MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Starting Pitchers Who May Move Before the Deadline

It's clear that there are many teams that may have their hands full this coming offseason with one or more of their their best arms set to enter free agency.

As a whole, the upcoming offseason promises to be another strong one, and while Matt Cain has already locked in with the Giants for the foreseeable future, a number of other proven and up-and-coming starting pitchers will lead the way to big paydays.

But not all of these moves will wait until the final out of the season has been recorded, as a number of these hurlers could find themselves making a move towards new teams this summer when the trade deadline rolls around.

Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy has gotten off to a strong start in 2012, winning two of his first three starts.

As a whole, however, his tenure in Chicago certainly hasn't gone as planned, as injury issues have kept him from putting up the numbers we all know he's capable of.

With a $22 million option for 2013, it's hard to believe Peavy will stick around beyond this season, meaning the White Sox should start shopping him now in hopes of eventually finding a front-of-the-rotation starter to complement John Danks.

James Shields

As was reported earlier this offseason by CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Tampa Bay Rays were willing to listen to offers on trades for their star pitchers, namely James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson.

There doesn't appear to be enough interest in parting with the amount of talent that the Rays would demand for Shields, but as the season progresses and needs for contenders are better defined, a move may become more likely.

John Lannan

After making a number of moves to improve their team this offseason, the Washington Nationals have the makings of a team that may be able to contend for an NL Wild Card position, if not the NL East crown.

Their moves no doubt bolstered their rotation, but at the same time created a bit of a logjam. Now it seems the team may find itself parting ways with John Lannan after the lefty requested a trade following his demotion to Triple-A.

Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com has reported that at least six teams have shown interest in Lannan, and while no deal is imminent, a move could be made if a team is willing to part with the right package.

Kyle Lohse

With a no-trade clause in tow, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see Kyle Lohse stay in St. Louis throughout 2012.

The team did, however, make it known this past winter that it'd like to either move him or Jake Westbrook, and if Lohse could warm up to the idea of some new scenery, there would likely be some takers for his services.

The biggest roadblock in avoiding a potential move would be the fact that he has been pitching very well this spring, and if the Cardinals are looking like contenders once again this fall, it'll be hard to move him.

Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez hasn't posted an ERA above 4.00 since 2008, and in 2010 saw a career-high 13 wins come his way.

He’s off to a 1-0 start with the new-look Marlins this season and has struck out nearly a batter per inning, while walking only four batters in two starts.

This is his last year under the Marlins' control, and with the team already well above their recent trend of spending, Sanchez could be moved and ultimately cash in on the open market with another strong season.

Wandy Rodriguez

Having been a part of trade talks since last summer, it's almost surprising that Houston Astros ace Wandy Rodriguez has yet to find a new home.

With free-agent options getting the most attention this offseason, Rodriguez's best chance at moving is likely closer to the trade deadline—a real possibility, given the Astros' willingness to eat half of the $36 million left on his contract.

Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano's tenure with the Minnesota Twins has certainly been one filled with ups and downs. He has shown the ability to be a very effective strikeout pitcher, but his inconsistent production has raised some concerns.

He's gotten off to a pretty rough start in 2012, and as the Twins continue to look towards their farm system for the future of the rotation, Liriano could find his days in Minnesota numbered if he can't manage to get the ball over the plate.

Mike Minor

With a great young rotation poised to take aim at a division championship this season, there appear to be more bodies than there are spots, and Mike Minor clearly doesn't want to be on the outside looking in.

It doesn't appear that any trade talks have taken place yet, but Minor has been vocal on his status with the team, stating that he'd like to be traded if he isn't put in the rotation, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Gavin Floyd

In somewhat of a surprising move this winter, the Chicago White Sox signed pitcher John Danks to an extension, ensuring his place in the rotation for years to come.

With that move, as well as the addition of rising star Chris Sale to the rotation from the bullpen, Gavin Floyd became expendable for Chicago.

He'll be entering free agency this offseason, and if he's able to put up a contract-year type season, may not sign for a number the White Sox will agree to.

Brandon McCarthy

With a breakout season in 2011, Brandon McCarthy posted his first sub-4.00 ERA and won a career-high nine games in 25 starts.

He's off to an 0-2 start this year, but with a number of the upcoming offseason’s free-agent pitchers signing contracts already, he’ll likely be in higher demand—something that could price him out of the Oakland Athletics' range.