MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Teams Guaranteed To Make Moves Before Deadline Passes

The MLB trade deadline is set at 4:00 p.m. ET on July 31, and many deals are expected to go down between now and then. 

However, nothing is set in stone, and when Sunday rolls around, these talks may not turn to truth. Let's hope that doesn't happen because there has been a lot of hype surrounding some big-name players at this year's trade deadline. 

With so many close division races, there will be more trades happening before the deadline. 

Here are five teams guaranteed to make a move. 

5. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers may be leading their division, but that doesn't mean they're going to sit still at the trade deadline. 

With a two-game lead over the LA Angels, the Rangers are looking to solidify themselves as big threats in the American League. 

They are after relief pitchers, with their sights specifically on Heath Bell. If they can't land Bell, they'll get one of three other relievers. 

4. Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds were in contention in the National League Central, but over the last week or so they have really struggled. The Reds are now six-and-a-half games out of first place. 

Cincinnati has to make a move before Sunday if they want to have any shot at winning the division. Their hitting will come around, but their pitching needs the most help. 

They have the pieces to deal for Ubaldo Jimenez, but they need the Rockies to come through. Either way, the Reds will be actively looking for pitchers before the July 31 trade deadline.  

3. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are big-time sellers at the trade deadline this year. The only problem is that they continue to ask too much for their top players. 

Before Sunday comes, the Astros will lower their price and Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and/or Wandy Rodriguez will be gone. 

Many teams are after all three of these guys, and you can count on the Astros trading at least one of them. 

2. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are the front-runners for Hunter Pence, but it may not be the only move they make this weekend.

The best team in baseball is about to get even better. They have their sights set on San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell as well as Padres reliever Mike Adams.

The Phillies will land either one of these players because they are so desperate for a powerful right fielder, as well as better bullpen pitching. 

1. Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have the best pitching prospects in baseball, which means whoever they want at the trade deadline this year they can get. However, the Braves have been very hesitant to deal their top prospects for any big-name players. 

Atlanta has been hit hard by the injury bug, and it only got worse Friday. Center fielder Nate McLouth was placed on the disabled list with abdominal problems. 

The Braves need offensive help, and they will find it some way or another before the July 31 trade deadline. It will either be for Hunter Pence, Carlos Quentin or a lesser-known outfielder such as Ryan Ludwick or Josh Willingham.