MLB Rumors: Latest Buzz on Big Names on the Trade Market

While there are MLB trade deadlines that come and go without many impact moves, the 2015 version has the potential for some blockbuster deals.

Teams that need major upgrades for either pitching or hitting are in luck because a number of high-profile players are likely to be available over the next couple of weeks. Although it might take a quality package of prospects to complete a trade, a wide selection of stars could end up changing teams before the July 31 deadline.

Here is a look at the latest buzz surrounding big names currently on the market.

Justin Upton, OF, San Diego Padres

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

After just half a season with the San Diego Padres, Justin Upton could be changing teams once again as one of the hottest names right now.

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports provided a look at two teams that could be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old outfielder:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports also noted the New York Mets are considering a pursuit of the talented player. 

As Morosi explained, it makes sense for the Padres to make a move after struggling in the first half of the season. Considering Upton is set to be a free agent at season's end, this is a chance for the organization to get some value from the player in a losing season.

Meanwhile, MLB teams that need upgrades in power could use a player with 15 home runs on the year after averaging 24.5 homers in the last six seasons. The only problem is his recent play, which hasn't been great.

After batting .343 in the month of March, Upton hit just .196 in June and has been even worse in July. His batting average has dropped from .307 on May 31 to just .250.

A recent injury could also slow the market after the outfielder was removed from Sunday's game, per Corey Brock of MLB.com:

The talent is there for Upton to make a big-time impact for any lineup. However, it makes sense for teams to be patient and not overpay for a struggling player.

Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds

John Minchillo/Associated Press

The Cincinnati Reds have fallen to 40-49 on the year, which means the squad is more likely to be golfing than playing baseball in October. As a result, the front office is prepared to start selling off assets to anyone who wants them, according to John Fay of Cincinnati.com:

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The fire sale is in full swing. The Reds have put all the players they're willing to part with on the shelf. Owner Bob Castellini has given go-ahead to trade as needed.

General manager Walt Jocketty has said Todd Frazier is off the table. Anyone else you would think is fair game.

"

This includes Jay Bruce, who, as Buster Olney of ESPN explained, has been available for some time:

Morosi provided a look at one team that could be aggressive in pursuit of the slugger:

After an awful 2014 season, Bruce has bounced back this year and has 14 home runs in 86 games. With a strong second half, he could reach the 30-home run plateau for the fourth time in his career.

While the Los Angeles Angels have some elite power hitters already with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, Bruce could provide a major upgrade in left field, which has been mostly awful this year. Matt Joyce has done his best, but there has been little production from that spot.

Bruce is under contract for next season with a team option for 2017, so if he does well, he could be in a new location for a long time. This could make the outfielder a useful addition for the Angels or anyone else in need of hitting. 

Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Michael Perez/Associated Press

The Philadelphia Phillies likely don't want to get rid of Cole Hamels, who has been the team's ace since winning a World Series in 2008. He is also under team control for another four years, including a 2019 team option, which means a move isn't necessarily urgent.

On the other hand, the Phillies are nowhere close to being competitive and could benefit greatly from removing more than $20 million a year from their payroll. Heyman recently explained how Philadelphia's stance has adjusted in recent weeks:

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While one AL executive suggested a week ago that the Phillies haven't yet "bent" on their Hamels demands since Andy MacPhail joined their front office to lead them, two other executives, using similar terminology, now say the Phillies have seemed somewhat more "reasonable" in their recent trade talks, and sources suggest there's word of some potential progress with at least the Dodgers and Rangers. Phillies scouts have been dispatched to check out multiple systems, including those of LA and Texas.

"

Olney also added that a deal could be progressing at this moment:

One possibility for a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers involves Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe speculated he could be part of a deal that brings Hamels to the Dodgers, noting his problems in the clubhouse.

"The noise is growing louder on Puig and his low favorability among teammates, according to a major league source," Cafardo writes.

It remains to be seen whether the Dodgers are willing to give up Puig, but they could potentially create a scary rotation that includes Hamels, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Once the playoffs come, Los Angeles will not be an easy team to beat.

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