MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz from Around the League

The MLB trade deadline is not until the end of July, but there are still plenty of rumors going around to satisfy your thirst.

Roy Oswalt is still a free agent and has been mentioned in conjunction with numerous teams. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Dodgers are the latest team to offer him a deal, but they did not come to an agreement.

The Rangers, according to Heyman, are the favorite to land Oswalt. With the Phillies last season, Oswalt won nine games and posted a 3.69 ERA. 

The Braves may be in the market for a starting pitcher after the early-season struggles of Jair Jurrjens (0-2, 9.37 ERA) and Mike Minor (2-4, 6.98 ERA), according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. According to Bowman, the real issue is getting a starter for the right price.

Jurrjens is coming off of a fantastic start (8 IP, 0 R, 3 H) in Triple-A, where he has been pitching for the past few weeks. If he continues to pitch well, the Braves might end their search for a new starting pitcher.

The surprising first-place Nationals are looking for a veteran relief pitcher, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. To get one, according to Olney, they would be willing to trade pitcher John Lannan. Currently, the Nats are using a closer by committee approach. If they want to keep their lead in the NL East, they might want to add a veteran closer.

The Nationals aren't only looking at pitching.

Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Nats could be interested in Braves center fielder Michael Bourn. Bourn (.299, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 14 SB) would provide stability in the Nats outfield. It will be interesting to see if the Braves will trade within the division. 

Will the Red Sox look to trade Kevin Youkilis?

It's possible, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. With Will Middlebrooks putting up great numbers (.308, 5 HR, 19 RBI), it might be hard for Youkilis to re-gain his third base spot.

While Youkilis is now healthy, the Sox might want to stay with Middlebrooks. A scout told Knobler that the Sox have "to trade Youkilis. Middlebrooks has as much power as Mark Trumbo." Knobler reports that there's a "feeling" that teams will be interested.

Youkilis has struggled this season (.238, 3 HR, 11 RBI) but could provide a veteran bat to a team seeking offense.

Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio (.268, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 20 SB) will miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his left thumb, and Miami might be interested in finding outside help, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The Marlins did trade for outfielder Justin Ruggiano, who played decently (.248, 4 HR, 13 RBI) in 46 games with the Rays last year. The Marlins, though, might be interested in a more permanent solution, especially if Bonifacio's recovery is delayed.

Josh Willingham may be one of the hotter names at the trade deadline, according to Nick Carfado of The Boston Globe. If the Twins decide they're out of contention, he might be one of the players moved.

A GM reportedly told Carfado that, “Of all the guys out there, he’s one who can significantly impact your offense immediately.’’ Willingham (.271, 8 HR, 29 RBI) is having another good season. 

Jeremy Guthrie of the Rockies is a candidate to be traded, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Guthrie (2-3, 5.31 ERA) is struggling and will need to pitch better to be moved. Renck, however, would reportedly be "surprised if Guthrie is not moved."

The Orioles are tied for first place and may be interested in upgrading at either first or third base, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. A natural fit would be the aforementioned Youkilis, but the Red Sox don't appear likely to trade within the division. 

The Royals have to decide whether to trade or sign Jonathan Broxton, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. Broxton (1.93 ERA, 10 saves) is a free agent after this season. A team needing relief help could provide a nice return for Broxton, if the Royals are interested.

Rumors are aplenty this time of year and will only increase as we get closer to the July 31 deadline. Stay tuned!