MLB Trade Rumors: Big Bats Available Before the Deadline

The MLB trade deadline always forces a flurry of action, and a few teams will be looking for productive hitters to put in their lineups.

Before July 31, the contenders will try to get better and the bottom-dwellers will start the rebuilding process. This means that a few veterans who have proven their power will be available.

Talks will be be heating up as Tuesday approaches, and this is certainly the busiest time of the year for general managers across the league.

Here are the hitters most likely to be dealt.

Josh Willingham

Josh Willingham certainly fits the description of a big bat. He is hitting .273 with 26 home runs this season. 

The Minnesota Twins look to be sellers as the trade deadline nears, and Phil Mackey and Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com report that the team will listen to offers for the left fielder. 

Willingham is the type of player who can be the difference between making the postseason or missing out by a few games.

He can be a dangerous player in the middle of a team's batting order, and if the Twins are willing to sell, someone will certainly buy.

B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton will be a free agent at the end of this season, and his name will once again come up in trade talks.

CBS Sports' Danny Knobler speculates that the Tampa Bay Rays could be making moves and that Upton will be involved.

"

Rays are a fascinating team to watch. Could trade starters (anyone but Price, Moore), relievers, Upton. Looking for young catcher, pitchers

— DKnobler (@DKnobler) July 18, 2012"

The center fielder has hit .244 with nine home runs this season and is just one year removed from cracking 23 homers. 

The talented 27-year-old would be a solid player for rent, and any contending team looking for another bat will be interested.

Justin Morneau

The Minnesota Twins are struggling for the second season in a row and will likely look to sell of some of their players. Justin Morneau will be one of their most valuable assets.

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune noted that Morneau is just one of the Twins' bats that have attracted suitors.

The four-time All-Star and former MVP is batting .256 with 12 home runs this season.

Minnesota's poor season has caused the birds of prey to start circling, and Morneau will likely be one of the pieces they pick off the team's roster.

Hunter Pence

The Philadelphia Phillies have had a disappointing season, and while they may not be willing to sell off some of their pieces, right fielder Hunter Pence may be a player they are willing to part with.

John Morosi of Fox Sports reported via Twitter that the San Francisco Giants are one team that would certainly be interested in adding Pence.

"

If #Phillies decide to make Hunter Pence available, #SFGiants expected to make a push. They want a RH-hitting OF bat.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 27, 2012"

The 29-year-old is batting .267 with 17 home runs this season, and he would certainly be a boost to the Giants' batting order.

San Francisco will need to keep up with their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Adding Pence would be an ideal response to the Dodgers' signing of Hanley Ramirez. 

Chase Headley

The San Diego Padres are doomed to another season of irrelevance and will likely part ways with third baseman Chase Headley.

ESPN's Jayson Stark is completely certain that San Diego will deal Headley before the deadline.

The New York Post's Joel Sherman speculates that the New York Yankees could look into Headley as a replacement for Alex Rodriguez, who suffered a broken hand.

Nothing has come out from the Yankees camp, but they will not be the only team interested in the third baseman, who is hitting .265 with 12 home runs. The talk surrounding Headley will heat up as July 31 gets closer.