MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Chatter Regarding Aramis Ramirez, Alex Rios and More

This year's MLB trade deadline promises to be one of the most active ones in recent memory as a number of quality players appear to be on the block. Also, since there are so many teams still in contention, and so few that are truly out of it, there is going to be a ton of competition for the players that are available.

It seems as though right-handed batters are available in bulk for whatever reason, which is uncommon since sluggers from the right side often come at a premium. With that said, the likes of Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez, Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios and Philadelphia Phillies utility man Michael Young won't come cheap.

Here is the latest chatter surrounding those players as teams desperately try to improve ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez has been one of the best power-hitting third basemen in baseball for the better part of the past decade, so his reputation alone should ensure that he'll garner plenty of interest once the deadline approaches. Ramirez was supposed to return on Monday from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that he'll miss between 10 and 14 additional days, and that he is now more likely a waiver trade candidate in August.

Ramirez's season certainly hasn't gone according to plan, as he has appeared in just 54 games and has logged a .271 average with five home runs and 26 RBI overall. With that said, the two-time All-Star may still be worth gambling on this season. When Ramirez is healthy, there are few more consistent third basemen in the league. He has hit at least 25 homers in his past nine full seasons, so that is likely why the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees could come calling, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Whether a deal happens before the non-waiver deadline or after it appears to be the biggest question remaining as the Brewers will likely do anything possible to move Ramirez. He's set to make $12 million next season, which is an unnecessary cost for a team like Milwaukee. With Will Middlebrooks struggling and Jose Iglesias cooling off, the Red Sox have to be considered his main suitor at this point. The Yanks are also a possibility with Alex Rodriguez's health still in question, but look for Boston to make the leap if any team does at all.

Alex Rios

It can certainly be argued that Chicago White Sox outfielder Alex Rios is the best hitter on the market right now, as his versatile skill set would be an asset to any team. Rios was fantastic last season as he hit over .300 with 25 home runs, 91 RBI and 23 steals. He hasn't been quite as good in 2013, but .277 with 12 jacks, 48 RBI and 20 swipes is nothing to sneeze at. Rios has the ability to be a game changer, and he could certainly change things in a significant way if the Pittsburgh Pirates pursue him as Jon Heyman of CBS Sports suggests.

According to Heyman, the Pirates could go all-in by bringing in both Rios and shortstop Alexei Ramirez in the same deal. That would be huge for the surprising Bucs as right field and shortstop are clearly their weakest positions offensively. It's truly amazing that Pittsburgh is 19 games above .500 at this point because there isn't much star power on the team. Rios and Ramirez may not be perennial All-Stars, but they are capable of performing at that level, and they would definitely give the Pirates more staying power than they have right now.

Ramirez is an underrated part of the equation as well. He only has one home run this season to go along with a .284 average, but he plays solid defense at shortstop, and he is on pace for a career high in stolen bases with 20 already. The Pirates have a severe lack of experience and production at the shortstop position, but Ramirez would solidify it. It isn't often that the Pirates are considered buyers, but it has been so long since they have been competitive that they would be wise to go all out by bringing in both Rios and Ramirez.

Michael Young

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Michael Young isn't having a monster season by any means, but the 36-year-old veteran has been a calming presence for the Phils all year long. At .286 with seven homers and 31 RBI, though, he is still capable of being productive in the right spot in the lineup. Since the Phillies are hovering around the .500 mark and seem unlikely to catch the Atlanta Braves atop the NL East, dealing Young is probably the best move for Philly moving forward.

One of the most appealing things about Young aside from his experience is his versatility. Young has mostly manned the hot corner this year, but he can also play first base, second base or even shortstop in a pinch. There aren't many guys out there who can do that, so Young has instant value. It's no secret that the Red Sox are looking for help on the left side of their infield, so Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly's report that Boston is targeting Young doesn't come as a big shock.

Young would be an incredible fit in Boston as he could add to the clubhouse, and he wouldn't be counted upon to carry the load offensively. That burden falls on the likes of David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Napoli and others. As either a No. 2 hitter or bottom-of-the-order guy, though, Young would bring a lot to the table, and he would make Boston a much tougher team to beat.

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