MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on James Shields, Shane Victorino and More

Almost all of the trade rumors you hear surrounding the Major League Baseball trade deadline are going to end up being much ado about nothing. 

However, with so much talk floating around, and so many top stars at least being discussed in potential deals, it does make things very interesting. Plus, you never know what a team might offer if it really feels like it can make a push for a playoff spot. 

Last year, for instance, no one really expected Ubaldo Jimenez to get traded. Then the Cleveland Indians came in with their top two pitching prospects and the Rockies were more than happy to ship him out of town. 

This year promises to feature a lot more of the top players because of teams that are disappointing and players who are approaching free agency and/or getting too expensive for their current teams. 

Here is a rundown of all the latest news and rumors on some of the biggest names alleged to be on the trading block prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline. 

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James Shields, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Shields' name gets brought up in trade talks seemingly every winter and July, regardless of where the Rays are in the standings.

This year, Danny Knobler of CBS Sports writes that the Rays are willing to explore their options with the 30-year-old pitcher as long as they are able to get an upgrade for their offense in return. 

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Only half a game out of the second wild-card spot but in desperate need of an offensive boost, the Rays are suggesting to teams that they'll be willing to trade Shields, even if they still believe they can compete for a playoff spot.

In fact, trading Shields could either bring back a much-needed bat, or give the Rays enough financial flexibility to find a bat elsewhere.

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I think Shields would be a nice alternative for a lot of teams that can't get Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke, assuming their respective franchises decide to move them. His stuff is still there, though he has been wildly inconsistent this year. 

Plus, he has two option years left on his contract for 2013 and 2014, totaling $21 million—$9 million next season and $12 million in 2014, according to Rotoworld.

Zack Greinke, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

Of the top two starting pitchers on the market, my personal opinion is that Greinke is more likely to be traded than Cole Hamels. 

There are plenty of suitors out there for both, with Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reporting that the Chicago White Sox have entered the fray. 

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The first-place White Sox have established themselves as the favorite in the AL Central to the surprise of many, and they are said to be hoping to make another second big splash on the trade market. Their trade for third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been a major hit.

The Braves, Angels, Rangers, Orioles and other also are expected to be in the Greinke derby.

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The White Sox could use more depth in their starting rotation, but I don't see their farm system having enough to entice the Brewers. Coming into the year they had the worst system in baseball, and not much has changed in four months. 

The Rangers have one of the best systems in the game, and could trade from a position of depth if they wanted to land Greinke. Of course, if they are willing to wait until they get Colby Lewis off the disabled list, that would be like adding an impact arm. 

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Shane Victorino, OF, Philadelphia Phillies

If the Phillies are going to make a move, Shane Victorino could end up being the player dealt. He is in the final year of his contract, and the team is weighing its options with him right now. 

Back in spring training, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that Victorino was looking for a five-year contract. At 31 years old, Victorino certainly fits the mold of Philadelphia's strategy to give older players long-term contracts. 

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that the Yankees are kicking tires on a potential deal for Victorino, depending on what happens with Brett Gardner (who has suffered yet another setback), if there is a fair deal to be made.

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They've talked to the Phillies about Shane Victorino and the Diamondbacks about Justin Upton, but Upton is a major long shot for them and right now they see the price tag as too high on either. Victorino may be slightly more realistic eventually, though.

GM Brian Cashman said on Sunday asking prices are generally too high, and that the deals available weren't worth it to make "marginal'' improvements.

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The Yankees have the kind of high-upside athletes in the lower levels of their system around whom the Phillies loved to build their system before they traded everyone for Roy Halladay and Hunter Pence, so I can see a fit there. 

Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

The biggest fish on the market, Hamels is going to have a big decision to make very soon. According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Phillies are trying to do what they can to sign the ace lefty to a contract before the deadline so they don't have to worry about losing him this offseason. 

Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia reported that the average annual salary is fine, but the length is an issue. 

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Sources have told CSNPhilly.com that the Phillies are ready to play in (the Cliff Lee $24 million per year) salary range for Hamels. The sticking point is length of contract. Sources say the Phillies offered four years months ago and Hamels wants more—probably at least six years, maybe seven.

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Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reported that the Yankees will remain "in the loop" about Hamels' status leading up to the deadline, though nothing is on the radar as of this moment. 

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By utilizing the same logic as guided the (Cliff) Lee pursuit, wouldn’t the Yankees try to acquire Cole Hamels from Philadelphia?

The short answer is yes, the Yankees absolutely will be in the loop as the shockingly horrid Phillies field offers for Hamels while also trying to re-sign him.

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Since the Yankees are in the race and need pitching help, they are going to be linked to every big name available. They do have enough to propose a deal that would entice the Phillies, but you have to keep things in perspective: They aren't going to deal for someone, giving up two or three top prospects, unless they have assurances Hamels will sign a long-term extension.

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Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

For reasons known only to them, the Arizona Diamondbacks are at least exploring trade opportunities for Justin Upton, despite the fact that his stock is about as low as it has been in his career. 

Fox Sports reported that the four teams on Upton's no-trade list are the Yankees, Red Sox, Indians and Cubs. My personal opinion is the Indians and Cubs are not interested in going after Upton right now anyway. 

The Red Sox need outfield help, but I don't know if they would want to deal players to get a right fielder who is not hitting for power. The Yankees, like I said about Hamels, will be talked about with anyone because of who they are. 

The Fox report does mention Pittsburgh as a possible destination, though it does say they don't have a good fit for what Arizona wants. 

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have been viewed as one of Upton’s most serious suitors, but the clubs don’t have an obvious trade match. The Diamondbacks would like a long-term shortstop or third baseman, and the Pirates don’t have a player to match that need.

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I think the Pirates dipping into their improving farm system to chase a playoff dream that isn't even real would be a mistake. I love Andrew McCutchen. And I love what their pitching and defense are doing, but they are still the third-best team in that division. That is more of an indictment of the NL Central than a compliment for the Pirates.