several other teams, aren't likely to dish out many prospects for Jimenez.

Although they haven't ruled out re-signing him, Erik Bedard is also available for discussions, so expect there to be some pitching changes in Seattle.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have been reported by ESPN's Buster Olney to be in the mix for Padres closer Heath Bell, along with the Cardinals.

Jon Heyman of SI.com has noted that the Rangers have the best chance at landing the right handed closer as they have the necessary prospects to get a deal completed. 

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are aggressively looking for an outfielder before the deadline, and with Hunter Pence being the most talented remaining option, you can bet that Atlanta has their eyes on him.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Braves being among the top suitors for Pence and ESPN.com's Jayson Stark indicates that the Astros are "mulling over" a Braves offer, which is "significant" and involves Atlanta's top pitching prospects.

Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports notes there is better than a 50/50 chance a deal gets done for Pence.

Florida Marlins

Leo Nunez is seemingly the only Marlin left on the trading block, and that they are asking for a lot in return for him.

Heyman also speculates that Randy Choate, Ricky Nolasco, and Anibal Sanchez are "off-limits at this point".

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com has tweeted that it doesn't look like the Marlins will make a deal before the deadline.

New York Mets

You'll notice Carlos Beltran is wearing a Giants jersey in this photo, because the Mets have already made a cannonball like splash in the trade pool by trading the most sought after player in this year's deadline trade-off.

You can be confident that the Mets will sit back and watch for the remainder of the time leading up to the deadline and GM Sandy Alderson will not likely make another deal "unless something extraordinary comes up", as he told reporters.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are another one of the teams who are aggressively pursuing Astros outfielder Hunter Pence.

ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark has reported that Philadelphia and Houston are exploring a three team deal involving Pence, where the five tool outfielder would land in Philly.

Expect the Phillies to be strong in the running for Pence until he is dealt.

Washington Nationals

Tyler Clippard has been in discussions for a trade out of Washington but recent developments in the relocation of Jason Marquis have moved him to the top of the Nationals trade priorities.

The Nats have requested teams take on the remaining $2.2M on Marquis salary, and although that turns some contenders away, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick has noted that the Tigers contacted Washington about a deal for the righty last night.

Chicago Cubs

Although Aramis Ramirez doesn't want to go anywhere, he has conceded to maybe waiving his no trade clause, conditional on the deal he is offered.

Ramirez stated "I understand it's a business. If they're looking to rebuild, I can't fit in. So we'll see," as reported on mlbtraderumors.com.

The Angels are in most need of a third baseman and look to be the top suitors for Ramirez if he agrees to waive his no trade clause.

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds find themselves in a tough position. After being swept in four games by the Mets, they now sit with a losing record of 50-55, and need to assess whether they are still buyers.

If they choose to continue a run towards a playoff spot, then Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence are on their radar, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

However, recent news from ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark indicates that the Reds are "strongly mulling a sell-a-thon," a scenario that would have them considering more cautious, future friendly trades.

Houston Astros

If you haven't realized it yet, Hunter Pence is now the hottest commodity on the trade market.

the Braves, Phillies, and Reds have all been listed as potential candidates to land the outfielder, however, Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle confirms that the Phillies lead the way.

Milwaukee Brewers

With the loss of Rickie Weeks to the DL with an ankle sprain, the Brewers are now suitors of the Dodgers middle infielder Jamey Carroll according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The Indians, D-Backs, and Pirates are also reportedly looking at Carroll, but with the Brewers unexpected and rather large hole in the middle infield now that Weeks is gone, expect them to contend an offer and lead the bidding for Carroll.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates, although have shown interest in BJ Upton, as an addition to the outfield, are "working on other fronts" according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.

Stark also notes that, while looking for a strong hitter, the Bucs aren't hot on Carlos Pena, or Josh Willingham, and have discussed the possibility of acquiring Jason Kubel from the Twins.

The Twins still consider themselves to be contenders so this is a bit of a longshot.

Expect the Pirates to settle for one of the bats available such as Pena, or Willingham, or increase interest in Upton if they cannot land Kubel.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have made an impact on the trade market themselves, landing starting pitcher Edwin Jackson from the Blue Jays, as well as Mark Rzepcynski, Jason Frasor, Octavio Dotel, and Corey Patterson.

This was one of the bigger transactions of the season thus far, and the Cards still seem to be interested in closing help.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Cardinals being with the Rangers as among the top suitors for San Diego's Heath Bell, although the Rangers are the most likely to land the closer with their attractive offer of prospects.

The Cardinals will look to acquire a closer if they can, but they likely won't go to great lengths if they can't reach a deal for Heath Bell.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-backs have been relatively quiet in the rumour mill in 2011, and aside from the acquisition of Michael Restovich from the White Sox and the signing of Arizona's first pick and third overall in the draft Trevor Bauer, the Diamondbacks haven't been connected to many of the big players on the market.

Jon Heyman of SI.com notes the D-Backs as being one of the contenders for Dodgers infielder Jamey Carroll.

Don't expect Arizona to make more than a small splash in the trade pool this year.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have been quite firm on their request for highly valued starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, and the Red Sox, Yankees, Reds, Indians and Tigers have been reported as being top suitors for the righty.

The Rockies are looking at acquiring the top prospects from any team who takes the Jimenez bait.

ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark notes that the Indians would be willing to remove the "untouchable" label from their prospects in an effort to acquire Jimenez.

There is a great deal of interest in their hurler and you can expect one of the teams mentioned to bite and move their top prospects in order to acquire him.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have seen a ton of interest in their starter Hiroki Kuroda, and although he has a no trade clause that hasn't scared teams from being interested or the Dodgers from requesting a starting pitcher or catcher who is close to the majors, as reported by ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.

Scott Miller of CBSSports.com has heard that Kuroda may only accept a deal to the Yankees or Red Sox, both of whom are interested in the pitcher, although the Rangers and Indians are still pursuing him.

Count on Kuroda to waive his no trade clause, as he is a valuable starter on the trade market this year, and will certainly have offers to entertain before Sunday rolls around.

San Diego Padres

The Padres have the most valued closer on the market in 2011. Heath Bell is yielding a ton of interest from several teams across the Majors.

The Rangers are considered to be the front runners for Bell, notes Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune, and the Cardinals interest is increasing daily.

Teams interested in Bell also have interest in relief man Mike Adams, who Bill Center reports may not go anywhere due to no teams meeting the Padres' asking price for him.

Heath Bell has accepted that he'll probably be moved. We can all expect Bell to be in a different uniform come August 1.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants were the lucky team able to swing a deal for highly valued trade piece in Carlos Beltran. After sending starting pitcher Zach Wheeler to the Mets earlier this week, San Francisco closed the book on Carlos Beltran and welcomed him by giving him Manager Bruce Bochy's number.

The Giants are still showing interest in Reds' catcher Ramon Hernandez, to use as a fill in guy for Buster Posey, but the Reds haven't began discussions on Hernandez according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports. 

San Francisco will continue to pursue Hernandez as they've been interested since early July, but if they don't get a deal in place for him, don't expect them to do much more before the 2011 deadline.