MLB Trade Rumors: Jake Peavy, Luke Gregerson and Latest Deadline Chatter

Wednesday, July 31, marks the 2013 MLB non-waiver trade deadline, and the rumors surrounding the biggest names on the block have baseball fans ready to see how the final days shake out.

Huge names like Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres relief pitcher Luke Gregerson and Philadelphia Phillies infielder Michael Young could be on the move, and that has the potential to change the complexion of the playoff race.

It’s going to be a wild deadline.

Jake Peavy Market Heating Up?

The Chicago White Sox are completely out of the playoff picture as they sit alone in the basement of the American League Central, and it’s time for the franchise to move the players that don’t have a long-term future in Chicago.

Both MLB insiders Peter Gammons and Jayson Stark have talked about the latest chatter around Peavy and the interest in trading for his services:

Peavy is a solid starting pitcher who could be the No. 2 or No. 3 man in a playoff-caliber rotation. With Stark making it clear that many teams are kicking the tires on a possible deal, there is little doubt that this trade will eventually happen.

It’s just a matter of how much the prospective teams are willing to pay. The White Sox should expect a top-caliber pitching prospect in return for Peavy at the deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies Interested in Luke Gregerson?

The Philadelphia Phillies' skid in the National League East continues, but despite their lack of success this season, the franchise could still be buyers at the trade deadline, according to Stark of ESPN.com.

Stark noted that the team’s rumored target is Luke Gregerson:

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An executive who speaks frequently with the Phillies' brass says the Phillies and Padres have "talked a lot" about a potential deal that could send reliever Luke Gregerson and an outfielder to Philadelphia for a package of young players. But the Phillies appear to be poking around for deals that wouldn't require them to give up any of their most advanced prospects.

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Not only have the Phillies been passed in the division for second place by the Washington Nationals, but the team has also lost eight straight games going into Monday.

Instead of looking to buy on Gregerson, Philadelphia should be looking to sell some of the high-priced players like Michael Young or Cliff Lee and posture for a retooling offseason heading into 2014.

Texas Rangers Want Michael Young Back?

The Texas Rangers dealt Young to the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2013 offseason, but the franchise is reportedly interested in reacquiring the longtime Ranger for the playoff haul, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

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The Rangers are focused on outfielders at the moment, but they've talked at least internally about the possibility of trying to bring back former Rangers star Michael Young, according to sources.

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While the Phillies would have to shift into selling mode before the franchise ever dealt Young, the Rangers would be motivated buyers. Texas is engaged in a serious battle in the AL West with the Oakland Athletics and need some offensive juice to put them over the edge.

The franchise would undoubtedly have to overpay to get the infielder back, but the proposed deal would help add the consistency to the lineup that it has lacked in 2013 thus far.

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