MLB Trade Rumor Round-Up: 10 Deadline Day Whispers You Have to Hear
The MLB rumor mill is running on all cylinders as contending teams are feverishly working to acquire 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 final hours leading up to the deadline.
Here are some of the latest rumors on some big names that could be dealt at any moment.
Matt Garza
1 of 10Despite currently being on the shelf, Cubs pitcher Matt Garza is garnering plenty of interest from suitors leading up to the deadline, not the least of which is Cincinnati, whom Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says may be interested if they deem his injury to be minor enough.
The Reds aren't the only team showing some interest, however, as Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star is reporting that the Blue Jays would love to add Garza for a second half run.
Josh Beckett
2 of 10Pitching has been the main theme of this year's trade deadline, and while Cole Hamels was taken off the market by his Phillies and Zack Greinke was snagged by Los Angeles, there are still plenty of quality arms out there.
One that had been rumored to be available was Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. Though, it now appears that a deal is becoming less likely, as tweeted by Buster Olney of ESPN.
Hunter Pence
3 of 10Despite 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 CBS Sports has reported that the San Francisco Giants have their eye on Pence as an additional option in the outfield, though Jayson Stark of ESPN points out that the team may have too many payroll issues to make that deal feasible.
Juan Pierre
4 of 10Though Hunter Pence may be one of the most attractive options available from Philadelphia, his upside definitely makes any deal involving him a lot more difficult to complete.
The Baltimore Orioles have shown some interest in adding an outfielder for their second half, and as Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun points out, Juan Pierre is probably a more likely option.
Justin Masterson
5 of 10With big-name pitchers like Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke garnering much of the attention this summer, plenty of solid arms are also available but not getting nearly the same amount of attention.
One of those arms is Justin Masterson of the Cleveland Indians, who Danny Knobler of CBS Sports has noted is available at the right price.
The Boston Red Sox may not be in the heat of a postseason race at this point, but they appear to be interested in Masterson's services nonetheless.
James Shields
6 of 10As 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 may now be looking to match that deal, and as Scott Miller of CBS Sports 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.
Josh Johnson
7 of 10The 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.
While he's certainly someone who could definitely bolster a team's rotation, Jayson Stark of ESPN is now reporting that the Marlins appear far more likely to keep Johnson around.
Shane Victorino
8 of 10As 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 CBS Sports.
Alfonso Soriano
9 of 10The Los Angeles Dodgers made big waves last week when they pulled Hanley Ramirez away from the Miami Marlins in an effort to bolster their offense even further.
It now appears they may not be done yet, as Jon Morosi of FOX Sports is reporting the team is trying their best to work out a deal to bring Alfonso Soriano over from Chicago.
Ryan Dempster
10 of 10Alfonso Soriano may not be the only Cub on his way out of Wrigley, as it should come as no surprise to hear that the team continues to engage in discussions regarding the possibility of shipping Ryan Dempster out of town.
The Dodgers were mentioned as an option for Dempster to land, but Jayson Stark of ESPN has noted that the upstart Washington Nationals may be a viable destination for Dempster as well, if he approves a trade to the nation's capital.

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