MLB Trade Talk: Latest Chatter on Top Trade Candidates

About one-fifth of the way through the 2015 MLB season, there's a general idea of which teams are contenders, pretenders or just plain bad, which also provides us with an idea of which franchises will turn into buyers or sellers in the weeks to come. 

There are generally dozens of trade rumors to scour through on a given day, ranging from premier players like Cole Hamels and Troy Tulowitzki to less heralded, though useful, players like Scott Kazmir and Jonathan Papelbon.

So, as trade talks finally begin to ramp up, here's a look at the chatter surrounding some of the most wanted commodities in baseball.

SP Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Chris Szagola/Associated Press/Associated Press

This isn't a matter of if—it's a matter of when. Hamels has been on the trade block since before the season even opened.

The Philadelphia Phillies are wretched, currently saddled with the worst record (13-23) in the majors, despite having the ninth-highest payroll, per Spotrac. 

Philadelphia needs to get something out of this season, and the best it can hope for right now is top-tier prospects in exchange for its staff ace. 

Hamels got off to a rough start—like everyone else in Philadelphia—but he's turned things around lately, as MLB.com Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki noted following a performance of seven innings, nine strikeouts and two runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates:

That same day, the Associated Press' Rob Maaddi reported on some interesting statements made by Phillies president Pat Gillick, in regards to dealing the 31-year-old:

"We haven't got an offer that's commensurate with his ability," Gillick told reporters, per Maaddi. "We're very open to any proposal and, at this point, we don't think we've got a proposal that we feel is right."

Gillick's early reluctance to deal has led to plenty of speculation from fans and analysts alike. 

Darren Wolfson of ABC 5 in Minnesota and Joe Giglio of WFAN660 have pondered whether the three-time All-Star might end up somewhere totally unexpected:

His landing spot is still uncertain, and as Gillick's comments allude, the Phillies won't simply dump him because they feel the need to. This may wind up taking longer than anyone expected.  

SS Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

It feels like Tulo is involved in trade rumors every single season, but he never manages to go anywhere. Still, he's acutely aware of the rumors constantly swirling around him like an endless Rockies blizzard, as he spoke about it to the Denver Post's Patrick Saunders: 

"

I think this offseason was the first time it really hit me, just because it was every single day and pretty hard. I do pay attention, and yeah, I saw my name being thrown all over.

...

I pay attention. I watch the MLB channel all the time. I know what's going on. I can't control any of that. I can only control coming here and doing my job.

"

Well, he's been healthy, and the talks have ramped up.

Tulowitzki reportedly met with his agent, Paul Cohen, to discuss demanding a trade from the Rockies, per the New York Post's Joel Sherman:

"

Tulowitzki was described as frustrated with four straight losing seasons and wants out, according to two people who know him well. Cohen would not describe Tulowitzki's mindset, but it was clear in a 15-minute conversation that Cohen clearly sees the value of his client moving to a better place for his mind and body (not playing in high altitude any longer).

"

Most every team in baseball would love to have a shortstop as talented as Tulo, though not every team will make a push for him.

The New York Daily News reported the New York Mets, despite being in the market for a shortstop, won't pursue the 30-year-old:

Despite that, Newsday's David Lennon isn't so sure the Mets will remove themselves entirely from the situation:

Sports Illustrated's Jay Jaffe identified four teams—the Mets, the Los Angeles Angels, the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners—that could serve as suitable landing spots for the four-time All-Star:

The rumors are just beginning to heat up, and while we don't have an exact idea of where Tulowitzki will land, we know the move is now imminent. 

Expect plenty of teams to make a push for a guy that can still do this:

SP Scott Kazmir, Oakland Athletics

Ben Margot/Associated Press

The low-budget version of Hamels, Kazmir's name has emerged recently as the Oakland Athletics have floundered to an ugly 13-23 start. 

Billy Beane is never one to shy away from making moves, so it doesn't come as a shock that he's willing to unload Kazmir.

The 31-year-old is off to a stellar start. He's carrying just a 2.78 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP while striking out nearly nine batters per nine innings, per Baseball-Reference.com.

His numbers are better than Hamels' stats, and he comes way cheaper. 

As deals for Hamels have become increasingly complex, several teams have targeted Kazmir, including the Boston Red Sox, per Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game and website MLB Trade Rumors:

"

Boston Red Sox RUMORS: Scott Kazmir Trade Most Likely at ... http://t.co/KHjRX8hsIQ

— MLB Trade Rumors (@MLBTradeRumors_) May 11, 2015"

But Boston isn't alone. The Los Angeles Dodgers, never afraid of being buyers, and the St. Louis Cardinals appear to have entered the fray, as well, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden:

The Kansas City Royals also may throw their hat into the ring, per SB Nation's MLB site:

There's still a lot of positioning and negotiating left to be done as each team tries to maintain its poker face for as long as possible. 

It's all a part of the game, but I think Sports on Earth's Twitter account spoke to the minds of many fans:

Trade rumors are fun, but they can get pretty old, pretty fast. 

Unfortunately, all fans can continue to do is sit, wait and (if your team is in the mix) hope.