MLB Trade Rumors: Will Your Team Make a Blockbuster Deal at the Deadline?

When August rolls around and MLB teams have to decide whether or not they're still in the playoff hunt, what is every team's odds to make a blockbuster trade at the deadline?

Even if a team decides to be buyers during the deadline, it doesn't mean they are looking to acquire the biggest names on the market. However, there will be certain teams that will be seeking a trade for the superstars who are potentially available.

When coming up with the odds for each team, I will take into account the team's likelihood of still being in the playoff hunt, the history of trading before the deadline and how rich the team is with prospects or trade bait.

Here's a list of every team's odds of making a blockbuster deal at the deadline.

Arizona Diamondbacks

As it turns out, the Arizona Diamondbacks already made their blockbuster deal during the offseason.

They traded for Oakland Athletics ace Trevor Cahill, but surrendered prospects named Jarrod Parker—the 26th overall prospect, according to Baseball America—as well as Collin Cowgill and reliever Ryan Cook.

However, it turns out that the Diamondbacks are actually primed to make another mega deal if need be. Not only do they have an abundance of young talent at the major league level but they also have four Top 100 prospects in the farm system, according to Baseball America.

I think Trevor Bauer is all but untouchable, but you never know when superstar names are getting thrown around during the trade deadline.

Since the Diamondbacks will likely be battling with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West all season, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a big deal that puts them over the top.

Odds: 15-1

Atlanta Braves

When the Atlanta Braves traded for Michael Bourn before the trade deadline last season, I wouldn't call that a blockbuster trade.

However, the Braves needed a leadoff man, so they went out and acquired the best one available.

Just like the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Braves have a ton of young talent in both the major leagues and the minors.

They have four Top 100 prospects in the farm system, according to Baseball America, and it all starts with Julio Teheran, the young 21-year-old phenom. Jair Jurrjens could also be the centerpiece in a trade for a superstar.

The Braves also still have a bitter taste in their mouths after missing the postseason last year. Expect them to make another move before next season's deadline if the offense needs a boost.

Odds: 12-1

Baltimore Orioles

Unfortunately for the Baltimore Orioles, they are more than a superstar away from contending in the AL East.

I like the way the team is being built, though. They have a group of four young, quality starters who could emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the near future. They also have an offensive corps that could score somewhere around 750 runs if everyone stays healthy.

However, the problem lies with the fact that they're in the AL East. With the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and now possibly the Toronto Blue Jays, there is simply no way the Orioles will be able to compete with those rosters and payrolls.

The Orioles would be smart to hold onto their young talent and stay patient—I think Peter Angelos and Dan Duquette share the same belief. 

Odds: 100-1

Boston Red Sox

Any time a superstar's name hits the trade block, the Boston Red Sox are generally one of the first teams to call.

They are also willing to trade away half of their farm system in order to acquire the big-name players, and Josh Beckett and Adrian Gonzalez are perfect examples of this.

Especially with last season's forgettable collapse, don't be surprised to see the Red Sox go all in and try to acquire another superstar.

Odds: 6-1

Chicago White Sox

Unfortunately for the White Sox fanbase, their team is in the beginning stages of the rebuilding process.

While I think Paul Konerko will retire with the White Sox, I expect them to start trading some of their other players. Alexi Ramirez's name is the first to come to mind.

Odds: 110-1

Chicago Cubs

While there will be a day that the Chicago Cubs make a move for a big-name player, this upcoming trade deadline will not be the right time to do so.

Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein are certainly looking to build up their farm system, so that means they'll be looking to trade away some of their major league talent in return for prospects.

It might take a couple of years, but the Cubs will become big-time buyers during the deadline again. Just don't expect anything this season.

Odds: 50-1

Cincinnati Reds

Just like the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cincinnati Reds already made their move for a big-name player. They gave up two Top 100 prospects, Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal, in return for Mat Latos.

The Reds bolstered their pitching rotation, which is exactly what they needed to do in order to compete in the NL Central again.

But will it be enough, is the question that everyone's asking.

Johnny Cueto and Latos is a nice one-two combination, but the depth quickly drops off after that.

If the Reds made a deal for a pitcher at the deadline, it will likely be for an average starter and not a superstar. Plus, they'll need to save enough money to re-sign Brandon Phillips at the end of the season.

Odds: 80-1

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians might be an interesting team to watch at the deadline if they are still in contention, much like they were in 2011.

They made a deal for Ubaldo Jimenez last year, so you know the Indians are willing to part with some prospects in order to acquire some talent.

However, don't count on them trading for a superstar.

First of all, the Indians don't like to spend a lot of money. Their payroll was only $49 million last year, which was the fifth-smallest in MLB.

Second, their farm system is dry of talent. They only have one Top 100 prospect, according to Baseball America.

Odds: 90-1

Colorado Rockies

I'm not really sure which direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.

They traded away ace Ubaldo Jimenez last year, but the Rockies are a team that is always in need of starting pitching. Maybe they saw something in Jimenez that led them to believe that he's done, but we can only speculate.

Then, they went out and signed Michael Cuddyer to a three-year, $31.5 million contract during the offseason, which is by no means a bargain deal.

If a young, superstar starting pitcher happens to hit the market, I fully expect the Rockies to inquire about him.

But if they find themselves sitting in third place watching the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks run away with the lead in the NL West, expect them to stay put and hold onto their prospects.

Odds: 45-1

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers already acquired their superstar—Prince Fielder.

In fact, they already have three legitimate superstars on their roster in Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander.

After they dumped $214 million into Fielder's contract, there is no way they are looking to add another hefty contract to their payroll.

Odds: 100-1

Houston Astros

The only trades the Houston Astros will be making will involve dumping the contracts of Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers.

In a rebuilding process, the goal is to acquire as many prospects as possible and not trade them away for a single player.

There is virtually no chance the Astros will make a move for a superstar.

Odds: 200-1

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are my dark-horse team to make a blockbuster deal at the deadline.

First of all, there is no team in MLB with as much young talent in both the majors and the minors.

In the majors, the Royals have an offensive corps of Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar and Mike Moustakas.

Down in the minor leagues, they have five Top 100 prospects, according to Baseball America.

The Royals are close. This might not be the year they surprise us all, though, because their starting pitching still has a lot of question marks.

However, if a top-tier starting pitcher becomes available, don't be surprised to see the Royals jump all over him. They have plenty of resources to made it happen.

Odds: 7-1

Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim just committed $320 million to two players this offseason. They might not financially have the funds to acquire another big-name player at the deadline.

However, they might not need to.

Their rotation is set. Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and C.J. Wilson give them arguably the best starting rotation in the big leagues.

Plus, adding Albert Pujols to an already decent offense definitely puts it over the top.

But if they wanted to, the Angels could turn around and trade Mike Trout, the third overall prospect according to Baseball America, for any slugger who happens to hit the market at the deadline.

While it's not likely to happen, it's scary to think this team can get even better at the blink of an eye.

Odds: 60-1

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are another team to watch this trade deadline.

The ownership circus put them in an awkward situation last year, so making a blockbuster deal wasn't a feasible option.

According to multiple sources, the bidding is down to seven finalists, so we should have a resolution sometime in the near future.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a new ownership group step in and make a statement with a blockbuster trade this season.

Odds: 30-1

Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have already more than outdone themselves this offseason.

They haven't had a payroll of more than $60 million since 2005, but they went out and spent around $191 million in free agency during the offseason.

And that doesn't even include the $2.5 million of Carlos Zambrano's contract they are on the hook for.

After this crazy offseason that came completely out of the blue, I just don't see the Marlins making any more moves.

Their payroll just underwent a sizable increase, and their farm system is currently dry of talent. However, if they are willing to part with some of their young major league talent, the Marlins could very well make a blockbuster deal at the deadline.

I just don't see that happening. The Marlins already changed everything there is to change about an organization. They have a brand new stadium, brand new uniforms and a completely different roster.

Odds: 90-1

Milwaukee Brewers

You don't have to look far to find the last time the Milwaukee Brewers made a deal at the deadline.

It was only last year when they traded for Francisco Rodriguez, who excelled in his role as setting up John Axford. I wouldn't call that deal a blockbuster, but it was a move for a big-name pitcher who shored up the bullpen.

So, what will the Milwaukee Brewers have in their bag of tricks during the next deadline?

They are a team with not a lot of holes, as first base is really the only position that is questionable. And if Mat Gamel ends up not producing, I don't see them breaking the bank for a big-name first baseman.

Odds: 80-1

Minnesota Twins

When was the last time the Minnesota Twins made a blockbuster deal at the deadline?

I guess they traded for Bret Boone in 2005, but he only hit .170 in the 14 games he played for the Twins that season.

The fact is, the Twins like to build their team from within their own organization. They aren't big on trades, and they don't go crazy with spending money via free agency.

If the Twins happen to make any moves before the deadline, it will be for average, everyday players.

Odds: 125-1

New York Mets

The New York Mets' situation is a tricky one.

I do believe they will be involved in a blockbuster deal, but they'll be ridding themselves of a superstar rather than acquiring one.

David Wright is set to become a free agent at the end of the season if the Mets decide to decline his $13 million club option.

The Mets will likely try to trade him during the season so he can regain some of his trade value.

But as for making a trade for a superstar, that won't be in the Mets' deck of cards this season. They are in the beginning stages of the rebuilding process and only have two Top 100 prospects, according to Baseball America.

Odds: 100-1

New York Yankees

Much like the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees are always interested in making a blockbuster deal at the deadline.

They have deep pockets as well as three prospects in the Top 100, according to Baseball America. Plus, Eduardo Nunez would be a nice addition to a package deal that brings in another superstar.

If Michael Pineda, the starting pitcher for whom the Yankees surrendered Jesus Montero to acquire, isn't enough to improve the pitching rotation, they are always capable of pulling off a trade at the deadline.

Odds: 8-1

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics are generally the team that gives up the established major league talent and seeks prospects in return.

It was more of the same this offseason when they traded away Gio Gonzalez, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey.

But as a result, they now have six Top 100 prospects in the farm system, according to Baseball America, as well as players like Josh Reddick, Brandon Allen, Chris Carter, Collin Cowgill and Jemile Weeks in the major leagues.

The A's might be a major league farm system, but they have a ton of young talent that can bring in a couple superstars if they wanted.

Whether or not they are willing to is the burning question, and the answer is no. This trend will continue as long as the A's are located in Oakland.

Odds: 70-1

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies might not have the assets to make a blockbuster deal after they traded away two top prospects for Hunter Pence.

Now their farm system only consists of one Top 100 prospect, according to Baseball America. Maybe John Mayberry Jr. or Dominique Brown could be packaged together in order to bring in a superstar, but that is highly unlikely.

Odds: 90-1

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have the resources to pull off a blockbuster deal. They have young talent in both the major leagues and the farm system, since they have four Top 100 prospects, according to Baseball America.

The Pirates were in contention before the trade deadline last year, and went out an acquired bats like Ryan Ludwick and Derek Lee. However, those were nothing more than decent major league bats, and it turned out they weren't enough to push them into the postseason.

If they are in contention again this year and the right player becomes available, don't be surprised to see the Pirates finally pull the trigger and bring in another superstar to play alongside Andrew McCutchen.

Odds: 50-1

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and they know this.

It's part of the reason why they decided to let Heath Bell walk and opted to trade Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Padres will likely stand pat during the deadline and wait for their young talent to develop.

Odds: 120-1

San Francisco Giants

We all saw how the last blockbuster deal worked out for the San Francisco Giants.

They decided to trade their top pitching prospect, Zach Wheeler, to the New York Mets in exchange for Carlos Beltran. Many thought that move would've pushed them into the postseason, but injuries piled up and the Giants ended up missing the playoffs.

Now the Giants' farm system is thin, as Gary Brown is their only top prospect, according to Baseball America.

If the Giants stay healthy, there will be no need to make a blockbuster deal. And even if management wanted to acquire a big bat before the deadline, there is no way the Giants are willing to part with Brown, who is the only appealing prospect in the farm system.

There is also no way the Giants trade Matt Cain. He'll be a Giant for at least the entire 2012 season.

Odds: 130-1

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are a young team that is unlikely to go anywhere during the 2012 season.

Their starting rotation, which used to be their strong suit, is now one of the weak links after they traded Doug Fister to the Detroit Tigers and Michael Pineda to the New York Yankees.

Moreover, they had the worst offense in the majors in 2011, and not even Jesus Montero can turn things around single-handedly.

However, the M's could be players to acquire a big-name player since they have four Top 100 prospects, according to Baseball America.

Odds: 40-1

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals will be another team to watch during the trade deadline.

Adam Wainwright, who missed the entire 2011 season, should be coming back ready to pitch, so the rotation will return as one of the tops in 2012.

However, after they lost Albert Pujols to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, offense suddenly became a need.

According to Baseball America, the Cards have six Top 100 prospects in the farm system, including the eighth-best in Shelby Miller.

If the Cardinals need to bolster their offense, don't be surprised to see them acquire a big name to fill the gaping hole that Pujols left.

Odds: 15-1

Tampa Bay Rays

While I don't see the Tampa Bay Rays looking to trade for a superstar, they'll likely be looking to trade a couple of big-name players when the deadline rolls around.

A few names to watch for are James Shields and B.J. Upton, who will both be slated to become free agents at the end of the season.

The Rays aren't a big-market team, so their payroll has consistently been around $30-$40 million for the past decade. They will likely be financially incapable of re-signing both those players.

So, if they are out of contention by midseason—which is entirely possible in the AL East—I expect that at least one of those players will be traded away.

Odds: 17-1

Texas Rangers

The only way I can see the Texas Rangers making a blockbuster deal is if it involves top prospect Jurickson Profar. He is a 19-year-old shortstop who is slated to reach the major leagues within the next two seasons.

However, the Rangers already have Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler at the middle infield positions, so there won't be any room for Profar once he reaches the major leagues.

Pitching is always a need for the Texas Rangers, and a talented shortstop prospect is hard to come by in today's age.

If the Rangers want to trade away Profar, they could probably get an All-Star pitcher in return.

Odds: 40-1

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are close.

It's a hard stance to defend since they are playing in the AL East, but I really like how this team is being put together. The offense will rank among the best in the majors in 2012, but it's the pitching that makes me a little skeptical.

However, one thing the Blue Jays have going for them is the abundance of young talent in the organization.

According to Baseball America, the Jays have four Top 100 prospects in the minor leagues as well as a roster full of young talent in the major leagues.

If the Blue Jays need pitching, they will certainly have the assets to acquire some at the deadline.

Odds: 15-1

Washington Nationals

I believe the Washington Nationals are one of the most complete teams in the major leagues.

They have a solid offense, a great bullpen and a very good pitching rotation if Stephen Strasburg is able to stay healthy.

The Nats did trade away a few talented prospects to acquire Gio Gonzalez,—A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock—but the Nationals do control Gonzalez for at least four years.

While that trade did partially decimate the Nationals' farm system, they still have two Top 100 prospects, according to Baseball America, including the No. 1 overall prospect in Bryce Harper.

I believe the Nationals will try to ride out the season with this roster, but a blockbuster trade isn't completely out of the question.

Odds: 70-1