MLB Trade Rumors: Potential Deals to Watch for Heading into Deadline

MLB teams have spent the past weeks and months considering potential trades, but the time to act is now.

As we inch closer to the July 31 trade deadline, those looking to make an upgrade have to start being more aggressive, possibly giving in to the demands they initially found outrageous. There are a number of big names on the block, although that doesn't necessarily guarantee a blockbuster deal will be completed.

That said, front offices are starting to zero in on targets and are advancing discussions toward trades. Although plenty can still change in the coming week, here is a look at potential moves that could be completed based on the latest buzz around the league.

Cole Hamels to the Cubs

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

While the Philadelphia Phillies don't want to part with Cole Hamels, a fixture with the organization for the past decade, it makes sense for the last-place team to part with a high-priced talent. The 31-year-old starter is owed $23.5 million a year for each of the next three seasons, plus a team option in 2019, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

This contract has been a holdup for many teams interested in Hamels' services this season, but the Chicago Cubs are one of the few willing to take on the extra salary. David Kaplan of CSN Chicago broke down the team's interest in making a deal:

"

MLB sources confirmed to me this afternoon that the Cubs have been in discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal for Cole Hamels who has three years left on his current contract plus an option year. While he is an expensive piece he fits the needs of the team to upgrade their rotation while adding a player who would be a part of the team beyond the rest of this season.

"

The Cubs have one of the best young lineups in baseball and are hoping to be competitive for many years to come. It makes sense for a squad like this to add players who can not only help this season but make an impact going forward.

Adding a veteran presence to the locker room—especially a former World Series MVP—would also likely make a big impact. 

Of course, there is still risk when considering the cost of both the contract and the prospects it will take to complete a deal. The last couple of games have not been great for Hamels, as Jon Heyman of CBS Sports noted:

While this could just be a fluke, it could also be some not-yet-diagnosed issue holding him back. Chicago or any other team interested in completing a trade better make sure it is getting the real Cole Hamels before finalizing any move.

Will Venable to the Mets

John Minchillo/Associated Press

With the way the New York Mets rotation has pitched as of late, the squad has a serious chance to make a run at the playoffs. Unfortunately, the offense has not held up its end of the bargain and help is needed.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the team's primary target at this point is to add an outfielder who can help the lineup:

Fox Sports' Jon Morosi added a pair of names the team has considered in a deal:

Although Will Venable won't excite fans as much as other potential options like Justin Upton or Carlos Gomez, the left-handed hitter could provide the team with some much-needed depth offensively. 

Venable has been solid against right-handed pitchers this season, totaling an OPS of .725. Putting him in a platoon with current center fielder Juan Lagares (.742 OPS vs. LHP, .580 OPS vs. RHP) could represent a nice upgrade in the lineup.

Additionally, this type of deal wouldn't force the Mets to part with many top prospects. General manager Sandy Alderson recently reminded people how important it is to consider the future, according to Joe Trezza of MLB.com:

"

Is there a window [for success]? Yes, there's a window. But, as I said, it's not a few weeks wide. It's the longer view that we have to take. It doesn't mean we're not going to do anything. It doesn't mean we're not trying to make a deal. We're certainly aware of the team that we have and the imbalance that we have right now between pitching and offense.

"

It seems at this point any hitter could represent an upgrade to the Mets offense, so a smaller move like this could still pay off for this season.

Pirates Adding Relievers

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

The Pittsburgh Pirates are legitimate World Series contenders, but a variety of injuries has caused the team to be aggressive on the trade market. Even after acquiring Aramis Ramirez, the team is still looking for ways to improve, according to Rosenthal:

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune broke down a few teams that could be involved in a deal:

Although trading Neil Walker—one of the few healthy and productive infielders left on the roster—wouldn't make much sense, the team does have another veteran who could draw interest. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports explained the Pirates' attempts to deal Pedro Alvarez:

Even though he has struggled lately, the former All-Star is just two seasons removed from leading the league with 36 home runs. This would represent a nice high-upside gamble for a team hoping to add power to the lineup.

Still, Pittsburgh's primary goal at this time is to continue to help the bullpen. If it can't find a fit with either the Miami Marlins or Arizona Diamondbacks, the Tampa Bay Rays could be an interesting trade partner.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays could deal one of their top relievers before the deadline. This includes 2015 All-Star Brad Boxberger, who has a career mark of 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Even if the cost is high, the closer could be one of the difference-makers in a deep playoff run this October.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.