MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Largest Contracts That Could Change Teams at the Deadline

With the halfway point of the 2012 season right around the corner, we're starting to gain some clarity in terms of understanding who may be buyers at the trade deadline, and who will be clearing salary in an effort to gain youth.

A number of high-profile players will be mentioned in various circles as possible trade chips, and while some will be more of a bargain for buyers, others will cost the acquiring team a heftier price.

Big contracts are signed by stars on a regular basis in this league, and while they often work out very well for the teams that ink them to their deals, there are still many other occasions where these players end up finishing their deals in a new uniform.

Here are some of the higher-paid players who could possibly find themselves sitting in a new dugout as the second half of the season gets underway.

Josh Willingham

2012 Salary: $7,000,000

The Minnesota Twins have been coming on as of late, and while they may still be in striking distance of top in the average-at-best AL Central, there's still a decent possibility they may hold a fire sale this summer and unload a number of their top players.

Josh Willingham hasn't been in Minnesota long, but he's made an immediate impact at Target Field for the Twins, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 44 runs already in 58 games while maintaining a batting average up around .300.

Carlos Quentin

2012 Salary: $7,025,000

Just like Josh Willingham, Carlos Quentin is new to his surroundings in San Diego, and while he missed the early part of the season as he recovered from an injury, he's still drawing plenty of interest from potential suitors, with a return to the AL Central not out of the question.

In just a dozen games with the Padres this season, Quentin has gone deep five times and is batting .421.

Brett Myers

2012 Salary: $11,000,000

The Houston Astros will certainly be one of the bigger sellers this summer, with Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez both potentially making their way out of the Lone Star State.

Coming out of the bullpen in 2012, Myers is 0-2 with an ERA just above 2.00 and is striking out nearly seven batters per nine innings while walking only two.

Kevin Youkilis

2012 Salary: $12,000,000

There has been no shortage of talk surrounding Kevin Youkilis' departure from the Boston Red Sox, and while it's no doubt wearing on him, the business end of the game could certainly see him finding a new team before the summer is over.

Whether it's a direct result of the constant rumors, Youkilis is batting nearly 70 points below his career average, and he has only hit four home runs and been good enough for 13 RBI in 37 games.

Travis Hafner

2012 Salary: $13,000,000

The Cleveland Indians have an interesting situation on their hands regarding Travis Hafner. They could very well be contenders in the AL Central, but may still opt to move assets that are past their prime.

During Hafner's best days, he was one of the most dangerous hitters in the AL Central and was consistently in AL MVP consideration.

He's run into issues staying on the field since then, but if healthy, he can still definitely be a home run threat in the Indians' lineup.

Either way, you would think a trade may be more likely to occur, as it's looking more like this will be Hafner's last season in Cleveland.

Wandy Rodriguez

2012 Salary: $13,000,000

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 past offseason, Rodriguez's best chance at moving is likely nearing as the trade deadline approaches—something that may be a real possibility, given the Astros' willingness to eat half of the $36 million left on his contract.

Zack Greinke

2012 Salary: $13,500,000

With the Milwaukee Brewers climbing back into the NL Central picture, the notion of moving Zack Greinke may not be an option as the summer nears.

Should the team opt to become sellers at the deadline, Zack Greinke may fetch a good return, and the team may be more likely to pursue the option if they decide it's not realistic to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason when he reaches free agency.

Ryan Dempster

2012 Salary: $14,000,000

Ryan Dempster's record this season certainly doesn't match up with his performance, as he's sitting at 2-3 but has managed an ERA of 2.31 and has been controlling his pitches with every outing.

A number of teams may be interested in his services should he become available, with the Atlanta Braves mentioned as a potential suitor.

Cole Hamels

2012 Salary: $15,000,000

Things really haven't gone as planned for the Philadelphia Phillies, as the team sits in the basement of the NL East, nine games back of the Washington Nationals.

Cole Hamels is poised to become one of the top free-agent options this upcoming offseason, and if the Phillies don't plan on signing him to a long-term deal, they may opt to get something in return for him if a contender emerges as a buyer.

Alfonso Soriano

2012 Salary: $18,000,000

The Chicago Cubs probably would have loved to rid themselves of Alfonso Soriano's inflated contract a number of times over the past few seasons, but as he continues to inch closer to the end of his deal, it appears a move may be a possibility.

Soriano has been solid in 2012, batting .280 with 41 runs batted in so far, and the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays appear interested in pursuing the option of making a move for the Cubs slugger.