Under-the-Radar Trades That Could Help Lead an MLB Franchise to Promised Land

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline saw the likes of Ryan Dempster, Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino change uniforms. The deadline also saw players such as Alfonso Soriano and Cliff Lee remain with their current clubs, despite widespread trade speculation throughout the baseball universe. 

Trades are still possible, though the process is a bit more complicated, as all potential players must clear waivers.

Here are five potential trades that could lead your team to the promised land.   

Aaron Cook

It was reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe on Thursday that Aaron Cook was placed on waivers by the Boston Red Sox.

Cook could prove to be a valuable commodity down the stretch for a team in contention. He has put up decent numbers so far this season. He is 3-6 with a 4.58 ERA in 10 starts with Boston.

Where would he be a good fit?

Well, the New York Yankees have had all sorts of injuries so far this season. It is, however, extremely unlikely that the Red Sox will trade Cook to an AL East rival, especially the Yankees.

One potential landing spot could be the St. Louis Cardinals.

Bleacher Report featured columnist Zak Schmoll believes the Cardinals could use some depth in the back end of their rotation. I agree with Schmoll that an additional arm would benefit St. Louis as it tries to get into the late-season playoff mix.

Jeff Francoeur

The Kansas City Royals have already gained some veteran value by trading away reliever Jonathan Broxton at the trade deadline to the Cincinnati Reds.

Could Jeff Francoeur be heading on his way out of K.C. as well?

If the Royals are willing to put the 28-year-old outfielder on waivers, there could be a couple of teams interested in striking a deal.

One team in particular could be the San Francisco Giants—who lost Melky Cabrera earlier this week when he tested positive for testosterone—according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Francoeur is batting .242 will 11 HR, and 33 RBI this season.  

Alfonso Soriano

The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a rebuilding process and are looking towards 2013 and beyond. One player who doesn’t seem to be a part of the future rebuilding plans is Alfonso Soriano.

Soriano cleared waivers earlier this week and is now available for trade. There have been several media outlets, including CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, who have hinted that he may be a good fit for the San Francisco Giants. However, it has also been reported by the Chicago Tribune that he would rather play in a warm-weather environment, and the Giants don’t fit that prerequisite.

Two teams that could be interested in swinging a trade for Soriano could be the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves. Both teams are in need of outfield help and are in the midst of the playoff hunt. It will be interesting to see whether or not Theo Epstein and company pull the trigger on a deal.

Soriano is batting .263 with 21 home runs and 71 RBI in 108 games with the Cubs this season.

Carlos Marmol

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol could be finding himself in a cab on the way to Midway Airport sometime in the not-so-distant future.

The longtime Cubs closer cleared waivers earlier this week and could be moved if a trade can be worked out between Theo Epstein and company. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times also believes Marmol could be one of the players moved this month.

Where could Marmol end up?

There are a lot of teams that could be interested in his services—albeit not as a closer. A handful of playoff contenders could use another arm in the bullpen, especially if the Cubs are willing to eat some or all of the $12.4 million left on his contract.

Some teams that could be in the market for Marmol include the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and the Atlanta Braves, who are all in the thick of the playoff conversation

Marmol is 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA this season.

David DeJesus

The Chicago Cubs have several veterans on their roster who have cleared waivers. Both Carlos Marmol and Alfonso Soriano could be potentially dealt this month if suitable deals could be had. Another Cub who may find himself on the trading block is outfielder David DeJesus.

Dejesus has not cleared waivers as of yet but could be a fit for a team such as the San Francisco Giants, who are in need of a bat.

However, DeJesus told Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago that he would like to stay with the Cubs. He is signed through 2014 and is due $4.25 million next season. He has put up good numbers with the Cubs and is batting .270 with 4 HR, and 33 RBIs this season.