MLB Trade Rumors: Players Overvalued Leading Up to Deadline

There will always be those teams who go after a big name before Major League Baseball's trade deadline in hopes of boosting themselves to the playoffs and beyond.

But sometimes landing one player is not worth losing valuable prospects, especially if you aren't a legitimate title contender.

Here's a look at some big names who are overvalued leading up to the trade deadline.

Chase Headley, 3B, San Diego Padres

With the San Diego Padres out of contention in the National League West, they are looking to deal starting third baseman, Chase Headley.

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, more than a few teams are interested in the switch hitter:

"

There are now six teams in trade discussions with Padres regarding Chase Headley who in all likelihood will be dealt by deadline

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 17, 2012"

Buster Olney of ESPN adds that the Padres are looking for a package of prospects in return for the 28-year-old:

"

The Padres have asked the Pirates for a significant package of prospects for Chase Headley, as they have with all teams.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 23, 2012"

But Headley's impact figures to be minimal in the long run. Yes, he has 11 home runs this season, but he's also hitting .268 (including .230 with runners in scoring position) with an on-base percentage of .361, which is seventh in the NL among third basemen.

Headley is a decent player, but he's not the difference-maker to give up multiple promising prospects for at the deadline. 

Zack Greinke, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

I want to preface this by saying Zack Greinke is indeed a top-of-the-rotation starter.

But...

Greinke is not worth the hype surrounding him leading up to the deadline. The Brewers reportedly offered him an extension of at least $100 million, and he has yet to accept: That will give you an idea of how highly valued he is right now.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals are all interested in the right-hander. Judging by the extension the Brewers offered him, he will likely land the Brewers multiple players/prospects if he's dealt.

But Greinke's ERA (3.57) isn't worth such a high price, and his WHIP (1.25) and batting average against (.261) have actually gone up since last season, when he had a 3.83 ERA. That tells me that he's actually getting a bit lucky so far this season. And judging by the five runs he gave up to the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last start, I think he's going to have a worse second half of the season in 2012.  

Francisco Liriano, SP, Minnesota Twins

OK, yes, Francisco Liriano has 25 strikeouts in his last two games. We all know the talented left-hander can strike people out and that he can go on runs from time to time.

But Liriano is also inconsistent at this stage of his career, evidenced by his 4.81 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 54 walks in just over 97 innings pitched this season.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported last week that the Angels, Braves, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are all interested in Liriano. Judging by his demand, he should garner a nice return for the Twins if he's dealt, giving them the last laugh down the line.

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