MLB Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding Cole Hamels, Jay Bruce and More

After months of speculation, the high-profile trades across major league baseball are finally starting to come through. As we get closer to the trade deadline on July 31, we are likely to see a whole lot more.

The Kansas City Royals made the first big splash by acquiring Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, per ESPN.com, adding a legitimate ace and causing a major shift in the playoff race. Now it will be up to the rest of the teams in the league to catch up and find other players capable of helping their own cause.

There are plenty of notable stars still available, although it might not be that way for long. Here is the latest on some of the hottest names around the league.

Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Matt Marton/Associated Press

If anyone was uncertain about Cole Hamels after two rough starts, he certainly answered those questions with a no-hitter in his latest start against the Chicago Cubs. If that ends up being his final outing for the Philadelphia Phillies, it will end up being quite a send-off.

While the Phillies don't necessarily have to make a deal, the demand for the veteran starter might be too great to waste this opportunity. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark provided a look at the teams still involved in a potential deal at this stage:

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The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged over the weekend as the likely favorites to trade for Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels, multiple sources said.

The Phillies also continue to discuss Hamels with at least four other teams—the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox, a source said. However, those teams are said to have had more trouble matching up on a potential deal than the Dodgers or Rangers.

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This move would make a lot of sense for the Dodgers, a squad currently sitting in first place and hoping to contend for a championship this season. Adding a former World Series MVP to a rotation that already includes Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke could be downright scary for opposing teams in the playoffs.

Fans might be a bit more confused to see the Rangers complete this type of blockbuster deal, especially considering the club is currently under .500 and is a long shot to make the playoffs. The rotation desperately needs help, but you might not think it is worth giving up prospects for a wasted year.

ESPN.com's Buster Olney explained the team's thinking:

Hamels is under contract through 2018 plus a team option in 2019. If Texas can get its hands on the 31-year-old pitcher, the future could be bright.

Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

While Hamels has gotten the majority of headlines out of Philadelphia, he is not the only high-priced veteran who could be on his way out. Jonathan Papelbon has quietly put together another All-Star season and could be a great addition for a contending team this summer.

According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, there are at least a few interested squads heading into the trade deadline:

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Two baseball sources told MLB.com on Saturday afternoon that the Cubs, Blue Jays and Nationals are the three teams most seriously pursuing Papelbon with less than a week remaining before Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Papelbon has a limited no-trade clause, but he has said repeatedly it will not be an issue if he is traded to a contender. He also has said he will not leave the Phillies to be a setup man.

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Despite the hope to remain a closer, Papelbon's recent comments make it seem like he would be willing to leave to go anywhere with hope this season. At the All-Star break, the opinionated closer explained his disappointment in his time with the Phillies, per ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick:

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That's not what I signed up for. I signed up with a team that won 102 games, and I expected certain things. It didn't happen, and I've tried to ride that ship and keep my mouth shut as much as I can. But it's time for the Phillies to you-know-what or get off the pot.

I feel like three years is plenty enough time to ride it out, so to speak. If the fans don't understand that, I can't really side with them.

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The good news for Papelbon is he could have the best of both worlds with either the Toronto Blue Jays or Chicago Cubs, two squads who are legitimate playoff contenders but don't have established closers. The Washington Nationals are a bit better off but have a stopper in Drew Storen.

In any case, Papelbon is doing little to help Philadelphia, and it will make sense for the organization to find a way to part with the 34-year-old pitcher for whatever is offered. Dealing him to any of the previously mentioned teams would seemingly be the best for all involved parties.

Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

The New York Mets have already upgraded the offense by adding Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe, a move that has paid off immediately. Apparently, though, general manager Sandy Alderson is not quite finished.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Mets are interested in making a bigger move before the deadline, including a seemingly unsuccessful attempt at Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

Among the other targets mentioned is Jay Bruce, a player Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported the team was scouting heavily:

Well out of the playoff hunt, the Reds have already decided they will turn this month into a fire sale, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. With Cueto representing the first big domino in a trade to the Royals, it won't be surprising to see Bruce right behind him out the door. 

From the Mets' perspective, this would certainly be a major boost to a lineup that ranks among the league's worst in slugging percentage. Even after adding Uribe and Johnson, the offense is a long way from even being average, let alone a strength.

Just as importantly, Bruce is under contract through 2016 with a team option for 2017. If he comes to New York and performs like the slugger who twice finished in top 10 of the MVP vote, he could be around for a long time.

With Cincinnati clearing the contract and the Mets adding a big-time hitter, this could be a perfect deal for both sides.

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