MLB Trade Rumors: Possible Prospect Packages for Top Deadline Targets

On Monday afternoon, the first major deal involving prospects occurred, as the Marlins traded RHP Anibal Sanchez and 2B Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers for a trio of prospects: RHP Jacob Turner, C Rob Brantly and LHP Brian Flynn. And with reports that the Marlins aren’t done dealing, it seems that there may be more highly touted prospects headed their way.

Although not every team hoping to trade its big-league talent is necessarily seeking prospects in return, there figures to be at least one notable player involved in each trade leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

In deals for players like Hanley Ramirez, Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke, it seems as though potential suitors will be forced to offer a package of minor-league talent, possibly including each organization’s respective top prospect.

Therefore, I have assembled a list of 10 major leaguers who have been rumored in trade talks, as well as several potential suitors for each player. And for every organization that has been mentioned as a possible destination, I composed a short list of prospects that may be dealt by July 31.

Josh Johnson, RHP, Miami Marlins

Scouts from the Angels, Rangers and Red Sox were in attendance for Josh Johnson’s start on Monday night, according to multiple sources. Although he seems to be the least likely of the Marlins’ big names to be moved at the trade deadline, crazier things have happened.

Los Angeles Angels: 3B Kaleb Cowart, RHP John Hellweg, SS/2B Jean Segura

Texas Rangers: LHP Martin Perez, 3B Mike Olt

Boston Red Sox: SS/3B Xander Bogaerts

Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

While news surfaced on Tuesday that it seems unlikely that the Diamondbacks would trade Justin Upton before the July 31 deadline, the organization isn’t ruling out the notion that he may be moved towards the end of the 2012 season, according to Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic. Obviously, with a superstar like Upton, the prospect return would have to be exceptional and include several top prospects from each potential suitor.

Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Jameson Taillon, SS Alen Hanson, OF Starling Marte

Texas Rangers: SS Jurickson Profar, 3B Mike Olt, C Jorge Alfaro

Hanley Ramirez, 3B/SS, Miami Marlins

After trading Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers on Monday afternoon, it appears that the Marlins are prepared to keep dealing their big-league talent, according to Scott Miller of CBS Sports. Apparently, Hanley Ramirez has worn out his stay in Miami and has exhausted the team’s patience with his ongoing attitude issues and disruptions. Although the Marlins aren’t far away from contending, they will likely look to acquire multiple high-upside prospects to fill out their overall weak system.

Boston Red Sox: RHP Matt Barnes, SS/3B Xander Bogaerts

Oakland Athletics: RHP Dan Straily, RHP A.J. Cole, RHP Brad Peacock, RHP A.J. Griffin, OF Michael Choice

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Zach Lee, LHP Chris Reed, OF Joc Pederson

Toronto Blue Jays: OF Anthony Gose, OF Jake Marisnick, LHP Justin Nicolino

Ryan Dempster, RHP, Chicago Cubs

After news broke on Monday that Ryan Dempster would be traded to the Atlanta Braves for a package headed by RHP Randall Delgado, it was later reported Dempster had not agreed to the deal. However, as of Tuesday, it seems as though the deal is still close to happening, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.

Other than Delgado, the package for Dempster could include prospects such as 3B Brandon Drury and C Christian Bethancourt.

Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

Stephen Drew hasn’t bounced back as hoped from the broken ankle that sidelined him for most of the 2011 season and first few months of 2012. As Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports, there are several teams who have expressed interest in the 29-year-old shortstop. Drew’s role will be based upon where he is traded; while he may become the starting shortstop for the Pirates, a backup role is more realistic if he’s shipped to the Red Sox.

Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Gregory Polanco, 1B Alex Dickerson

Boston Red Sox: RHP Anthony Ranaudo

Matt Garza, RHP, Chicago Cubs

With the Ryan Dempster-to-Atlanta trade likely to be finalized by Wednesday, discussions have allegedly picked up between the Dodgers and Cubs for starting pitcher Matt Garza. According to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network, the Dodgers' top prospect, 20-year-old right-hander Zach Lee, may headline a potential package for the 28-year-old right-hander.

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Zach Lee, RHP Garrett Gould, LHP Chris Reed

James Shields, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Multiple teams were in attendance to scout James Shields’ last start, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. He states that the Rays are seeking a package of prospects in return, specifically catching and pitching prospects.

Los Angeles Angels: SS/2B Jean Segura, RHP John Hellweg, RHP Garrett Richards, C Carlos Ramirez

New York Yankees: C Gary Sanchez, RHP Dellin Betances, OF Tyler Austin

Zack Greinke, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

While it’s been rumored for some time that both the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels are interested in acquiring Zach Greinke, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Washington Nationals have now surfaced as potential suitors. It’s no secret that the Brewers are seeking high-upside prospects, and all participating organizations will likely have to part with several of their best.

Texas Rangers: LHP Martin Perez, 3B Mike Olt, RHP Cody Buckel

Washington Nationals: RHP Alex Meyer, OF Brian Goodwin, SS Jason Martinson

Los Angeles Angels: SS/2B Jean Segura, RHP John Hellweg, RHP Garrett Richards

Cole Hamels, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies

As with the Brewers and Zack Greinke, the Phillies will look to acquire several highly coveted prospects for Cole Hamels if they are unable to sign him to a massive extension. At this point, the leading candidates to land the left-hander are the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.

Texas Rangers: LHP Martin Perez, 3B Mike Olt, C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Cody Buckel

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Zach Lee, OF Joc Pederson

St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Shelby Miller, RHP Trevor Rosenthal, 3B Zack Cox

Chris Perez, RHP, Cleveland Indians

According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Giants have emerged as potential suitors for Indians closer Chris Perez. While the Tribe would prefer major-league players, I’m sure they would settle for players who are only one or two years away from making an impact.

San Francisco Giants: OF Gary Brown, RHP Heath Hembree