MLB Trade Rumors: Joe Nathan, Hunter Pence and More Deadline Intel

Wednesday is the 2013 MLB non-waiver trade deadline and some of the biggest names on the block could be dealt in the last few hours.

With bona fide stars Joe Nathan, Hunter Pence and Michael Young on the market, the frenzy around the possible deals that could come to fruition Wednesday has baseball fans at a fever pitch.

Here is all the latest intel on the hottest trade rumors.

Boston Red Sox Not Interested in Joe Nathan?

The Boston Red Sox made a mega trade in inquiring Jake Peavy from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

Could they add more?

The Red Sox haven’t had the production from the bullpen this season that the franchise had hoped for, but trading for another marquee reliever like Texas Rangers closer Joe Nathan doesn’t appear to be in the organization’s game plan.

Nathan is reportedly on the trade block, per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports:

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI Boston, the Red Sox are not one of the team’s interested:

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According to a major league source the Red Sox are not involved in talks for Texas closer Joe Nathan, who, per multiple reports, has been made available by the Rangers. The Sox are, however, prioritizing right-handed relief help, according to another industry source.

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Boston needs serious help in the bullpen, and while giving up top prospects for an expensive closer isn’t the ideal option, there is no doubt that Nathan would add serious firepower to the Red Sox and launch them into World Series contention.

The franchise has a plethora of top-notch prospects in the system despite last night's trade, and if the asking price comes down on Nathan, Boston’s need could dictate whether the team pulls the trigger on this move before the deadline.

San Francisco Giants Entertaining Offers for Hunter Pence?

The San Francisco Giants are in last place in the National League West and are going nowhere fast. Instead of watching the wheels come off without management doing anything to improve the team for next year, the Giants must become deadline sellers.

According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, San Francisco is willing to trade several of the top names on the roster, including outfielder Hunter Pence:

While starting pitcher Tim Lincecum’s rumored availability will intrigue many teams—the asking price is likely far too high to get a deal done—the player most likely to be dealt before the deadline is Pence.

As a versatile outfielder that adds a consistent bat in the lineup, speed on the bases and a stellar glove in the field, any team on the cusp of contention should look to add a player like Pence to bolster its chances.

Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies Looking to Make a Deal?

The Texas Rangers are fighting hard to climb the standings in the American League West, but without another consistent bat in the lineup, the franchise is struggling to stay within striking distance of the Oakland Athletics.

That’s why the Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies could be looking to make a blockbuster deal that would involve veteran infielder Michael Young and possibly catcher Carlos Ruiz, via Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly:

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Third baseman Michael Young is still getting significant interest from AL East clubs like Boston and New York, and he could be a fit in Baltimore, as well. ESPN has reported that Young’s former team, Texas, has interest in a reunion and baseball sources have confirmed that. The Rangers could need a right-handed bat if Nelson Cruz feels the pinch of the Biogenesis investigation. Texas is also on the lookout for some catching help. The Phillies would be open to dealing Carlos Ruiz.

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Philadelphia has to admit they are deadline sellers before it’s too late. After losing eight of nine games on the recent road trip, moving several players in one deal would be an ideal trade for an organization desperate for prospects.

If Texas offers the Phillies a few promising young stars, there is little doubt that this blockbuster trade could come to fruition.