6 Most Realistic Blockbuster MLB Trades That Could Go Down This July

With Independence Day in the rearview mirror, the July 31 MLB non-waiver trade deadline is beginning to loom large. But before the rumors really start to heat up, let's take a look at six of the most likely blockbusters that could take place over the coming weeks. 

There are always plenty of under-the-radar moves that pay dividends in the second half, but the names on this list don't fit that description. Each of the following players will have the baseball world captivated as the bidding war wages on. 

The Cole Hamels saga figures to finally conclude this month, with multiple teams interested in the Philadelphia Phillies' southpaw. Hamels' teammate Jonathan Papelbon is also likely headed to a new club, as are Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist, Jeff Samardzija and Johnny Cueto. 

Over the next few slides, we'll analyze which teams are the most realistic suitors for those players. 

Here we go!

Ben Zobrist to the Chicago Cubs

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Reuniting Ben Zobrist and Joe Maddon makes all the sense in the world for the Chicago Cubs.

Proposed Trade 

Cubs Get: Ben Zobrist

A's Get: Dan Vogelbach and Jake Stinnett

Why It Makes Sense

Despite successful transitions to the major leagues by Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler, the Chicago Cubs could use a versatile veteran like Ben Zobrist for the upcoming stretch run. 

Zobrist's ability to play multiple positions has been his calling card in the big leagues. For the Cubs, he could fill in for Russell, Soler or Chris Coghlan at second or in the outfield. The 34-year-old would also give the Cubs the option of trading Starlin Castro for additional help, considering Russell is the team's long-term shortstop. 

As for Oakland, Dan Vogelbach's powerful bat would be a nice return for Zobrist. Vogelbach is currently blocked by Anthony Rizzo at first base in Chicago and profiles more as a designated hitter moving forward. The Cubs could add Jake Stinnett, a hard-throwing right-hander, to sweeten the deal. 

The A's and Cubs established a working trade relationship last season in the Jeff Samardzija-Russell deal, so Billy Beane and Theo Epstein shouldn't have too many issues coming to an agreement. Zobrist isn't flashy, but he's the perfect player for this young Cubs team. 

Jeff Samardzija to the New York Yankees

Associated Press

The Yankees need to add a starting pitcher, and Jeff Samardzija could be the fix.

Proposed Trade

Yankees Get: Jeff Samardzija

White Sox Get: Greg Bird and Domingo German 

Why It Makes Sense 

The New York Yankees have used an elite offense to climb to the top of the American League East, but they will need a starting pitching upgrade to stay there. 

Yankees starters rank 22nd in ERA in 2015. CC Sabathia has an ERA over 5.00, while Nathan Eovaldi has been inconsistent all season. 

Enter Jeff Samardzija. 

Samardzija has a 4.33 ERA in 17 starts with the Chicago White Sox, but he has pitched much better than that mark indicates. His 3.50 FIP is actually lower than his career rate, and he's walking batters at a rate close to his career low. 

The 30-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the season, which will make him a popular trade target over the next month. The Yankees can offer the likes of Triple-A first baseman Greg Bird, a powerful bat with above-average plate discipline. In terms of pitching talent, Domingo German, who has missed this season due to Tommy John surgery, is an intriguing option for the White Sox. 

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports recently referred to Samardzija as a "perfect fit" for New York's shaky rotation. Replacing Sabathia with Samardzija every fifth day would make the Yankees the prohibitive favorites in an extremely competitive division. 

Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

The Houston Astros should go hard after Scott Kazmir.

Proposed Trade

Astros Get: Scott Kazmir

A's Get: Brett Phillips and Nolan Fontana

Why It Makes Sense

The Houston Astros will kick the tires on every starting pitching target up until the deadline, but Scott Kazmir seems like the best fit. 

The southpaw has reinvigorated his career with the Oakland A's over the past two seasons. After posting a 3.55 ERA last year, Kazmir has a 2.56 ERA and a 23 percent strikeout percentage in 2015. 

Houston has issues with its rotation depth outside of Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. Collin McHugh hasn't been able to maintain any kind of consistency, while Roberto Hernandez, Scott Feldman, Brett Oberholtzer and Vincent Velasquez have been in and out of the back end of the rotation. 

The Astros are blessed with one of the deepest pools of minor league talent in baseball, which is a huge asset this time of year.

With the draft selections of Kyle Tucker and Dazmon Cameron, Brett Phillips' name may come up in conversations. Phillips is ranked in MLB.com's top 100 prospect list (No. 94) and is having a fine year in Double-A. Nolan Fontana is a light-hitting middle infielder who doesn't figure to play into the Astros' future plans.

At 31, Kazmir will be hunting for a long-term deal after the season and most likely won't be returning to Oakland. He's a perfect fit for an Astros team wanting to contend in 2015 but still wanting to hold on to to key assets. 

Jonathan Papelbon to the Toronto Blue Jays

Associated Press

Toronto needs a bullpen upgrade, and Jonathan Papelbon is champing at the bit to get out of Philly.

Proposed Trade

Blue Jays Get: Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations

Phillies Get: Miguel Castro 

Why It Makes Sense

The Toronto Blue Jays have enough talent to win the AL East, but acquiring an established closer has to be a priority over the coming weeks. 

Toronto seems to be the likeliest destination for Jonathan Papelbon, who is itching to get out of Philadelphia. 

At 34, Papelbon has remained one of the game's top relievers. The right-hander has a 1.65 ERA and is perfect in 14 save chances for the Phillies this season. Papelbon has also improved both his strikeout and walk rates from a season ago. 

Based on numbers alone, it's clear that Papelbon has significant value. However, a $13 million option that's going to vest in 2016 will make it tough for Philadelphia to cash in on that value. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports that the Phillies front office has been more open to absorbing some of Papelbon's remaining salary if it helps facilitate a trade. 

Toronto has a number of prospects that would entice the Phillies, but flame-throwing youngster Miguel Castro might have the most upside. Castro, who made his debut in April 2015, can reach close to triple digits with his heater and profiles as a future major league closer. 

The Blue Jays can't win the division without a bullpen upgrade. Papelbon may come with baggage and a lofty price tag, but the difference he would make in Toronto's late-game strategy would be a game-changer in the AL East. 

Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Johnny Cueto would be a fantastic upgrade for the Kansas City Royals.

Proposed Trade

Royals Get: Johnny Cueto

Reds Get: Brandon Finnegan, Hunter Dozier and Bubba Starling 

Why It Makes Sense

The Kansas City Royals were one game away from winning the World Series last season. Trading for Johnny Cueto won't guarantee them a title in 2015, but it would make them the front-runners in the American League. 

Kansas City starters rank 24th in MLB with a 4.40 ERA. Danny Duffy and Jeremy Guthrie have been especially poor at the back end of the rotation. 

Cueto is in the midst of another great season. The right-hander has a 2.84 ERA in 15 starts for the Cincinnati Reds this season. Cueto has maintained his strikeout rate, lowered his walk percentage and held opposing hitters to a .196 average in 2015.  

For Kansas City, Cueto makes perfect sense. The Royals are ready to win now and should be the most willing to gamble on the free-agent-to-be.

"All that needs to happen now is the hard part: actually trading for Johnny Cueto—and good luck with that, Dayton Moore—to help the Royals deliver a World Series now with a team that should be all about winning now," wrote ESPN.com's Christina Kahrl. 

The Royals would also be able to meet Cincinnati's demands in terms of prospects. There have been whispers that left-handed pitching prospect Brandon Finnegan is on the trade block, per Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. Hunter Dozier and Bubba Starling are nice players, but they aren't impact pieces teams are terrified to part with. A package with those three should be enough to acquire Cueto. 

It will take multiple prospects to snag him, but Cueto will immediately improve the Royals' chances of returning to a World Series.

Cole Hamels to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Associated Press

The Dodgers have the pockets and prospects to pry Cole Hamels away from the Phillies.

Proposed Trade 

Dodgers Get: Cole Hamels

Phillies Get: Grant Holmes, Darnell Sweeney, Austin Barnes and Juan Jaime 

Why It Makes Sense 

Cole Hamels' yearlong trade saga looks like it will be coming to an end over the next few weeks. Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin recently said he thinks a Hamels trade is "probable," per Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly:

"

I would think that would be probable. I can't speak for (general manager) Ruben (Amaro Jr.) and anyone else involved in making that deal. We're not involved on the field. But the whole point of this year basically is to see young guys, help us get ready for next year and beyond. If we can get good deals for Hamels and good deals for whomever else there might be out there, (Jonathan) Papelbon. There might be a team that will come after Ben Revere or after Jeff Francoeur. We're not sure about anything so we're going to have to wait and see what develops.

"

Fortunately for the Phillies, Hamels has only improved his trade value this season. The southpaw has a 3.02 ERA in 17 starts. Hamels' strikeout percentage is the highest it's been since his rookie season in 2006, and opponents are hitting just .218 off of him. 

Philly owes Hamels $22.5 million each year over the next three seasons with a $20 million option year in 2019. Hamels will be 35 at the end of his guaranteed contract and will be hoping that his new team is willing to pick up that tab. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers not only have the prospects to swing a deal with the Phillies, but the club also has enough cash to take on Hamels' remaining money. L.A. could also lose Zack Greinke to free agency after the season (he can opt out), so Hamels would be quality insurance if that were to happen. 

The Phillies would love to get Corey Seager or Julio Urias in return for Hamels, but those two prospects will be untouchable.

Grant Holmes, the No. 79 ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, and a first-round pick last year, wouldn't be a bad consolation prize, though. Holmes is a phenomenal talent, but he's years away from the big leagues. Darnell Sweeney and Austin Barnes are both productive Triple-A players who could join Philadelphia's major league roster as early as this season. 

It will take plenty of negotiating for a Hamels deal to finally occur, but the Dodgers have the capacity to do it. With a deep prospect pool and even deeper pockets, Hamels will be calling Chavez Ravine his home after the deadline. 

Advanced stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of July 5.