Best- and Worst-Case MLB Trade Deadline Scenarios for Every Team

The MLB trade deadline is now just a week away, and while there have been some notable moves made, for the most part, it has been a quiet July around Major League Baseball to this point.

Much of that has to do with the addition of a second wild-card spot last year, as that has put more teams in the role of buyer at the deadline and made for fewer players being available on the trade market.

Still, things will likely heat up here in the days ahead, and every team has something to accomplish at the deadline whether they're buyers or sellers. So here is a look at the best- and worst-case MLB trade deadline scenarios for all 30 teams.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Best-Case Scenario: Kevin Gregg is acquired from Cubs, locks down the ninth-inning role.

With J.J. Putz still working his way back to 100 percent and Heath Bell far from the pitcher he once was, the ninth-inning role has been a big issue in Arizona this season, and the team is just 28-of-47 on save chances.

Kevin Gregg was plucked from the scrap heap by the Cubs in April after he was released by the Dodgers, and he has been lights out in the closer role in Chicago. The Cubs will likely move Gregg one way or another before the deadline, so he could end up coming fairly cheap.

Worst-Case Scenario: Team overspends to acquire Yovani Gallardo from Milwaukee, he fails to turn things around.

Late last month, it was reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that the Diamondbacks were showing interest in Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo.

The ace of the staff entering the season, he had gone 60-38 with a 3.68 ERA over the past four seasons, but he has struggled to an 8-8 record and 4.58 ERA so far this year. Controllable through 2015, he won't come cheap, and if the Diamondbacks were to give up a couple of top prospects for him and he didn't turn things around, it would be a blow to the team's future.

Atlanta Braves

Best-Case Scenario: James Russell is acquired from Cubs to shore up the bullpen.

As good as Luis Avilan (45 G, 1.35 ERA) has been this season, the Braves bullpen could use another left-hander, nonetheless, with Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty both shelved for the season.

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, James Russell (Cubs), Mike Gonzalez (Brewers) and Wesley Wright (Astros) are all on their radar, but Russell is the best of the bunch and would be under team control through 2015.

Worst-Case Scenario: The starting rotation is not bolstered and injury strikes.

With Brandon Beachy and Paul Maholm on their way back from injury, and Alex Wood looking like a starting candidate as well, the Braves have some pitching depth right now.

However, relying on Beachy to come back to the level he was at or the 22-year-old Wood to lock down a rotation spot is a risky proposition, and if injury strikes again it could be trouble for a team looking to win a division title.

Baltimore Orioles

Best-Case Scenario: Joe Saunders is acquired from Mariners to add rotational depth.

The Orioles are once again unwilling to move any of their top prospects, and wisely so, as they look to have a bright future with the duo of Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman fronting their staff in a few years.

However, even after picking up Scott Feldman in a deal with the Cubs, they could still use another proven veteran starter. Joe Saunders was acquired at the deadline last year and pitched very well down the stretch, even winning the team's Wild Card Round playoff game. He could be a nice low-cost rental once again this year.

Worst-Case Scenario: No more pitching is added, and the lineup is unable to offset the rotation.

There is little question that the Orioles have one of the best offenses in the league, but their starting rotation has been a question mark all season.

Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen and Miguel Gonzalez look to be reliable arms for the stretch run, but the rest of the staff is a question mark. In a ultra-competitive AL East and with a talented crop of teams vying for five postseason spots in the AL, their offense may not be enough to carry them if the pitching falters.

Boston Red Sox

Best-Case Scenario: Jake Peavy is acquired from the White Sox, pitches like an ace.

The bullpen seems like a clear area for the Red Sox to address, but the starting rotation could use another front-line arm as well, especially with Clay Buchholz currently on the DL.

John Lackey has been terrific, and Felix Doubront has pitched well of late, but Jon Lester and Ryan Dempster have both been inconsistent this season and the fifth spot has been an issue with Buchholz sidelined. Peavy looks like the best arm on the market now that Matt Garza has been traded and could emerge as a front-line arm.

Worst-Case Scenario: Clay Buchholz injury problems persist, and he winds up unavailable for the stretch run.

After opening the season 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 12 starts, Clay Buchholz landed on the DL with neck and shoulder issues back on June 9.

A recent trip to Dr. James Andrews ended in the right-hander being cleared to pitch, but he's likely still a ways off from the Boston rotation. Should he suffer a setback and remain shelved moving forward, it would be a major blow to Boston, as he was the clear ace of the staff in the early going.

Chicago Cubs

Best-Case Scenario: Alfonso Soriano and Kevin Gregg are both moved, net a solid prospect return.

It's already been a busy trade deadline for the Cubs, with Carlos Marmol, Scott Feldman, Scott Hairston and Matt Garza all being moved so far.

As the rebuild continues in Chicago, more players will be shopped leading up to July 31, and left fielder Alfonso Soriano and closer Kevin Gregg look to be the two most valuable remaining chips. If they can move both of them and net a solid return in the process, an already successful July would get even better.

Worst-Case Scenario: No more trades are made before the deadline passes.

Not only would the Cubs like to move the aforementioned duo of Alfonso Soriano and Kevin Gregg, but they should be able to find a taker and net a solid return given what they bring to the table for a contender. Therefore, if no more moves are made, it would be the worst-case scenario.

Soriano has been hot at the plate of late, and in a market thin on impact bats, he's one of the few legitimate power hitters on the market. Meanwhile, reliable veteran relievers are always in demand at the deadline, and Gregg has been fantastic in converting 19 of 21 save chances for the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox

Best-Case Scenario: Jake Peavy and Alex Rios are both moved, with the team unloading some salary and netting a pair of high-end prospects in the process.

With Matt Garza traded, the White Sox now have what may be the top pitcher and top hitter still on the market in Jake Peavy and Alex Rios, respectively.

Both players are signed through next season, so the asking price on both is understandably high. However, they are making a combined $27.5 million, and if they can net a solid prospect return and unload some of that salary in the process, it would be a step in the right direction toward rebuilding.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team stands pat, and the rebuilding process is pushed back as a result.

After making a surprise run at the AL Central title last season, the White Sox have not enjoyed the same level of success this season, and it is clear that the time has come to start rebuilding.

They have a handful of valuable pieces to move in the aforementioned Rios and Peavy, as well as reliever Jesse Crain and infielders Gordon Beckham and Alexi Ramirez. One way or another, the team needs to take a step or two in the right direction as far as starting to rebuild, and if they walk away from the deadline without making a significant move, it would be a failure.

Cincinnati Reds

Best-Case Scenario: A healthy Jesse Crain is acquired from the White Sox.

Currently sidelined with a strained shoulder, Jesse Crain (38 G, 0.74 ERA) was having a brilliant season before hitting the disabled list.

It's unclear as of now when exactly he'll return, but if he can come back before the deadline and prove to be healthy, he'd be a welcomed addition to a Reds bullpen that has been thin all season due to injury.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team opts to wait for the returns of Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton, and the bullpen falters down the stretch. 

With a thin farm system, the Reds may instead opt to stand pat at the deadline, in hopes that their current crop of relievers can hold down the fort until Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton return from injury. A healthy Johnny Cueto would also push a current starter, likely Tony Cingrani, to the 'pen.

However, Marshall has been sidelined since May 21 and Broxton since June 14, so counting on them to carry the load in the setup role down the stretch may be a risky proposition.

Cleveland Indians

Best-Case Scenario: Yovani Gallardo is acquired from Brewers, gives team the controllable ace it needs.

The Indians starting rotation has performed better than expected this season, with Justin Masterson pitching like an ace and both Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister emerging as viable starters.

That said, there is no question there is a huge talent gap between the Cleveland rotation and the rotation of the team they're chasing in the Tigers. Yovani Gallardo (8-8, 4.58 ERA) hasn't had the best season so far this year, but the 27-year-old is signed through 2015 and has a good chance of returning to ace form at some point.

Worst-Case Scenario: Yovani Gallardo is acquired from Brewers, winds up being Ubaldo Jimenez 2.0.

Indians fans will remember all too well when the team took a chance on Ubaldo Jimenez at the deadline in 2011 only to watch him struggle.

It will likely take a good deal to land Gallardo, and the Indians farm system is thin as it is, so if they were to pull the trigger on a deal for him and he wound up being a flop, it would be a big blow to the franchise.

Colorado Rockies

Best-Case Scenario: Bud Norris is acquired from Astros for a package built around Tyler Colvin.

The Rockies could certainly use another veteran starter to join the trio of Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa and Tyler Chatwood.

However, they'll no doubt balk at the idea of dealing any of their top young talent in any trade. However, if they can build a package around 27-year-old Tyler Colvin, who has struggled to find at-bats in Colorado despite tallying 18 home runs and 72 RBI in 2012 and posting a .906 OPS in Triple-A this year, that could be of interest.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team doesn't add a starter at the deadline and falls just short in a wide open NL West as a result.

The Rockies have historically avoided the blockbuster deal at the deadline, at least from a buyer's perspective, so it wouldn't be surprising at all to see them stay put for the most part despite the fact they're in the thick of things in the NL West.

With a stacked offense and an improved bullpen, the starting rotation has undoubtedly been their weak spot. If they decide against dealing for a starter, and come up just short of a division title as a result, they'll no doubt regret not pulling the trigger on a deal.

Detroit Tigers

Best-Case Scenario: Oliver Perez is acquired from Mariners to bolster bullpen, Joaquin Benoit stays in closer role and continues to dominate.

For all that's been made about the Tigers' need for a closer, Joaquin Benoit has been lights out since moving to the closer's role on June 9, converting all seven of his save chances and posting a 0.68 ERA.

That said, the team could still use another veteran reliever to fill out the 'pen, with Benoit removed from his role of ace setup man. They already have a pair of solid left-handers in Phil Coke and Drew Smyly, but Oliver Perez has actually been better against right-handers (.181 BA) than left-handers (.262 BA) and all told has a 1.98 ERA and 12.4 K/9 in 39 appearances.

Worst-Case Scenario: No closer-caliber reliever is acquired and Benoit falters.

Even if the team picks up Perez, or some other veteran reliever to help the bullpen, the Tigers could still find themselves in a pickle if Benoit runs into a rough patch.

So far he's shown no indication that he'll be anything but solid, but his emergence likely means the team won't look to add a closer, and any struggles by him would certainly qualify as a worst-case scenario as a result.

Houston Astros

Best-Case Scenario: Someone meets the team's high asking price for Bud Norris.

Most view Jake Peavy as the top arm on the market now that Matt Garza has been moved, but Bud Norris is also an attractive trade chip, and the Astros are reportedly looking for two top prospects in return for him, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.

That's steep but not completely unreasonable given the way the 28-year-old has pitched this season, and based on the fact that he's controllable through 2015. In 20 starts this season, he's 6-9 with a 3.91 ERA and profiles as a solid No. 3 starter type on a contender.

Worst-Case Scenario: No one is dealt at the deadline.

The Astros have sold aggressively over the past two years, so they don't have much left to trade, especially if they opt to hold onto Norris.

However, they are still in the early stages of their rebuild, so they should continue to be aggressively shopping. Relievers Jose Veras and Wesley Wright as well as starter Erik Bedard all have some value, and the team should continue to move who they can in an attempt to add young talent.

Kansas City Royals

Best-Case Scenario: Royals accept their position as sellers, move Ervin Santana.

As it stands right now, the Royals are still in contention at 46-51 on the season, sitting eight games out in the AL Central and nine back in the AL Wild Card race. However, the chances appear slim that they pass the Indians and Tigers in the division or some combination of the Red Sox, Rays, A's and Rangers for the Wild Card.

They remain a team on the rise and don't need to aggressively sell, but free agent-to-be Ervin Santana is one trade chip they should deal. The 30-year-old is 6-6 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts this season and would no doubt bring a solid return.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team opts to buy and trades for a bat, misses the postseason.

The Royals set out to improve their pitching staff this past offseason, and with a 3.81 team ERA, they currently rank a respectable sixth in the American League. However, they've scored just 378 runs on the season, which ranks 13th in the AL.

With their current status as fringe contenders in a weak division, they could actually justify buying at the deadline and adding a bat. That would not only be a missed opportunity to flip Santana for a solid return, but it likely wouldn't be enough to land them a postseason spot anyway.

Los Angeles Angels

Best-Case Scenario: The team decides to sell, moves Erick Aybar and Scott Downs to help restock one of the worst farm systems in baseball.

With all of the money the Angels have invested in their star players long term, aggressively selling is not an option. However, at 11 games back in the AL West, they'd be wise to cut their losses and look to move what they can.

Their farm system is arguably the worst in baseball right now, and Jon Morosi of Fox Sports points to reliever Scott Downs and shortstop Erick Aybar as two pieces the team could look to move in a recent tweet. Left-hander Jason Vargas would be a nice trade chip as well if he wasn't injured.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team decides to buy, hoping to catch fire in the second half, further weakening the farm system in the process, only to come up short of October.

After a disappointing start last season, the Angels came on strong down the stretch, though they inevitably fell short of the Rangers and A's and missed the postseason.

Any plans to buy in hopes that will happen again will only end poorly, as they simply need too much on the pitching side of things and are locked into too many high-priced pieces on the offensive side of things for one or two additions to make a significant difference.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Best-Case Scenario: Michael Young is acquired from Phillies to add some punch at third base.

After a rocky start to the season, the Dodgers have been among the hottest teams in baseball of late, and they've stormed into the NL West lead as a result.

They don't have many holes, but they could stand to upgrade offensively at third base where Juan Uribe (.734 OPS, 5 HR, 29 RBI) and Jerry Hairston (.666 OPS, 2 HR, 13 RBI) have platooned. The team was tied to Phillies second baseman Chase Utley at one point, but free agent-to-be Michael Young could make even more sense as a rental.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team is hit by injuries once again and doesn't have the depth to overcome them.

This is sort of a double-edged sword for the Dodgers right now. They're playing so well, you don't want to make any moves that throw off the chemistry of the team. At the same time, though, we all saw how thin they are at some positions when injuries struck early in the season.

Injuries are nearly impossible to predict, and the team seems best suited simply adding a few complementary pieces. However, if a starter goes down on August 1, they'll no doubt wish they traded for someone like Bud Norris.

Miami Marlins

Best-Case Scenario: A trade partner is found for Juan Pierre, Placido Polanco, Mike Dunn and Justin Ruggiano.

After selling big at the deadline last year and in the offseason, the lowly Marlins don't have much in the way of high-end talent to move right now. They do have a number of veteran pieces that could help fill out the back end of a contender's roster, though.

Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco were both signed to cheap one-year deals in the offseason, and if the team can get anything for them, they'd be wise to pull the trigger. Mike Dunn (49 G, 2.64 ERA) is a solid left-handed reliever who is controllable through 2016, while Justin Ruggiano (12 HR, 12 SB) may be their most attractive trade chip despite hitting just .202.

Worst-Case Scenario: Giancarlo Stanton is Traded.

It looks unlikely that the Marlins will find anyone willing to meet their asking price for slugger Giancarlo Stanton, and if he is inevitably dealt, the offseason seems like a more likely time for that to happen.

However, the front office has not shied away from making the morale-crushing move in the past, and in a thin market on hitters, they could pull the trigger on an offer if overwhelmed. But with Stanton battling injuries this season, there is no way the team will be able to get max value for him, and any trade would be a poor decision by the franchise at this point.

Milwaukee Brewers

Best-Case Scenario: Kyle Lohse is traded for a top prospect.

It looked like a solid move at the time, but the three-year, $33 million contract the Brewers gave to Kyle Lohse in March now seems like a poor decision given the direction the franchise is headed.

A complete rebuild is in order, and while they don't need to move Lohse, if they could net a top prospect for the right-hander and unload his salary, it would be a cutting-your-losses move for the organization. The veteran is 6-7 with a 3.49 ERA in 20 starts and has postseason experience.

Worst-Case Scenario: Team sells low on Yovani Gallardo, he returns to ace form next season.

While the Brewers are no doubt in a position to sell, and were wise to shop ace Yovani Gallardo, they by no means have to deal the right-hander.

Signed for $11.25 million next season with a $13 million option for 2015, he remains a reasonably priced arm, especially if he can return to form. In the four seasons prior to 2013, he was 60-38 with a 3.68 ERA and 9.4 K/9. While those numbers have dipped to 8-8, 4.58 ERA, 7.2 K/9 this season, the team should take nothing less than top value for the 27-year-old in any deal.

Minnesota Twins

Best-Case Scenario: Someone offers up a pair of top prospects for closer Glen Perkins.

Through they are clearly sellers, and have a handful of pieces that could be moved, the Twins have been understandably hesitant to part with All-Star closer Glen Perkins.

The left-hander is 24-of-27 on saves with a 1.85 ERA and 11.8 K/9, and adding to his value is the fact that he'll make just $3.75 million each of the next two seasons with a $4.5 million option in 2016. The team should settle for nothing less than a pair of top prospects if they move him, but if someone offers that up, they should pull the trigger.

Worst-Case Scenario: Justin Morneau is not traded, then walks in free agency.

The Twins have a tough decision to make regarding first baseman Justin Morneau. He's a free agent-to-be and one of the better bats in the market, but he's also spent his entire career in Minnesota and remains a fan favorite.

Holding onto him and re-signing him to a substantially cheaper deal (makes $14 million this season) in the offseason so he can finish his career in Minnesota would be an understandable move. However, if they don't move him and then he walks in the offseason, it would be a missed opportunity.

New York Mets

Best-Case Scenario: The team flips Marlon Byrd for a top prospect.

Marlon Byrd has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, posting an .837 OPS with 17 home runs and 56 RBI just one year after finishing last season as a free agent.

With under $1 million left on his contract this season, he's the perfect rental player for a team looking to add some pop, and if the Mets can walk away with a high-level prospect, it would be a win for them.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team doesn't trade Marlon Byrd at all.

The Mets are understandably asking a lot for Byrd, given his cheap contract and the thin market for bats, but if the deadline comes and goes and he is still in a Mets uniform, the organization will have failed.

The team needs to realize that this is a guy who was signed to a minor league deal in camp and not even expected to make the team. It would be great to get a top prospect for him, but if they have to settle for a mid-level guy, there is absolutely no reason they should pass that up.

New York Yankees

Best-Case Scenario: Veterans Alfonso Soriano and Michael Young are acquired, provide an offensive boost.

The Yankees offense has been a mess of late, particularly in left field and at third base, and trading for Alfonso Soriano and Michael Young could go a long way in plugging those holes.

Both players likely won't cost more than a mid-level prospect, provided the Yankees are willing to take on at least some of the $18 million that Soriano is due next year. That would allow the team to keep from mortgaging the future but still give them a solid chance to turn things around.

Worst-Case Scenario: Any of the team's top prospects are moved in a trade and the team misses the playoffs.

It's never easy to accept a down season in the Bronx, given the team's hefty payroll and winning tradition. However, the Yankees have not looked like a team capable of contending for a title this season, even if they can sneak into the playoffs.

Trading for the above-mentioned low-cost veterans in an attempt to boost the offense is one thing, but if the team moves any of their top prospects in an effort to salvage this season, it would be a blow to the organization long term.

Oakland Athletics

Best-Case Scenario: Chase Utley is acquired from Phillies without giving up a top prospect.

Last season, the Athletics got virtually no production from the shortstop position and pulled the trigger on trading for rental Stephen Drew at the deadline.

A similar move to land Phillies veteran second baseman Chase Utley could give the offense a shot in the arm, as Eric Sogard has been decent but is slugging just .373 on the season. Utley has managed to stay relatively healthy this season, hitting .286/.344/.523 with 13 home runs and 36 RBI in the process.

Worst-Case Scenario: Sonny Gray is traded for a rental, or anything short of a star player.

One of the A's most attractive trade chips is right-hander Sonny Gray, but he is also one of the best young arms in the game and a potential front-line starter long term.

A first-round pick in 2011, the 23-year-old has gone 8-5 with a 2.81 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 102.1 innings of work in Triple-A this season. He's not untouchable, but moving him for anything short of a star player would be a poor move by the A's.

Philadelphia Phillies

Best-Case Scenario: Chase Utley and Michael Young both bring a solid return on the trade market.

The Phillies remain on the outskirts of the playoff hunt in the NL, but the team desperately needs to begin the rebuilding process, and moving free agent-to-be veterans Chase Utley and Michael Young would be a step in the right direction.

It remains to be seen just how much the team can get in return for those guys, but if they can net a top prospect for Utley and a couple mid-level guys for Young, it would be a successful deadline in Philadelphia.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team buys aggressively at the deadline.

At 49-51, the Phillies are still in the playoff picture, just seven games back in the NL East and 7.5 out of  the wild-card race.

With that, it would not be surprising to see the team hold onto their veteran pieces and look to add a player or two at the deadline. However, if the team trades any of their top prospects, it would be a big step backward, and for what? Sure, they have an outside shot of sneaking into the playoffs, but is this team really going to contend for a title?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Best-Case Scenario: Alex Rios is acquired from the White Sox to shore up right field.

The Pirates currently have the second-best record in the National League at 59-39 and look to be in a good position to finally break their playoff drought.

They did a nice job adding Wandy Rodriguez at the deadline last year without giving up too much, and if they can do that with Alex Rios this time around, he could be a huge addition to their lineup. Rios is signed through 2014 and has posted a .775 OPS this season with 12 home runs, 48 RBI and 21 steals.

Worst-Case Scenario: Jason Grilli is slow to return and the bullpen falters down the stretch.

The bullpen has been a major strength for the Pirates this season, but it was dealt a blow on Monday when All-Star closer Jason Grilli landed on the DL with a strained right forearm.

Setup man Mark Melancon (48 G, 0.95 ERA) was an All-Star as well and has closing experience, so he should be able to step into the ninth-inning role. However, if Grilli winds up missing significant time, and Melancon struggles, it could be a huge blow to the team's postseason hopes.

San Diego Padres

Best-Case Scenario: Luke Gregerson is traded in a package for a front-line starter prospect.

The Padres are a team on the rise, and although they have one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball, they lack a true ace-caliber pitcher, both at the big league level and looking ahead to the future.

They have some attractive bullpen arms in Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer, and if they can send a package of one of those guys and a couple of solid prospects to a contender for a front-line starter prospect, it could help the team immensely moving forward.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team sells low on Chase Headley.

There was no hotter player in baseball during the second half last season than Chase Headley, as he hit .308/.386/.592 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI after the All-Star break.

The Padres opted not to sell high on him last year but also didn't lock him up long term, as he's set to hit free agency at the end of the 2014 season. The latter was a smart move, as Headley has hit just .236/.336/.365 with seven home runs and 32 RBI this season. The star potential is still there, though, and the team would be better off holding onto him and hoping he returns to form than they would be selling low on him at this point.

San Francisco Giants

Best-Case Scenario: The team stands pat, sets sights on next season.

It's been a rough season for the reigning champions, as they currently sit in fourth place in the NL West at 46-54. That puts them 6.5 games out in the division and 10.5 games back for the second NL Wild Card spot.

They don't have the farm system to pull off a major trade, nor do they have the trade chips to be sellers, unless they opt to move Hunter Pence. At this point, their best bet looks to be simply standing pat at the deadline and looking to get back on track in 2014.

Worst-Case Scenario: Hunter Pence is traded for the sake of selling.

Shopping Hunter Pence may be a good idea for the Giants, but trading him simply for the sake of trading him would not be, even through he is a free agent at season's end.

The 30-year-old is hitting .268/.312/.451 with 14 home runs, 50 RBI and 14 steals as one of the team's top offensive weapons. He seems like a prime candidate to be re-signed in the offseason, and moving him now could hurt the team's chances of getting a deal done. At the very least, they'll be able to make him a qualifying offer and get a first-round pick out of the deal if they hold onto him.

Seattle Mariners

Best-Case Scenario: Team looks to keep winning games but still deals Joe Saunders and Oliver Perez.

The Mariners have a number of veterans with expiring contracts who could be of use to a contender, but given their recent string of success, they likely won't be as aggressive of a seller as they would have been.

Still, moving veteran starter Joe Saunders (9-8, 4.28 ERA) and reliever Oliver Perez (39 G, 1.98 ERA) should bring a good return. The bullpen has a number of young pieces that could step in for Perez, and top prospect Taijuan Walker could take over for Saunders in the rotation.

Worst-Case Scenario: Recent hot streak keeps the team from selling altogether, they fall short of a winning season anyway.

Winners of eight straight, the Mariners have pulled to a respectable 48-52 on the season, through that still leaves them 10 games back in the division and 8.5 games back for the second AL Wild Card spot.

They'll no doubt hold onto a lot of their tradeable pieces for a shot at a winning season, but if they go without moving anyone at the deadline, it will be a missed opportunity. Holding onto guys like Raul Ibanez and Kendrys Morales make sense, but they have too many attractive trade chips to not make at least a couple moves.

St. Louis Cardinals

Best-Case Scenario: Jake Peavy is acquired from White Sox to solidify starting rotation.

The Cardinals have managed to overcome injuries to Jaime Garcia and Chris Carpenter, as well as the departure of Kyle Lohse, but their starting rotation is at least something of a question mark for the stretch run.

They have recently been linked to White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy, according to CBSSports, as they look to add another veteran starter. With Jake Westbrook set to hit free agency at the end of the season, and the long-term health of Carpenter in question, picking up a starter like Peavy, who is signed through 2015, would make sense in more ways than one.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Carlos Martinez-for-Alexi Ramirez trade happens.

According to a report from Marc Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox recently turned down a trade offer that would have sent 21-year-old Carlos Martinez to the White Sox for shortstop Alexi Ramirez.

Shortstop has no doubt been a hole for the Cardinals offensively, but Pete Kozma (.241/.283/.298) has been adequate and the team has enough other offensive firepower that it's not a big deal. Trading the flame-throwing Martinez for the 31-year-old Ramirez (.281/.307/.353) seems like a poor decision, and I find it hard to believe the White Sox actually turned that deal down.

Tampa Bay Rays

Best-Case Scenario: The team stands pat and avoids significant injury the rest of the way.

The Rays aren't generally the type of team to make a splash at the deadline, and according to a report from the Tampa Bay Times, that trend will likely continue this season.

With the emergence of Chris Archer and impending return of Alex Cobb, they have an abundance of starting pitching once again. The offense continues to be improved over last season, and the team is playing great right now, so as long as they avoid injures, they look to be in good shape for a postseason push.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team stands pat and injury strikes.

Again, the Rays aren't likely to make any significant moves at the deadline, so there is not any potentially poor trade scenarios for them as a result.

However, they don't have a ton of depth offensively and we have already seen what happens when a couple of starters get hurt, so if injury strikes, they could be in trouble.

Texas Rangers

Best-Case Scenario: Justin Ruggiano is acquired from the Marlins to bolster outfield depth and bench.

With the acquisition of Matt Garza, the Rangers have likely taken themselves out of the hunt for a top outfield bat like Alex Rios. However, they could still use another outfielder with David Murphy and Craig Gentry both struggling.

A right-handed hitter with some pop would be ideal, and though he has hit just .202 on the season, Justin Ruggiano has managed 12 home runs and 12 steals. The 31-year-old hit .313/.374/.535 last season, so there's potential for more and he should come relatively cheap.

Worst-Case Scenario: Matt Garza re-injures shoulder, team is right back where it started.

The Rangers paid a steep price to acquire Matt Garza from the Cubs, with the hope being that he can keep pitching like he has of late and serve as a front-line arm down the stretch.

After missing the end of last season and beginning of this year with arm problems, there were at least some remaining concerns about Garza's health leading up to the trade. According to a tweet from Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Cubs had to accept Justin Grimm rather than prospect Rougned Odor in the deal when injury questions were raised. It goes without saying that a Garza injury would be a dagger for the Rangers.

Toronto Blue Jays

Best-Case Scenario: Bud Norris is acquired from Astros without giving up Aaron Sanchez.

With the Blue Jays on the fringe of contention, they are not likely to be aggressive at the deadline, be it as buyers or sellers. However, they could look to acquire players who are controllable beyond this season.

Another starter is a clear need, and Astros right-hander Bud Norris is under team control through 2015, so he could be one player the team targets, as he is a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm and still relatively cheap. However, he's not worth giving up top prospect Aaron Sanchez for.

Worst-Case Scenario: Top Prospect Aaron Sanchez is moved in any deal.

The Blue Jays gave up a ton of young talent in their offseason wheelings and dealings, but they still have one front-line prospect in right-hander Aaron Sanchez.

The 21-year-old is currently pitching at the High-A level, where he has a 3.29 ERA and 1.051 WHIP over 65.2 innings of work. As long as he continues to pitch well, he could move quickly next season and profiles as a front-line starter long term.

Washington Nationals

Best-Case Scenario: Team finds a taker for Danny Espinosa and Drew Storen.

The Nationals have been a huge disappointment this season, and sitting at 48-52 and eight games back in the NL East, they’re really not in a position to buy at the deadline.

Instead, they should look to move some of the dead wood on the roster to help the team moving forward. Former closer Drew Storen has struggled this year but still has trade value, while second baseman Danny Espinosa was unseated by prospect Anthony Rendon but still possess plus power for the position. If the team can get anything for these guys, it would be a solid move, as they both look like potential non-tender candidates.

Worst-Case Scenario: The team trades for a rental pitcher in a last-ditch effort to contend.

Given the expectations the Nationals entered the season with, it would not be surprising to see them still look to buy at the deadline, and they could certainly use another starter.

However, if they do decide to buy, it would have to be a pitcher who is controllable beyond this season, like Jake Peavy or Bud Norris. Trading for someone like Ervin Santana, who is nothing more than a rental player, would be a waste of minor league assets at this point.