MLB Trade Rumors: Updating the Hottest Target Each Potential Buyer Is Chasing

The trade deadline is still a long ways off, but already the rumor mill has begun to heat up as a handful of teams have fallen out of things early and will undoubtedly be sellers.

More so than any other team, the Cubs are expected to be aggressive sellers and they have a number of players who could potentially help a contender. Cubs players are far from the only ones rumored to be on the move, though.

So here is a quick run-down of the hottest name that each contender is rumored to be chasing at this point, as well as a look at which teams will likely be sellers come July.

Likely Sellers (American League)

Kansas City Royals: The Royals were expected to take another step forward this season, but instead their starting pitching has held them back. Outfielder Jeff Francoeur could be pushed out by Wil Myers and be made available, and Jonathan Sanchez could also be made available.

Minnesota Twins: The are the worst team in the American League by a good amount, and they'll likely listen to offers on pretty much anyone. Guys like Carl Pavano, Justin Morneau, Matt Capps and Josh Willingham would certainly be of interest to contenders.

Oakland Athletics: In shipping off young starters Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez this winter, the A's continued their seemingly perpetual string of rebuilding moves. More trades should be on the way, with Grant Balfour, Coco Crisp and Brandon McCarthy potentially on the move.

Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are moving in the right direction, with a lineup infused with young players and a farm system that is quickly turning into one of the best in all of baseball. Reliever Brandon League will undoubtedly be moved, but the big story will be whether Ichiro, who has a full no-trade clause, waives that for a chance at a ring.

AL East: Baltimore Orioles

Target: Diamondbacks SP Joe Saunders

The Orioles have cooled down after their torrid start, due in large part to their starting pitching coming back to Earth.

Jason Hammel (6-2, 3.22 ERA) and Wei-Yin Chen (5-2, 3.49 ERA) have been solid, but Brian Matusz (5-6, 4.82 ERA), Tommy Hunter (2-3, 5.40 ERA) and Jake Arrieta (2-8, 6.32 ERA) have all struggled.

The team was linked to Diamondbacks starter Joe Saunders when he was on the free-agent market this offseason, and he will likely be made available at the deadline with the team looking to open a rotation spot for Trevor Bauer, so that's an option the Orioles could revisit.

AL East: Boston Red Sox

Target: Cubs SP Matt Garza

Rumors swirled of potential Garza trades following the huge hauls the Padres (Mat Latos) and A's (Gio Gonzalez) got for trading comparable pitchers.

However, he remained with the Cubs and while an extension is not out of the question, the team will likely at least listen to offers this July.

In the end, it could come down to a bidding war in his old division, where the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays are all reportedly interested. Given Daniel Bard's struggles in the rotation, the Red Sox could certainly use him.

AL East: New York Yankees

Target: Cubs SP Matt Garza

The Yankees' obvious need is in the starting rotation, where Ivan Nova (4.64 ERA) and Phil Hughes (4.76 ERA) have been better of late but still represent risky options moving forward.

The team already gave up one of their top prospects this offseason in Jesus Montero when they shipped him to the Mariners for Michael Pineda, but an injury to the big right-hander will keep him from making his Yankees debut until next season.

It remains to be seen if they'll pull the trigger on another blockbuster deal for a starter, but if they do, the Yankees have already made it clear that Cubs right-hander Matt Garza is atop their list of trade targets.

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays

Target: Middle infielder

The Rays are currently one of the best teams in all of baseball, despite gaping offensive holes at shortstop and catcher.

Both positions are among the thinnest annually on the trade market, and while it appears they are contend with Jose Molina behind the plate they are reportedly serious about upgrading over Sean Rodriguez at shortstop.

As of now, none of any use are available on the trade market, but one intriguing name is Jason Bartlett, who was an All-Star with the Rays back in 2009 but has struggled since going to San Diego. 

AL East: Toronto Blue Jays

Target: Cubs SP Matt Garza

For the first time in a long time, the Blue Jays appear as though they could be aggressive buyers at the deadline, and they have a good core to add to as is.

First base is a spot of need, with Adam Lind currently demoted to Triple-A, and someone like Bryan LaHair could certainly be of interest moving forward.

For now, the biggest name they have been tied to is Cubs starter Matt Garza. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports, it could come down to a battle of AL East teams with the Blue Jays battling the Red Sox and Yankees for his services.

AL Central: Chicago White Sox

Target: Padres 3B Chase Headley

The White Sox have been surprise contenders so far this season, and that has turned what was expected to be a sure seller into potential buyers.

The South Siders' biggest need appears to be at third base, where Brent Morel (.177 BA, 0 HR, 5 RBI) was expected to shore up the position but has been unable to. Orlando Hudson (.182 BA, 1 HR, 8 RBI) was brought in to fill the position, but he hasn't been much better. 

Headley could be made available by the Padres with top prospect Jedd Gyorko ready to step in at third, and with the White Sox known to be in the market for a third baseman, he makes a lot of sense as a present and future solution at the position.

AL Central: Cleveland Indians

Target: Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano

Left field has been a sore spot for the Indians this season, where Shelly Duncan (.208 BA) and Johnny Damon (.184 BA) have provided next to nothing.

In a wide-open AL Central, adding a bat to the mix in left field could push the Indians into legitimate contention in the division.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal recently speculated that Cubs left-fielder Alfonso Soriano could make sense for the Indians. With the Cubs willing to take on most of his remaining contract, there could be more than a few teams interested in Soriano's bat, and the Indians certainly make sense.

AL Central: Detroit Tigers

Target: Rockies IF Marco Scutaro

Not since Placido Polanco manned the position back in 2009 have the Tigers had a legitimate everyday second baseman.

Ramon Santiago (.210 BA) and Danny Worth (.184 BA) have done nothing to inspire any confidence moving forward, and the Tigers will no doubt be searching for an upgrade at the deadline.

One option they could look, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, is Rockies middle infielder Marco Scutaro. He'll likely represent the best option at the position this summer.

AL West: Los Angeles Angels

Target: None, currently.

After a disappointingly slow start, the Angels have turned things around and once again look to be potential contenders in the American League.

As of now, the team has no clear-cut targets for the trade deadline as it was more about players turning things around and performing up to their potential than it was a matter of roster holes.

Third base has been the biggest question mark, and shortstop Erick Aybar (.225 BA) has struggled mightily, but for now the Angels aren't openly pursuing anyone and don't have any glaring needs.

AL West: Texas Rangers

Target: None

The most complete team in baseball, top to bottom, the Rangers have no real needs as of now with perhaps the best lineup in baseball, best bullpen in baseball and a rotation that has not missed a beat after losing ace C.J. Wilson in free agency and has recently added depth with Roy Oswalt.

This could change if someone goes down with an injury, but for now, the Rangers seem like they can stick with what they have and be considered AL favorites.

Likely Sellers (National League)

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs will listen to offers on anyone not named Jeff Samardzija, and SP Ryan Dempster, SP Matt Garza, RP Shawn Camp, 1B Bryan LaHair, 2B Jeff Baker, LF Alfonso Soriano, RF David DeJesus could all potentially be moved.

Colorado Rockies: Pitching has led to serious struggles for the Rockies this season, and they don't look capable of turning things around this season. They don't have many tradeable pieces, but guys like Jason Giambi, Jeremy Guthrie, Marco Scutaro and Rafael Betancourt could be moved.

Houston Astros: While the Astros are off to a surprising start this season, and they could remain in decent shape through the summer, expect them to look to move veterans Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee regardless.

Milwaukee Brewers: Last year's NL Central champs, the Brewers have struggled mightily in the wake of losing Prince Fielder. They could opt to blow things up, and if they do, the expiring contracts of Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum and Francisco Rodriguez could fetch a big return.

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have been a shell of their recent selves this season, and while they are rumored to be in on Kevin Youkilis, they'll more than likely stand pat. Getting back Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Roy Halladay will be better than any move they can make, and the health of those guys will determine if they can get back in things. Will free-agent-to-be Shane Victorino be made available if they can't?

San Diego Padres: After scoring a huge prospect haul in dealing Mat Latos, the Padres could strike again in flipping winter acquisition Carlos Quentin, who could be the deadline's top bat. Chase Headley could also be made available at a hefty price.

NL East: Atlanta Braves

Target: Padres LF Carlos Quentin

After missing most of the season, Quentin has come back with a vengeance with a .429 BA, 5 HR, 10 RBI line through his first 10 games.

The Braves' biggest need at the deadline looks as though it will be a power bat in the outfield, and Quentin could very well be the most sought-after slugger on the market.

He has been linked to the Braves, among several other teams, and acquiring him would allow Atlanta to move Martin Prado to a super-utility role, where he could give Chipper Jones consistent time off at third base.

NL East: Miami Marlins

Target: None, currently.

The Marlins entered the 2012 season with high expectations following a busy offseason that culminated in the opening of a new ballpark. 

After a slow start, they have gotten back on track and look to be one of the better teams in the National League, and a team without any glaring holes.

President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest has not ruled out the team adding a piece or two this summer as there is "still room for improvement," but he also noted that "we believe in our talent," so they could stand pat.

NL East: New York Mets

Target: Bullpen Help

Despite losing Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, as well as piecing together a pitching staff that didn't look great on paper, the Mets are off to a great start this season.

Their biggest need lies in the bullpen, and GM Sandy Alderson recently acknowledged that as an area that needs to be addressed. Closer Frank Francisco (5.33 ERA, 3 blown saves) leads a group without much in the way of reliable arms.

They have yet to be linked to anyone in particular, but guys like Matt Capps, Grant Balfour and Brett Myers represent veteran options who should be available at the deadline. 

NL East: Washington Nationals

Target: None, currently

Viewed as a team on the rise entering the season, the Nationals have been among the best teams in baseball this year.

Backed by a phenomenal starting rotation and the unexpectedly early contribution of uber-prospect Bryce Harper, the Nationals look poised to make a run at the postseason. In calling up Harper, the team filled its most glaring need in center field.

As of now, the team has no real needs. They could look to add an arm to their bullpen and they will need to decide who steps in if they do in fact shut down Stephen Strasburg after 160 innings this season, but they look content to press on with what they have.

NL Central: Cincinnati Reds

Target: Left-Handed Bench Bat

The Reds are currently clinging to a one-game lead in the NL Central, and while the division looks like it will be tougher than expected this season, the Reds are without any real glaring holes.

One key need, however, is a left-handed bat off the bench. The duo of Willie Harris and Mike Costanzo are the extent of the team's left-handed options, and they have gone 4-for-53 on the season. 

While the Reds haven't been specifically linked to anyone, one player who could be an option and will no doubt be made available if the Rockies continue to struggle is Jason Giambi. He's carved out a solid niche as a power bat in the NL over the past few seasons and should come cheap.

NL Central: Pittsburgh Pirates

Target: Offensive help from a corner infielder

Currently one game out of first in the NL Central with a 32-28 record, the Pirates have managed to stay in the thick of things despite a dismal offensive attack.

They are hitting .225 as a team, worst in the NL, and a phenomenal start to the season by their pitching staff has managed to offset that.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal recently reported that the team has inquired on the availability of Kevin Youkilis, Bryan LaHair and Chase Headley, as they are clearly looking to add some offense at a corner infield position. 

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals

Target: Veteran Starter

The Cardinals have dealt with a dizzying amount of key injuries this season, with the most recent coming to left-hander Jaime Garcia, who could miss up to two months with a shoulder injury.

With Chris Carpenter still on the mend, the Cardinals are reportedly waiting to see where he's currently at and if he will be back soon before they go after a veteran starter to bolster the staff.

If they do make a move, it would likely be for a second-tier guy. Perhaps someone like Carl Pavano or Joe Saunders, both of whom should come relatively cheap.

NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks

Target: Red Sox 3B Kevin Youkilis

After enjoying a breakout season of sorts last season, fan-favorite Ryan Roberts has struggled to hit for enough power to offset his low batting so far this season.

While his .244 BA average is not too far off of his .249 mark last season, his OBP is down from .341 to .300 and he has just four home runs on the season.

That has left the Diamondbacks as one of the main teams in on Youkilis, who look like he'll almost certainly be playing somewhere else come August.

NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers

Target: Cubs SP Ryan Dempster

The Dodgers made news yesterday when they reached a five-year, $85 million extension with right fielder and current NL RBI leader Andre Ethier.

Currently holder of the best record in baseball, the Dodgers' new ownership group is committed to winning and they will likely be aggressive at the deadline.

The Dodgers have already been identified as a team with interest in Cubs starter Ryan Dempster (11 GS, 2-3, 2.31 ERA) and he could rank as the top arm available when the deadline rolls around.

NL West: San Francisco Giants

Target: None, currently

The Giants' clear need is at shortstop, and has been for some time, but the fact of the matter is there is not much in the way of shortstop help on the market this season.

The Astros could look to sell high on Jed Lowrie (.289 BA, 12 HR, 28 RBI) but there has been no indication that they'll do so.

Jason Bartlett will no doubt be shopped by the Padres, but he doesn't represent much of an upgrade over Brandon Crawford at this point. If a legitimate option becomes available, they'll no doubt be interested, but as of now there just isn't anyone.