MLB Trade Rumors: 8 Big Names That Need to Be Moved Before the Deadline

There are always trade rumors swirling around big names in the MLB, and this year there are several players who should be traded before the deadline.

The reasons for trading a big name player vary. For teams attempting to rebuild, it makes sense to trade a massive contract to a contender who will in turn give the team several young pieces to build for the future.

For contending teams, trading for a big name could allow them to take that next step and truly compete for a Word Series title sooner rather than later.

On the player’s side of things, sometimes a simple change of scenery is needed.

Here are eight big names in the MLB that should be moved before the deadline.

Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians are on a roll, but they were at this point last year as well, before experiencing a dramatic drop-off into irrelevancy.

Travis Hafner is entering the final year of his deal, which is worth $13 million. There’s a club option for the year after, but should the Indians fall off again, it would be wise to unload his contract to a contender.

Hafner can be a solid piece for a team looking to add depth on a run into the playoffs. He’s had issues staying healthy, but that should deter potential suitors. 

Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are rebuilding right now, and there’s no better way to accelerate the process than by trading away solid pieces that will bring in a lot of youth and talent to the club.

Wandy Rodriguez is the party that needs to be moved here. He’s wildly inconsistent for the amount of money he’s making, but he’d be an absolutely outstanding addition to any contender looking for a back-of-the-rotation-type pitcher.

The Astros could catch a nice haul for Rodriguez. He’s a nice piece in Houston, but what he could be exchanged for is even better.

Carlos Lee, Houston Astros

As aforementioned, the Houston Astros are rebuilding and need to get rid of some veterans in exchange for more talented youths. Carlos Lee is another candidate to be shipped out of Houston before the deadline.

Lee is a financial risk for any team thanks to his $18 million price tag. He also has the ability to block a trade to a variety of teams thanks to a clause in his contract.

With that being said, Lee has to be an attractive piece to a variety of teams around the league. He’s a consistent producer and veteran presence. 

Randy Wolf, Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have a lot of options to contend this year, and one of those options happens to be with pitcher Randy Wolf.

The Brewers have a lot of talent in their farm system at the position, most notably Wily Peralta. Wolf is replaceable at this point at the age of 35. Add in the fact he is making $9.5 million and it’s easy to see why the Brewers should be willing to move on.

Wolf is playing solid ball right now, so he’d catch a hefty haul from other teams in the league. 

David DeJesus, Chicago Cubs

David DeJesus is a solid offensive and defensive weapon for the Chicago Cubs who is slowly seeing his role on the team be reduced thanks to younger players.

DeJesus is going to start experiencing issues with playing time thanks to guys like Tony Campana and Brett Jackson. It would be better to unload him now instead of later.

DeJesus is still hitting in the solid .270-range and would likely receive a lot of attention on the trade market. 

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

Kevin Youkilis was placed on the disabled list by the Boston Red Sox recently with a strained back. Youngster Will Middlebrooks made the most of the opportunity and has allowed the team and city to forget about Youkilis.

Now would be the best time to move Youkilis. He’s batting in the .210-range right now, but is likely to turn it around as he is close to a .280 career hitter.

The determining factor here is whether or not Youkilis is healthy. If he is, he’ll be a hot commodity if the Red Sox decide to make him readily available.

They should. 

Grant Balfour, Oakland A’s

Grant Balfour is one of the better middle relievers in baseball right now, and that’s something that is hard to find in the MLB. He’ll be a massive trade piece for the Oakland Athletics should the club be willing to deal him.

If the A’s were smart, they would incite a bidding war for Balfour. If recent history is any indication, it won’t be hard to get a World Series contender to over-pay for his services.

Balfour isn’t being paid much this year at only $4 million, so money won’t be the issue. If the A’s want to move Balfour, they’ll find a huge buyer’s market near the deadline. 

Francisco Cervelli, New York Yankees

There have been trade rumors involving Francisco Cervelli for a few years, but now would be a good time for the New York Yankees to actually make a deal happen.

Cervelli has reportedly heard that two teams are interested in him, and a little over a year ago he was almost dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cervelli is playing great baseball right now and could cause a bidding war on the open market with contenders and rebuilding teams alike. The Yankees would be wise to test the waters at the deadline this year. 

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