MLB Trade Deadline 2012: Teams That Must Make Moves Before Tuesday

With the 2012 MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching (Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. ET), teams across the league are scrambling to make some last-minute moves.

Whether they are looking to shed salary, build their farm system or gear up for a playoff push, there are several teams that are more desperate than others heading into the deadline. Look for the following organizations to make a move or two in the coming hours.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are just two games back in the wild-card race, but if they want to sneak into the playoffs, they must trade for a new catcher.

Jose Molina is batting just .186 this season, and Jose Lobaton (.234) hasn't been much better. If the Rays are going to catch and surpass the Oakland A's or Los Angeles Angels, they must upgrade the position.

One option is A's catcher Kurt Suzuki. Oakland recently acquired George Kottaras, prompting Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle to tweet out this reaction:

"

This could be prelude to Suzuki going in another #Athletics deal. Among those believed to have had interest: #Rays, #Dodgers, #Angels.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 28, 2012"

If the Rays decide not to deal for Suzuki, other options could be Seattle's Miguel Olivo or San Diego's Nick Hundley. Either way, they must do something.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates would be a wild-card team if the postseason started today, but they could use another bat to strengthen their playoff chances.

Although they currently boast a 58-43 record, the Pirates are in the bottom of the National League in runs (409) and batting average (.244), and only the Miami Marlins have fewer hits.

One option for the Pirates is Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence. The 29-year-old is a career .289 hitter, and with his game-changing power, he'd be an excellent addition to Pittsburgh's lineup.

He will likely come with a hefty price tag, but if the Pirates are serious about adding another bat, Pence is the best option available.

Philadelphia Phillies

After getting swept by the Braves, the Phillies now sit at a borderline-pathetic 45-57. For a team with the second highest payroll in the MLB, that is simply unacceptable.

With no hope for a playoff push, the Phillies need to dump some salary. That's exactly what they plan to do, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.

Salisbury called Shane Victorino the "most likely" player to be dealt, but he also listed Pence, Joe Blanton, Juan Pierre, Ty Wiggington and even Cliff Lee as guys who could be on their way out.

It's been a disappointing year in Philadelphia, but if they can dump some of their dead weight, they can clear some salary and set their sights on next season.