MLB Trade Rumors: Updating the No. 1 Suitor for Every Top Waiver-Trade Target

There are a limited number of ways that a team can improve its roster in August, but one thing that they can do is go after players on the wavier wire. A number of solid players are available.

Teams have already expressed interest in a number of soon-to-be free agents and players that other teams are looking to get rid of.

Waiver deals could help teams that are dealing with injuries or suspensions. They could help bring in the piece that a team is missing for its playoff push.

David DeJesus

Things certainly changed quickly for the San Francisco Giants when they found out that Melky Cabrera's MVP-caliber season was fueled by PEDs (h/t ESPN). The Giants need to find a way to replace him for the postseason run.

It is possible that the Giants could try to go outside of their organization to fill the hole that Cabrera's absence has caused. Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago speculates that the Giants could have an interested in David DeJesus.

Alfonso Soriano

The Chicago Cubs would love to trade Alfonso Soriano and his remaining salary, but they have yet to be able to work out a deal that the outfielder likes. Soriano has a no-trade clause and can reject deals.

He has already done so when he turned down a deal to the San Francisco Giants because he was not a fan of the weather there (h/t Meghan Montemurro of the Northwest Herald). Even though he has turned down a deal to the Giants, they may choose to try to convince him to play there now that Melky Cabrera has been suspended.

Aaron Cook

Aaron Cook's tenure with the Boston Red Sox has been a rough one. He has a below-average 96 ERA+ on the year and he has not been able to find consistency. The Red Sox have already placed Cook on waivers (h/t Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe).

The Baltimore Orioles might be willing to take a risk on a veteran like Cook to see if he can turn things around for a few weeks. It would be interesting to see if the Red Sox would deal Cook within the division.

Brandon McCarthy

With Stephen Strasburg's innings limit getting closer and closer, the Washington Nationals are going to need to find someone that can replace some of his production in their starting rotation (h/t ESPN).

Brandon McCarthy could be the best starter on the wavier wire this summer (h/t Jack Moore of FanGraphs). While McCarthy would not be able to completely replace Strasburg, he would be a good postseason option for the Nationals.

Scott Hairston

Scott Hairston has put up some impressive numbers this year, and he could be a player that interests a playoff contender during the month of August. He could serve as either a third outfielder or a power bat off the bench.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports sees Hairston as a possible waiver trade option. The Chicago White Sox have a lot of power in their lineup, but little on their bench. With the news that the White Sox will actively be monitoring the waiver wire, they could see Hairston as a good fit (h/t Scott Merkin of MLB.com).

Joe Saunders

Starting pitching will be at a premium in the postseason, so teams will try to make any last minute acquisitions that can help improve their starting rotation. Joe Saunders could be that piece for some team.

Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe has identified Saunders as a possible trade target if the Arizona Diamondbacks struggle down the stretch. The New York Yankees could pursue Saunders for their playoff run.

Justin Morneau

John Bonnes of the Minnesota Star-Tribune has identified Justin Morneau as one of the Minnesota Twins that may eventually be available on the waiver wire. He would be one of the best players available.

A number of teams may have an interest in Morneau if he were to be made available. The Tampa Bay Rays would be a great fit for him.

Josh Beckett

Josh Beckett has been a 20-game winner in the past, but he has certainly not looked like one this season. Based on his performance and remaining salary, the Boston Red Sox may look to trade him.

Beckett has been mentioned as a possible waiver trade target by Jack Moore of FanGraphs. Jeff Passan of Yahoo has previously mentioned the Atlanta Braves as a possible landing spot for Beckett, and they still may be one.

Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer would be one of the more interesting players available on the wavier wire if the Colorado Rockies do decide to place him on waivers. He is signed for a few years, and he has produced well.

Jack Moore of FanGraphs thinks that he may be available. Based on his performance and contract, both contenders and non-contenders would have an interested in Cuddyer. The Toronto Blue Jays could consider Cuddyer.

Jeff Francouer

Jeff Francouer has had an up-and-down career in the big leagues. He has struggled a bit this season after putting up good numbers in 2011. Francoeur is still just 28 years old, so he could get a bit better.

With $7.5 million left on his contract for 2013, the Kansas City Royals likely will not want much in return for him if they do trade him (h/t Jack Moore of FanGraphs). The Miami Marlins could take a risk on a player like Francouer.