MLB Trade Rumors: Playing 'Deal or No Deal' with All 30 MLB Teams

The MLB rumor mill is running on all cylinders as contending teams are seeking out valuable pieces to solve their team's playoff puzzles. But while the wish lists are easy to make, getting the sellers to agree to the best compensation in return is a far tougher battle.

Prospects always help an organization, and while it can be hard to part ways with an established member of a 25-man roster in favor of a 20-year old who hasn't seen Double-A, general managers are more forward thinking than we can comprehend.

We may not see these deals take shape in the coming weeks. But as the trade deadline nears, there's no doubt that we'll continue to see these names in the headlines on a regular basis.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Joe Saunders

At one point this past offseason, it appeared as though Joe Saunders' days in Arizona were over.

But after non-tendering the starting pitcher, the Diamondbacks eventually worked out a one-year deal for his return.

Should the Diamondbacks move lower in the standings and find themselves truly selling at the end of July, Saunders may be dealt to get a prospect or two in return.

Verdict: Deal

Atlanta Braves

Zack Greinke

Somewhat lost in the hot first half by the Washington Nationals are the Atlanta Braves, who sit just three games back of the Nats in the standings and appear ready to buy in a big way to get over the hump.

With a plethora of young pitching in the organization, the team has plenty of talent on hand, but lacks some experience, something that Zack Greinke could cure.

Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com has noted that the Braves could be an appealing destination for Greinke, given the team's readiness to compete, as well as the proximity to Florida, his home state.

Given their desire to compete with the Nationals in the East, the Braves may be inclined to pursue a blockbuster deal, but their starting pitching depth in the organization may sway them from giving up enough to get a deal done.

Verdict: No Deal

Baltimore Orioles

Wandy Rodriguez

It's a surprise that Wandy Rodriguez hasn't been dealt to a team looking to add a solid starting pitcher. But as Rodriguez's contract winds down, you'd think the odds of him moving would increase.

He'll be a free agent after 2013, and with the Astros not in a position to contend anytime soon, the time to move him and look to build depth in the farm system could be now.

The Baltimore Orioles have been noted as a team with interest in Rodriguez. Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com has reported that the two teams have been in contact regarding a potential deal.

After years of failing to come close to contending, the Orioles finally have the makings of a team that could make some waves, and getting a deal done for a top-flight starter won't hurt.

Verdict: Deal

Boston Red Sox

Jon Lester

Bobby Valentine's first season at the helm of the Boston Red Sox certainly hasn't gone as he would have planned it, and with one fan favorite already out of Fenway, there may be more players making their way out if the team continues to drop further back of the New York Yankees in the standings.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised to make a run in the second half, and with pitching always a premium, they're interested in Jon Lester, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Fans in Pittsburgh shouldn't get too used to the prospect of Lester joining the rotation, however, as Cafardo also notes that top prospect Gerrit Cole would need to go in return, something that won't happen.

Verdict: No Deal

Chicago Cubs

Matt Garza

Having been a part of trade talks for nearly a year now, it's almost a surprise that Chicago Cubs fireballer Matt Garza has yet to find his way out of the Windy City.

With a better than 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2011, Garza remains an appealing target for potential suitors. He's striking out nearly a batter per inning in 2012.

Garza has been involved in trade rumors all season, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports told Jonah Keri in a Grantland podcast that a handful of teams are still interested in the right-hander.

As Garza's value increases along with the number of teams showing interest, the potential for a high return continues to be appealing, possibly enough to send him out of Wrigley.

Verdict: Deal

Chicago White Sox

Ryan Dempster

It's not altogether a surprise that the Chicago White Sox find themselves contending in the AL Central in 2012. But with the Detroit Tigers taking up much of the attention leading up to the season, they did come in somewhat under the radar. 

The team appears to have jolted some life back into Kevin Youkilis and does certainly look like a playoff-caliber team, enough so that the team may look to buy at the deadline.

ESPNChicago has reported that the team may be interested in acquiring Ryan Dempster, though the team could be better served by holding onto prospects and hedging their bets that holes in the rotation will work themselves out.

Verdict: No Deal

Cincinnati Reds

Juan Pierre

With the Philadelphia Phillies all but out of the NL East race, it may not be long before we end up seeing a number of their players make their way out of town.

One of those is Juan Pierre, who Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted has been getting interest from the Cincinnati Reds.

Acquiring Pierre would give the Reds good speed on the basepaths and a solid presence in the outfield, and likely wouldn't cost much to obtain.

Verdict: Deal

Cleveland Indians

Travis Hafner

During the peak of his career, Travis Hafner was torturing American League pitchers, hitting an average of 32 home runs per season from 2004 to 2007.

He's run into issues staying on the field since then, but if healthy, he can still be a home run threat in the Indians lineup. Either way, it's looking more and more like this will be Hafner's last season in Cleveland.

Just four games back in the AL Central, Hafner may not be moving, but if the team finds itself slipping back in the standings, it might be worth letting him walk in exchange for a prospect.

Verdict: Deal

Colorado Rockies

Marco Scutaro

The Colorado Rockies haven't lived up to expectations in 2012. While they may end up moving players this summer at the trade deadline, they'll also be looking forward to the offseason in which there will undoubtedly be decisions to make.

Marco Scutaro has been a solid option for the Rockies infield this season. He's batting 10 points better than his career average while hitting safely 54 times in just 72 games.

Verdict: Deal

Detroit Tigers

Ryan Dempster

The Detroit Tigers made some big waves prior to the start of the season with their acquisition of Prince Fielder, and while the team hasn't lived up to expectations so far this season, they're starting to look like the team we all expected and can't be counted out in the AL Central.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com has mentioned Ryan Dempster as a potential trade target for the Tigers. While they may need to part with a solid prospect to get the deal done, he'd certainly help their rotation, which ranks 21st or lower in both WHIP and BAA.

Verdict: Deal

Houston Astros

Brett Myers

Brett Myers has gotten off to a strong start this season, posting a 3.34 ERA in his 33 appearances with the Houston Astros.

There was plenty of interest in Myers this offseason, and with his performance early on in 2012, you'd have to think it'd continue as the second half rolls on.

With Jayson Stark of ESPN reporting that the team is willing to take on part of his salary in order to get a deal done, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Myers with another team in August.

Verdict: Deal

Kansas City Royals

Jonathan Sanchez

In acquiring Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants to take a place in their rotation, the Kansas City Royals gave up Melky Cabrera, who represented one of their more consistent offensive players in 2011.

They have a number of talented prospects poised to see significant time in 2012, and while they'll no doubt see their share of growing pains, the future is certainly bright.

If they don't see a chance to keep Sanchez around long term, it might be best to ship him off to a team in need of a solid starter for a postseason push in order to secure one or two pitching prospects to help with the rotation and/or bullpen.

Verdict: Deal

Los Angeles Angels

Zack Greinke

The Los Angeles Angels made the biggest splash of last year's free agent market when they committed a boatload of money to Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to help get the team back into the postseason.

Now it appears that they might be looking to make just as big of a splash in this summer's trade market, further bolstering their already solid rotation with Zack Greinke.

As Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com points out, the team would have company in their pursuit, as the division rival Texas Rangers may also have their sights set on Greinke.

The Angels would obviously benefit from the acquisition of Greinke, but with a great deal already invested in the rotation, they may not have what it takes to make this deal work out.

Verdict: No Deal

Los Angeles Dodgers

Michael Cuddyer

The Colorado Rockies invested a great deal of money in Michael Cuddyer this offseason in hopes that he'd revitalize their offense, and while he's done that, it hasn't translated to wins as the Rockies find themselves 15 games out in the NL West.

While Danny Knobler of CBSsports.com has pointed out that the Los Angeles Dodgers would be interested in bringing in Cuddyer, the Rockies could very well price him out of their range.

Verdict: No Deal

Miami Marlins

Omar Infante

The Miami Marlins were busy this offseason with the signings of Heath Bell and Jose Reyes, and continued that action this summer by recently trading for Carlos Lee.

The new confines of Marlins Ballpark haven't been entirely friendly, though, as the team finds itself struggling to contend in the strong NL East and could possibly be sellers at the deadline.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark has noted that the Tigers could be a fit for infielder Omar Infante, but it's hard to believe that Marlins ownership would want to send the message that they're giving up on the season.

Verdict: No Deal

Milwaukee Brewers

John Axford

With consistent closers always at a high premium in baseball, John Axford could represent a high-potential option for a team that's looking for a top-end arm to shut the door in late-inning situations.

Axford led the league in saves in 2011 with 46 and has 15 saves in 2012 while posting a 2-5 record and 4.84 ERA.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports claims teams have inquired about Axford, but with the team not as far from serious contention as others, he'd be a good piece to keep around.

Verdict: No Deal

Minnesota Twins

Francisco Liriano

The Minnesota Twins have been waiting for what seems like ages to see Francisco Liriano return to the form that he showed prior to Tommy John surgery.

Now that he's showing just how nasty his slider can be, Twins GM Terry Ryan just might be looking to pull the trigger on a deal to move him from Target Field.

A 15-strikeout, one-walk performance on Friday against the Oakland Athletics certainly can't hurt his value.

The latest news from Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports is that the Angels are taking a long look at Liriano. If the right package appears, the team would be well-positioned to take advantage.

Verdict: Deal

New York Mets

Francisco Rodriguez

The Milwaukee Brewers showed a commitment to contending once again in 2012 when they opted to retain Francisco Rodriguez for the 2012 season. While they may not end up as buyers at this summer's trade deadline, they can certainly come out ahead as sellers if they play their cards right.

K-Rod is 2-4 with an ERA around 4.00 this season, but he has still been striking out batters at a high rate and could possibly be headed for a return trip to the New York Mets, as Ken Davidoff of the New York Post points out.

Given his shaky past in New York, it's hard to see this deal happening. With a number of other relief options that could be out there, K-Rod probably isn't the most likely option.

Verdict: No Deal

New York Yankees

Matt Garza

With the New York Yankees comfortably atop the AL East, the team can spend July looking for top flight talent that will help the team down the stretch.

Since they're always willing to spend, it's no surprise that the Yankees are interested in Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, though getting a deal done may not be feasible.

As Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com pointed out earlier this year, the Cubs likely wanted two of the Yankees three top prospects, something that would almost certainly be a deal killer.

Verdict: No Deal

Oakland Athletics

Grant Balfour

Grant Balfour's strong start in 2012 has been a positive for the Oakland Athletics. He has seven saves in 43 appearances and an ERA of 3.12.

He'll likely be one of the more sought-after options this summer for teams considering an addition to their bullpen, with the Los Angeles Angels emerging as a suitor for Balfour (via the Boston Globe).

Verdict: Deal

Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels is set to become one of the top free-agent targets this upcoming offseason, though the Philadelphia Phillies appear poised to do everything in their power to make sure the proceedings don't get that far, as Jayson Stark of ESPN notes.

The 28-year old California native has enjoyed his seven-year stint with the Phillies, making three All-Star appearances, including a trip this season.

With the Phillies sitting well behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East, you had better believe they'll sell him at a high price if their efforts to re-sign him don't pan out.

Verdict: No Deal

Pittsburgh Pirates

Justin Upton

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of baseball's best stories in 2012. They currently finds themselves sitting 10 game above .500 and  one game behind the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

They may be looking for help in the outfield, and while Justin Upton could be an attractive option, Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com tweeted that the Pirates likely aren't willing to part with the prospects it'd take to get a deal done.

Verdict: No Deal

San Diego Padres

Huston Street

In his first season with the San Diego Padres, Huston Street has shown why he's one of the best relievers who could be available at this summer's trade deadline, with a 2-0 record and ERA hovering just north of 1.00.

With a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Street could represent a valuable late-inning option for a team in need of help in the back end of its bullpen.

In late June, Andy Martino of The New York Daily News reported the Mets had inquired about Street and while a deal hasn't yet come to fruition, Street could possibly yield enough prospects in return to make a deal worthwhile for both sides.

Verdict: Deal

San Francisco Giants

Nate Schierholtz

Sitting 1.5 games up on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, the San Francisco Giants may not be the most active buyers at the deadline. With some stellar performances from their All-Star representatives, they look to be in good hands for the second half.

That doesn't mean there won't be moves made. Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has noted that Nate Schierholtz may be expendable and would likely garner some interest as July winds down.

Verdict: Deal

Seattle Mariners

Brandon League

With 2012 being Brandon League's final season before entering the free-agent market, the Seattle Mariners could work to trade him to a team in need of the late-inning help in order to inject additional depth into their farm system.

Good relievers can be hard to come by, and until the Mariners show a much more consistent ability to score runs, the performance by their pitching staff in the late innings will be that much more important.

Verdict: Deal

St. Louis Cardinals

Jason Vargas

After seeing Albert Pujols depart from the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals this offseason, the prospect of a repeat championship had to come into question.

The team has struggled at times, but the Cardinals find themselves less than five games out in the division and are by no means done.

With pitching being something that teams can't have enough of, Jason Vargas of the Seattle Mariners could be an option at the deadline, as Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe points out.

Verdict: Deal

Tampa Bay Rays

B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton will likely be one of the top free-agent outfielders in next year's market, possibly putting him out of reach for some teams in need of help there. But a player with his talent can be hard to pass up.

He's had some down numbers over the past two seasons and is batting only .251 so far in 2012. But with a 23-home run campaign in 2011, Upton is showing that he has the combination of power and speed that's always in demand.

Upton has tremendous upside, and while the Rays may struggle to generate enough revenue to pay big contracts to players, he's worth keeping unless a massive package comes into play.

Verdict: No Deal

Texas Rangers

Zack Greinke

With a five-game lead in the AL West, the Texas Rangers definitely seem primed for another postseason appearance, but they may have bigger things in mind as they look to overcome two consecutive World Series defeats.

The Rangers have the 10th-best team ERA in baseball, and rank in the top third of most other pitching metrics, yet are still looking to add a top-flight pitcher to the rotation to ensure they don't leave anything on the table.

As Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com points out, the team has set its sights primarily on Cole Hamels, but would consider Zack Greinke instead if that wasn't a possibility.

We don't yet know how the situation will pan out with Hamels. But with the Phillies preparing to offer him a substantial contract offer, Plan B might become Plan A in a matter of time.

Verdict: Deal

Toronto Blue Jays

Matt Garza

Having been a part of trade talks for nearly a year now, it's almost a surprise that Chicago Cubs fireballer Matt Garza has yet to find his way out of the Windy City.

With a better than 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2011, Garza remains an appealing target for potential suitors. He's striking out nearly a batter per inning in 2012.

Garza has been involved in trade rumors all season, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports told Jonah Keri in a Grantland podcast that a handful of teams are still interested in the right-hander. With the Blue Jays in need of pitching, he could possibly find a home north of the border.

Verdict: No Deal

Washington Nationals

Danny Espinosa

The Washington Nationals continue to be one of the biggest surprises in baseball, and while they may not be the most active team at the trade deadline, they're still well-equipped for a playoff run.

As Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports pointed out, the team would love to get their hands on Michael Bourn to fill center field for the foreseeable future. But with the Atlanta Braves just a few games back in the standings, they'll likely need to wait until he hits free agency before they can make a play for him.

Rosenthal also noted that Danny Espinosa would be a likely target to be moved this summer, as his departure could open the door for Steve Lombardozzi to take over at second.

Verdict: Deal