MLB Rumors: Jake Peavy, Joe Nathan and Latest Trade Deadline Rumblings

The 2013 non-waiver MLB trade deadline is scheduled for July 31, and the rumors surrounding the annual event have baseball fans all over the world searching for the latest rumblings.

With huge names like Jake Peavy and Joe Nathan reportedly on the market, there is little doubt that this year’s trade deadline will be explosive.

Boston Red Sox Joining Jake Peavy Sweepstakes?

The Boston Red Sox have played well in 2013, but a tough American League East division may force the organization to add another starting pitcher to bolster the rotation.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the name at the top of the team’s list is Jake Peavy:

Peavy hasn’t compiled the best stats this season with the Chicago White Sox—amassing an 8-4 record with a 4.28 ERA and 76 strikeouts—but a change of scenery and a winning culture could be the move the veteran needs.

With unproven commodities like Felix Doubront and Brandon Workman currently making up the back end of the rotation, Boston’s interest in Peavy to add more experience to the starting pitching group makes a lot of sense.

If the Red Sox can find a deal that suits Chicago’s needs, Peavy would be a pickup that ensures Boston’s trip to the postseason this year.

Texas Rangers Reliever Joe Nathan on the Market?

The Texas Rangers are desperate for another bat in the lineup, and according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, the franchise has already discussed possibly dealing closer Joe Nathan if the right deal came along:

Trading away a relief pitcher as reliable as Nathan would be a tough decision—he’s currently boasting a 1.73 ERA with 32 saves—but the return on the deal would likely be huge. A team looking to acquire the closer would likely have to give up a prospect and an MLB-caliber hitter.

While most franchises wouldn’t consider moving a pitcher like Nathan, Texas has been afforded the chance to make this deal because of the stellar play from the bullpen.

With Tanner Scheppers, Joakim Soria and Jason Frasor all pitching well for the Rangers, trading the team’s closer is now a viable option if the return is strong enough.

Baltimore Orioles Looking to Make Huge Deadline Splash?

The Baltimore Orioles are stuck in the toughest division in baseball this season (AL East), but to capitalize on the team’s solid play in 2013, the franchise must make a big deadline move to catapult into the postseason.

Baltimore is eager to make a deal at the deadline, and per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the organization would be willing to give up No. 1 prospect Dylan Bundy in order to make a blockbuster trade happen:

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The Orioles’ targets, according to major-league sources, include Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy, Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau and Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Michael Young…Sources say the team is even willing to move one of its top prospects, right-hander Dylan Bundy, for the right return.

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Bundy underwent Tommy John surgery last month, per Rosenthal, but with the success rate among pitchers that undergo that surgery through the roof, this could be a wise investment for another team.

If the Orioles believe this is their year to make a serious postseason splash, moving the prospect for a MLB-ready star would be a wise decision. Baltimore has a deep minor league system, and moving Bundy could be the key to the playoffs in 2013.