MLB Trade Rumors: All-Star Break Buzz on Johnny Cueto, Jay Bruce and More

MLB's All-Star break presents a convenient cutoff point, even if it technically falls past the true halfway mark. The Midsummer Classic also halts the season shortly before the July 31 trade deadline, giving teams time to evaluate their current standing.

In a season featuring few juggernauts and jokers, many squads are currently tiptoeing on the edge of contention. Few have fallen far enough to blow everything up, and those competing for a playoff bid must conquer several other jousters.

For all of the uncertainty, some clear trade candidates have emerged. With so many clubs in arm's reach of the postseason, sellers won't have a tough time finding a buyer at the deadline.

Before returning to the regularly scheduled action this weekend, here's a look at the break's hottest trade rumors.

Astros Curious about Johnny Cueto

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Last year, Sports Illustrated boldly declared the Houston Astros 2017 champions. Perched a half-game behind the Los Angeles Angels at 49-42, they will vie for the postseason earlier than anticipated.

Behind stellar debuts from Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers and a Cy Young-caliber first half from Dallas Keuchel, the Astros are firmly in the playoff hunt. In order to sustain their soar to the top, they'll need some pitching depth behind Keuchel, McCullers and Collin McHugh.

A report from CBS Sports' Jon Heyman shows how serious Houston is about making its first playoff appearance since 2005.

"The Astros have keen trade interest in Reds starter Johnny Cueto," Heyman wrote, "and it appears he may even be their top target, if as expected Cueto hits trade market soon, people familiar with their thinking say." 

USA Today's Bob Nightengale added two other American League contenders to the mix:

During a contract season, the 29-year-old righty has notched a 2.73 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 113 strikeouts through 118.2 innings. Although he's on pace to record his fifth straight ERA below 3.00, his 3.06 fielding independent pitching (FIP) represents a career-best mark.

Facing a 7.5-game deficit for the final wild-card spot, the Cincinnati Reds will have to explore all offers for their ace over the next two weeks. Possessing two of baseball's best offenses, the Toronto Blue Jays or Kansas City Royals would become very dangerous with Cueto anchoring the rotation. Yet Houston has a deeper farm system to mortgage for an unexpectedly early win-now maneuver.

Reds Dangle Jay Bruce

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

The Reds will spend the rest of July fielding Cueto inquires, but he's not their only notable trade candidate. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, they're looking to move Jay Bruce:

Recovering from a disastrous season, Bruce is hitting .251/.341/.465 with 13 homers and a 1.6 fWAR. In addition to generating a career-high 12.2 walk percentage, he has dwindled his strikeout percentage down to 22.2, his lowest rate since 2009.

Since exiting April with an anemic .181 average, he's sporting a .273/.352/.485 slash line. He reflected on the slow start with the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay.

"I had a bad first month and 10 days," Bruce said. "I left myself with a hole to dig out of. There's still a lot work to do. I'm still not close to where I want to be. I'm continuing to get better."

He's also affordable and under contract through 2016, as noted by Olney:

While the New York Mets could certainly use a power influx, acquiring Bruce would mean admitting defeat on Michael Cuddyer. Given the 36-year-old's .661 OPS and lingering knee issues, that's not the worst idea.

If the red-hot slugger is available, somebody should definitely bite.

Pennsylvania Pair Discuss Deal

Michael Perez/Associated Press

MLB's Pennsylvania franchises are traveling in opposing directions. As the Pittsburgh Pirates enter the second half of the season with baseball's second-best record, the decaying Philadelphia Phillies continue to plummet with 62 losses.

The Phillies are obvious sellers, with pitchers Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and Aaron Harang serving as their top trade chips. While Pittsburgh is all set on the mound with a 2.86 staff ERA, it can use an extra position player after losing Josh Harrison to a thumb injury.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Rob Biertempfel, the Pirates have sought reinforcements from their neighbors:

Mostly known for his speed, Ben Revere is holding his own at the plate with a .297 batting average and .337 on-base percentage. Jeff Francoeur, once billed as a future star, would give Pittsburgh extra power off the bench. The 31-year-old is hitting .269/304/.481 against righties, and unlike Revere, he boasts an impressive arm in the outfield.

Either one would serve as a fourth outfielder, unless Pittsburgh has lost its patience with Gregory Polanco. During his first full season, the 23-year-old entered the break hitting an uninspiring .237/.315/.338 with three homers and a 0.4 WAR.  

The Pirates would be best served finding someone who can crush lefties (i.e. Ryan Raburn of the Cleveland Indians) to spell the young right fielder batting .152/.235/.152 against southpaws. The right-handed Francoeur fits that role if his current reverse splits revert to past norms. Despite his recent troubles against lefties, he sports a career .782 OPS off of them.

Note: All advanced stats are courtesy of FanGraphs.