MLB Trade Rumors: Trade Market Whispers You Should NOT Believe

It is getting to the point of the year where MLB trade rumors are starting to pick up and more and more players are getting mentioned as possible trade candidates.

Most of the players that are mentioned in trade rumors will not be going anywhere, but their names will come up over and over again during the course of the next few months.

This article will debunk some of the trade rumors that are out there and let you know which trade talk you should not buy into.

Starlin Castro

Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) has mentioned that the Chicago Cubs could consider trading Starlin Castro this year. This is probably nothing more than speculation by Olney at this point.

There is a very small chance that the Cubs would actually give deal Castro even though they could get a huge package for him. Castro is the centerpiece that the Cubs should look to build around.

David Wright

David Wright is not going anywhere, at least not this year. There are a few a few mentions of Wright potentially being traded including one by Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.

The New York Mets may be in contention for a wild card spot this year, and they won't deal Wright if they think they have a shot at the playoffs. Additionally, Wright has more trade value this winter because he can void his option if he is traded this season.

Matt Garza

According to Buster Olney, the Chicago Cubs were looking to take a wait and see approach in regards to Matt Garza. Based on a more recent report by Jim Bowden, it seems as if the Cubs prefer to sign Garza to an extension instead of trading him.

Even with this information it would not be surprising to see Garza's name pop up in trade rumors over and over again this summer. However, they should not be considered credible unless the Cubs change their tune.

B.J. Upton

The Tampa Bay Rays were considering dealing B.J. Upton this offseason, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Given how well Upton has played this year, it is hard to see the Rays moving him. He is a key part of their lineup, and he could help lead them to their first championship in team history.

Travis Snider

During spring training, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports noted that the Toronto Blue Jays were not interested in trading Travis Snider.

It is hard to believe this since there are a number of teams that could have an interest in Snider. Since the Blue Jays have not been able to get Snider in their major league lineup, they could look to deal him.

Nick Swisher

During the winter, the Cleveland Indians looked into trying to acquire Nick Swisher according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. They were one of a few teams that asked about Swisher based on Rosenthal's report.

Even though Swisher will be a free agent after the year, it is highly unlikely that the New York Yankees will trade him. He will be a key part of their team if they are going to reach the playoffs this year.

Edwin Encarnacion

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports has noted that the Toronto Blue Jays could look into trading Edwin Encarnacion this summer if they drop in the standings.

This is not something that should be believed because the Blue Jays look like they can stay in contention for a playoff spot, thanks to the addition of the second wild card spot.

Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn will be a free agent after this season ends, and Bill Ladson of MLB.com believes that he could be a trade candidate and that the Washington Nationals have interest in him.

It is hard to see the Atlanta Braves dealing away Bourn since the National League East will likely be a tight race all year. Atlanta has a chance to make the playoffs this year and likely will not want to deal Bourn unless they know they are out of the race for good.

Ryan Dempster

There are a number of players that are in the situation where they could possibly be extended or they can be dealt by their current team. Ryan Dempster could be traded according to C. Trent Rosecrants of CBS Sports.

Things could also go the other way for Dempster and he could find himself in Chicago for a long time. Theo Epstein is considering an extension for Dempster, according to Tom Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Kevin Youkilis

Despite their slow start to the year, the Boston Red Sox have seen things get. After his stint on the DL, Kevin Youkilis has picked up his play.

With all of the success that Will Middlebrooks has been having, the Red Sox have been trying to find a way to get those two plus David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez in the lineup everyday. The Red Sox have been getting creative and have used Adrian Gonzalez in right field.

Danny Knobler of CBS Sports notes that teams will be interested in Youkilis this summer. However, the Red Sox may choose to hold on to him if they are in playoff contention.