MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Info on Jeff Samardzija, Ben Zobrist and More

It seems as if the Chicago White Sox might be leaning toward selling rather than buying as the trade deadline approaches. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal said the White Sox are in "listening mode" and elaborated on what that means: 

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#WhiteSox will not tear down, trade Sale, etc. Did not simply put club together for 2015. View season as first of at least 3-year window.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2015"

Per Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Astros are interested in right-hander Jeff Samardzija.

The 30-year-old has been inconsistent this season. He's 6-5 with a 4.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Some of Samardzija's struggles can be attributed to how poorly the White Sox have played most of the year. The Astros could be banking on getting more out of Samardzija with better run support and a stronger staff from top to bottom.  

The line of teams interested in Samardzija could be fairly long. Most contenders looking for pitching will likely have some level of interest in him. He is a free agent at the end of the season, so he'll be especially attractive to teams not willing to take on a long, high-dollar contract. 

Ben Zobrist a Wanted Man

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

It's funny that a guy hitting .258 with five home runs and 32 RBI is being heavily pursued on the trade market, but that's apparently the case. According to legendary baseball writer Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com, the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed interest in the Oakland A's Ben Zobrist.

The 34-year-old is a bit removed from the 20-home run, 80-RBI guy he was for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2009-12, but he's still an ultra-versatile player who can play almost every position on the field.

Teams in a pennant race can always find a place for a player with Zobrist's talents. Because of his history with Cubs manager Joe Maddon when both were in Tampa Bay, Chicago is a suitor to watch especially close.

Jim Johnson Also Has His Admirers

Brett Davis/Associated Press

Gammons also reported interest in Atlanta Braves reliever Jim Johnson. The Toronto Blue Jays and the delusional Boston Red Sox, who obviously still believe they are in a playoff race, are among the most interested teams in Johnson's services.

Johnson has six saves and an impressive 2.05 ERA this season. For a team looking for a quality right-handed setup man, Johnson could fill the role. In 2012 and 2013, Johnson was dominant as a closer with 51 and 50 saves, respectively, so he may even be a potential closer for teams as well.