MLB Trade Rumors: Recapping Last-Minute Deadline Scenarios

The MLB rumor mill is running on all cylinders as contending teams are seeking out valuable pieces to solve their team's playoff puzzle. But while the wish lists are easy to make, getting the deal done remains the biggest battle.

We've seen some very big names change organizations in the past week, and we will continue to see that trend occur in the next few days as the deadline nears.

They won't be the only ones who change the shape of the playoff races, however, as a number of lesser-publicized role players could also make a huge difference when it comes to the fate of a franchise.

Brandon League

UPDATE: League has reportedly been traded to the Dodgers.

The Chicago White Sox made what could turn out to be a fantastic move this weekend when they grabbed lefty Francisco Liriano from the division rival Minnesota Twins at a seemingly low price.

Now that they've shored up their rotation, GM Kenny Williams appears to be looking to help out the pitching staff on the back end.

Seattle Mariners reliever Brandon League has been a part of trade talks for quite some time, and as Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com has reported, Chicago may be a likely destination.

Shin-Soo Choo

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the best stories of this season and appear primed to be making their first postseason appearance in nearly two decades.

They shored up their rotation last week when they traded for Wandy Rodriguez, and according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review they may not be done making moves, with Shin-Soo Choo in the picture as a potential deadline pickup.

Josh Johnson

The Boston Red Sox haven't been living up to the expectations they set forth for themselves heading into the 2012 season, but they still stand less than five games out of a wild-card berth and could be looking to make a deal as the deadline looms.

Whether or not they're willing to meet the needs of the Miami Marlins is yet to be seen, but as Jim Bowden of ESPN has reported, they appear to have some feelers out for Josh Johnson, someone who could definitely bolster a team's rotation.

Hunter Pence

Despite having a dismal season so far in 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies made a shrewd move this past week in signing Cole Hamels to a long-term contract extension, quelling any trade rumors that emerged.

Hunter Pence may not have the same fate in Philly, however, as Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported that the San Francisco Giants have their eye on Pence as an additional option in the outfield.

Jason Vargas

As mentioned earlier, the Boston Red Sox may indeed be buying at the deadline this year, despite sitting more than 10 games out in the division and a handful out in the wild-card race.

They may look to add Josh Johnson to help out the team's rotation, but as Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe points out, Jason Vargas may be looked upon to help out on the back end.

Kelly Shoppach

The Texas Rangers are still looking like the team to beat in the AL West this season, but with the Los Angeles Angels making moves, they may feel compelled to improve in any way they can as the trade deadline approaches.

Having additional help behind the plate is never a bad thing, and it looks like the Rangers are taking a hard look at Boston's Kelly Shoppach at this point, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

James Shields

As mentioned, the Los Angeles Angels took care of one of this year's hottest targets last week when they acquired Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for some hot prospects.

The Texas Rangers now may be looking to match that deal, and as Scott Miller of CBSSports.com has reported, James Shields of the Tampa Bay Rays is drawing plenty of interest from the team.

It may take an even bigger return than the Brewers got for Greinke to get the deal done, but the extra help in the rotation would only solidify their role as contenders once again.

Shane Victorino

As mentioned, the Philadelphia Phillies may be looking to sell a number of pieces this summer as they look to retool for a 2013 run.

They've already locked in Cole Hamels for the foreseeable future, but the same may not be the case for longtime Phillie Shane Victorino, who could be a casualty of a down season, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

Rafael Betancourt

With a disappointing 2012 season on their hands, the Colorado Rockies have already started to clean house, sending Marco Scutaro to NL West rival San Francisco over the weekend.

That may not be the end for the Rockies, as Troy Renck of The Denver Post has indicated that reliever Rafael Betancourt has drawn plenty of interest from teams including the Yankees, Orioles, White Sox, Athletics and Red Sox.

Chase Headley

The New York Yankees appear to be in complete control of the proceedings in the AL East as it is, though they may continue to improve their roster leading up to this year's trade deadline.

As Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com has reported, the team may look to the West Coast for help, with Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres in the picture as a temporary replacement for A-Rod and additional help moving forward.