MLB Trade Speculation: 5 Best Players Potentially Available at Each Position

With under a month to go until the MLB trade deadline, teams already know what they need if they want to make a playoff push.

Despite the likelihood of more buyers than sellers this year due to the extra wild-card spot, the trade market remains as open as ever. Many top names will be available, and some of them could be stars.

Here are the top five best available players at each position, sorted by corner infielder, middle infielder, outfielder, starting pitcher and relief pitcher.

I originally planned to add catchers as well, but the market there is so weak—especially since Toronto will likely keep J.P. Arencibia—that it's not even worth it to list them.

Corner IF 1. Edwin Encarnacion

The biggest corner infield trade prospect happens to be the All-Star Game's biggest snub: Toronto's Edwin Encarnacion. He's been improving every year, and in 2012 he's had a breakout year with 22 home runs.

He is going to command a fairly steep price, and it's unclear whether the Jays are considering moving him. However, there's been a lot of speculation, and with many contenders needing a power bat, he could net the Blue Jays some big-time prospects.

2. Chase Headley

With Kevin Youkilis off the trade market, there are few third basemen out there outside of Encarnacion who could really help a team. One of the few that could is San Diego's Chase Headley.

Headley has been consistently solid the past couple seasons and is one of the only people really performing on the Padres' roster. The Padres have a high price tag on him, but you never know what could happen.

3. Bryan LaHair

It's amazing what a year can do. No one knew who Bryan LaHair was a year ago. Now he's a solid hitter with some power who can play both first base and a corner outfield spot.

The fact that Anthony Rizzo is cemented as the first baseman of the future makes LaHair expendable. With the year he's had so far, he can easily be picked up. It helps that the Cubs have so many trade chips that he may not be out of the price range of many teams.

Anyone who missed out on Carlos Lee may be better served picking up LaHair.

4. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau was one of the best in the game a few years ago, but injuries have taken their toll. Despite a poor batting average, he does have pop in his bat and could be a viable trade option, especially since a fresh start might help.

There are reports that there's no market for Justin Morneau, but given that even Francisco Liriano has a market, this is likely a smokescreen. The Twins may not get much for him, but they could get something.

5. Alberto Callaspo

There is a drop in talent after the top three corner infielders, but those looking for an all-around player rather than a power bat may find a solid player in Alberto Callaspo.

Teams such as the A's are interested, and while he's certainly not going to wow anybody, he can provide some nice production when he's on his game. He could be worth it for teams on a budget.

Middle IF 1. Jose Altuve

Unlike most of the other positions on this list, there are not a lot of great middle infielders on the trade block. The top two are long shots to be traded, but I'm including them. The first is Jose Altuve.

While some have suggested a trade, it would probably cause a riot. This trade most likely will not happen.

2. Starlin Castro

Like Altuve, Starlin Castro has almost no chance of leaving. He's a young talent with a great bat, and the Cubs trading a .300 hitter at shortstop seems silly.

While it is a long shot, it's not a zero-percent chance. Mental errors in games could cause the Cubs to think he's not a future leader, and if a team gives the Cubs most of their farm system, then the Cubs could consider it.

3. Jed Lowrie

Moving to a more realistic trade possibility, the acquisition of Jed Lowrie and his 14 home runs so far is making the Astros look like they robbed the Red Sox in their offseason trade.

Lowrie is being considered as a trade possibility alongside two others on this list, and with how he's playing, he'll definitely get some teams asking about him.

I don't know if the Astros will trade him, since other contracts expire first, but you never know.

4. Daniel Murphy

The New York Mets don't look like they're going to be in sell mode, and there's zero chance that they'll trade David Wright. However, teams have asked about current second baseman Daniel Murphy.

Murphy would likely change positions if he's with another team, but he's playing solidly enough so far that there should be no issues. It's possible that he could be Wright's replacement at third base, so if they don't think they can re-sign Wright, then it's a lot less likely that they trade Murphy.

5. Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is someone who might be under the radar come trade time. He hasn't put up the offensive numbers he has in years past, but he is providing great defense to go along with solid offense.

Jon Morosi says that trading Johnson is a possibility, though I find it tough to believe that either Encarnacion or Johnson is going anywhere. If they do decide to become sellers, they should be able to get a good return for Johnson.

OF 1. Carlos Quentin

It seems that right-handed power bats, especially at a bargain, have become rare. That has vaulted Carlos Quentin from simply a possible trade option to the best available.

Yes, he's only played 29 games, but he has seven home runs and is hitting nearly .300 in those games. Right now he might be the most sought-after prospect in terms of pure hitting, and a team may not have to pay too much, given his contract.

2. Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler's picking the perfect time to have a breakout year. He's not eligible for free agency for a while yet, but with his speed and production offensively, he's a center fielder that will get some looks.

Rockies management did not call him untouchable, and that's fair game for counting him as a trade possibility, even if it's not that likely. The Rockies may ask for a lot given that Fowler spent time in the minors last year, but there's the chance someone will pick him up.

3. Josh Willingham

Despite the fact that he just signed a three-year contract with the Twins, it looks like Josh Willingham is absolutely on the trading block, making him a very viable option for teams.

Willingham has some of the best stats of any hitter on the trading market, but getting a three-year deal is a double-edged sword, especially since his defense has never been good. Still, anyone needing a hitter will look past the defense.

4. Shane Victorino

Shane Victorino has been a staple in the Phillies outfield for some time, but the Flyin' Hawaiian might be near the end of his time in Philly. He still has some defense and speed, and while production at the plate has dipped a bit, it's still not bad.

Philadelphia has not put Victorino on the market officially, but his skill set and expiring contract could make some teams interested.

5. Alfonso Soriano

Despite his ridiculous contract, Alfonso Soriano manages to sneak onto this list. This is thanks to a nice season where his defense isn't terrible and his hitting has taken a step up.

With right-handed power hitters being in short supply, Soriano could be a trade possibility. The Cubs would have to pay most of this deal, but they would be willing to do it if it meant speeding up the rebuilding process.

SP 1. Cole Hamels

It's not every day that an ace is available for trade, but there is one this year in Cole Hamels. Granted, the price is very steep at four top prospects, but he could be worth picking up for any team that needs that ace.

Having him as the top starter on this list is really a no-brainer. At his best, he's an ace and a Cy Young-quality pitcher. With Hamels' postseason experience, teams will be asking about him.

2. Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke was looking to be the ace as the Milwaukee Brewers headed back to the playoffs this year. He's done more than his part, but the Brewers have struggled this season and are falling out of the playoff hunt.

It seems like he'll be available, since it's tough to say if Milwaukee can afford to keep him. One thing is certain: If you can get the Braves to consider trading their pitching prospects to acquire you, you have a great deal of talent.

3. Matt Garza

Matt Garza has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors. This might be his worst full season so far, but he's still pitching fairly well. He's the top player on a team that will probably be the biggest sellers.

Garza has an extra year before free agency, but as a Grade A trade chip, if the Cubs do not want to keep him for the long term, they need to deal him.

4. Brandon McCarthy

The Oakland Athletics might trade a pitcher? I'm shocked. Brandon McCarthy is someone who I thought the A's would keep long-term rather than trade, but it appears that that has now changed.

McCarthy has found his touch and has been a great pitcher the past two seasons. This makes his trade value about as high as it will get.

5. Wandy Rodriguez

Wandy Rodriguez has been an available name since the past offseason, and he's been one of the more consistent pitchers over the past few seasons. Despite a .500 record, he's a workhorse who can get things done.

His contract is through 2013, which may make him more tradeable. However, if Greinke and Garza are both available for trade, then it may be more of a long shot that Rodriguez leaves.

RP 1. Francisco Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez was a tough person not only to rate, but to put on the list at all. The fact that a setup man who's struggling is actually at the top of this list, however, shows the state of relievers on the trading block.

The Mets are reportedly looking to bring K-Rod back, and it's possible that both a change of scenery and a return to a closer role could be just what he needs. It doesn't look like the Brewers will be in the playoff hunt much longer.

2. Huston Street

If you're not high on K-Rod despite his consistency before this year, then the best bet may be Padres closer Huston Street, who has been dominant all year leading up to an All-Star appearance.

Before this year, he was a consistently good closer, but Rockies fans will tell you things that the stats can't. Still, Street is expected to be dealt, and given where the Padres are, it seems a given that he'll be shipped off.

3. Matt Capps

The Minnesota Twins are clearly in full rebuilding mode at this point, and it's obvious they are sellers. Thanks to the weak closer market, Matt Capps could end up garnering a decent amount of interest.

I don't feel like the Twins would sell him since he has a good contract for a closer, but they will certainly display him and try to bring in what prospects they can as a return.

4. Brett Myers

The fact that Brett Myers appears on the top five closers list at all shows that the experiment worked out well. Myers has 17 saves, and while his ERA isn't that great, it's not terrible.

Still, the market isn't too good for closers right now, but you never know what could happen. He's a bit low on the list due to a rather high price tag for this season.

5. Grant Balfour

The Oakland Athletics are always willing to trade pitchers, and given how much the closer market can fluctuate, even someone with seven saves can make an impact.

Grant Balfour is expendable since Ryan Cook has taken over closing duties. Since he's had a taste of closing, he could be good as someone to fill in. Then again, someone who's down to setup duty may not draw much interest as a closer.