MLB Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Yovani Gallardo, Tyson Ross and More

According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the Texas Rangers may be straddling the buyer and seller fence when it comes to potential trade deadline deals. Rosenthal reports the Rangers are still actively seeking Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels but are also "listening" to offers for current starter Yovani Gallardo.

This actually makes sense. Hamels is viewed as a player who can help contending teams better their playoff chances during the second half of the season, but he also won't be a free agent until 2020, per Spotrac.

At $20 million per season, Hamels' contract isn't seen as exorbitant. A team could theoretically trade for Hamels without worrying about simply renting and losing him at the end of season, as is the case with the Cincinnati Reds' Johnny Cueto.

Gallardo, on the other hand, has a contract that expires at the end of this season. A team that acquires him would only be on the hook for the remainder of his $14 million salary for the 2015 season. Moving Gallardo and adding Hamels could be the best of both worlds for the Rangers.

Astros Looking for Arms

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

The surging Los Angeles Angels have overtaken the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West, but the 'Stros don't seem to be content to just take it on the chin. Per Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have had "at least a preliminary conversation with the Padres about Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross."

Either man would fit into the middle or the back of Houston's rotation. The 28-year-old Ross is 6-7 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Considering he pitches for a subpar team, Ross has been pretty consistent this season.

The 28-year-old Cashner hasn't been quite as good. He's 3-10 with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.34. Both Ross and Cashner are set to become free agents at the end of the season, so Houston would likely be renting them for the stretch run.

Mets Not Hot on Zobrist

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

There are a good number of teams that could use Oakland A's utility man Ben Zobrist, but per Rosenthal, despite some speculation, the New York Mets aren't exactly falling all over themselves to acquire the 34-year-old veteran.

Zobrist is known for his ability to play almost every position on the field. That talent could make Zobrist a hot commodity at the deadline. The Mets are embroiled in a chase for the National League East crown or one of the wild-card spots. Zobrist's versatility could be a real asset, but as of now, there doesn't appear to be any serious discussion about the Mets dealing for him.