MLB Trade Rumors: Ranking the Best Hitters on the Waiver Market

As teams continue their push towards the postseason they will try to identify if there are any available players on the wavier wire that they can add to improve their lineup.

Often times, teams are looking for a big bench bat that can make a big impact in high-pressure situations. Sometimes an injury to a starter necessitates a move.

Regardless of the reason, there will be a number of teams that are looking to bring in solid offensive players. There are a number of bats that will be available and each one of them has the ability to help a team fill one of its needs.

10. Placido Polanco

While Placido Polanco is not a huge threat when he steps to the plate, he certainly can still provide a lot of value to a contender. Polanco is known for having outstanding defensive abilities and he was a Gold Glover at third base last season.

With the Philadelphia Phillies out of contention this season, they could look to trade the aging veteran. Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) believes that this makes Polanco a possible August trade target.

9. Jeff Francoeur

Just a year ago it appeared as if Jeff Francoeur had a resurgence and was able to replicate the impressive numbers that he had earlier in his career. It has been a different story so far this season.

Francoeur has struggled at the plate, and it is looking less and less likely that he will be part of the Kansas City Royals' future plans. It should then come as no surprise that he is considered to be a waiver trade candidate by Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required).

8. Juan Pierre

A large part of Juan Pierre's value is derived from his abilities on the basepaths. While Pierre has slowed a bit with age, he is still in the top five of the National League in stolen bases.

Additionally, Pierre is hitting over .300 for the first time since 2009. Given all of the other trades that the Philadelphia Phillies have made this season, it would not be surprising to see them make one more. Pierre is one of the players that could potentially be moved in August according to Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required). 

7. Stephen Drew

Stephen Drew missed a significant amount of time this season because he was on the disabled list and he has not really been able to get things going since he has returned. He has struggled at the plate, but he has a pretty good track record.

A healthy Drew is an intriguing trade candidate, but the Arizona Diamondbacks might not be that inclined to deal him since they are still in playoff contention. Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) believes that they could change their minds and make him available.

6. Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee has not displayed the power numbers that he has in the past, but he has still shown that he can be a run producer with both the Houston Astros and the Miami Marlins. He has also hit close to .300 this season.

The Miami Marlins took a sharp change of direction after they traded for Lee and decided that they would not be contenders this year. This means that Lee could be traded for the second time this season (h/t Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports).

5. Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie's hot start certainly was a surprise for the Houston Astros, but he eventually began to cool off. Lowrie has been on the shelf since mid-July with an ankle and leg injury and there is no telling how he will preform when he gets back (h/t Brian McTaggert and Clark Goble of MLB.com).

Lowrie is signed through the 2014 season so there is a chance that he could be a part of the Astros' future. However, Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) believes that the Astros could make him available if he will bring back a valuable piece or two.

4. Scott Hairston

The New York Mets outfield has had a lot of struggles this season, but Scott Hairston has been a consistent producer for them this year. He has taken advantage of his starting role this season and has shown off some good power.

Hairston is set to become a free agent after the season, and if the Mets fall any further out of contention in August, then they could consider dealing him. Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated believes that the Mets could move Hairston at some point in August.

3. Carl Crawford

Carl Crawford's tenure in Boston has not been memorable so far, but he is starting to turn things around. The Red Sox left fielder has put up some pretty good numbers since he was activated from the disabled list in July (h/t Adam Berry of MLB.com).

It might not be easy for the Red Sox to trade Crawford this August because of the fact that he has $102.5 million owed to him over the next five years. Nonetheless, Crawford has been placed on waivers and the Red Sox will likely listen to any offers for him (h/t Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports).

2. Alfonso Soriano

For all of the talk of Alfonso Soriano's decline, he has put up some fairly solid numbers this season. He could put up 30 home runs this season and he is on pace for over 100 RBI.

The Chicago Cubs almost dealt Soriano to the Los Angeles Dodgers this summer, but the two sides could not come to an agreement (h/t Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago). Chicago may continue to look for a potential taker for Soriano and the remaining two years and $36 million left on his contract (h/t Buster Olney of ESPN).

1. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau has battled through injuries during the past two seasons and his resurgence this season is a testament to his work ethic and athletic ability. While Morneau is no longer an MVP candidate, he is still a very good hitter.

John Bonnes of the Minnesota Star-Tribune thinks Morneau is the best first baseman available this August and there are certainly a number of contenders that would be a good fit for Morneau. One of them may jump at the chance to acquire him this August.