MLB Rumors: Latest Pre-Trade Deadline Buzz on Yoenis Cespedes and More

It would be a mistake to think MLB won't offer more stunning moves with so many major deals on the books.

In fact, it might prove the exact opposite as teams race toward Friday's MLB trade deadline of 4 p.m. ET.

The Cincinnati Reds shipped Mike Leake to the San Francisco Giants, per ESPN.com, and the Texas Rangers convinced the Philadelphia Phillies it was a good idea to dump Cole Hamels, but those might look like small deals soon.

With some of the rumblings going around, the best might occur right at the deadline. Here's a look at some of the freshest happenings off the rumor mill.

Astros on the Hunt for Rotation Help

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

The Houston Astros sit in first place in the American League West as obvious buyers with the rotation needing another strong arm. Right now, it touts just two starters with notable start numbers and an ERA under 3.00.

As such, the Houston front office sounds like it has looked to one of the deadline's obvious sellers, the San Diego Padres. With names like James Shields and Andrew Cashner, it's understandable that teams would look at them for relief.

According to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Astros are not going the obvious route in who they want, though:

It's not hard to see why the Astros prefer Tyson Ross to Cashner.

Cashner's a solid arm with a 4.13 ERA, but touts a 4-10 record with 105 fanned batters. Compare it with Ross, who is the same age but has a 3.38 ERA, 7-8 mark and 137 strikeouts.

As Bleacher Report's Scott Miller points out, there is a reason the Astros are approaching it in this manner:

Even if something falls through with the Padres, it's clear the Astros will continue to act as one of the most notable buyers out there. Given their status in the standings, it makes perfect sense.

Phillies' Fire Sale Continues?

Just how much are the Phillies willing to let go at the deadline?

Ben Revere is one of the next names to come to mind. He's a 27-year-old speedster contenders wouldn't mind having at the plate or on the paths down the home stretch this year.

As such, Fox Sports insider Ken Rosenthal's blurb about Revere is something to watch: 

Revere is a strong leadoff option for most teams. He's putting up a .298/.334/.374 slash line with 26 RBI and 24 stolen bases. When it comes to the last number, he touts 34 or more steals in three of the five seasons he's seen significant playing time.

It helps that Revere has been on absolute fire over the course of the past couple of months too, batting .346 in June and .344 through July 30. Teams in need of lineup help, especially in the top spot, won't stop ringing Philadelphia's phone until a trade gets done or the deadline passes.

Yoenis Cespedes' Market

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Of the major names left on the block, Yoenis Cespedes might be the biggest.

He's been all over the place the last few seasons, but Cespedes continues to act as a hot commodity considering he's registered 18 homers and 61 RBI with a slash line of .293/.323/.506, his average a major jump on his 2014 total of .260.

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, plenty of teams have dialed up the Detroit Tigers about his services:

It's hard to know which teams and how many, although Fox Sports' Jon Morosi cited the New York Mets as an interested party.

With the Tigers not at .500, it might be best to take the highest bidder up on their offer with Cespedes' contract expiring after the season. There's no promise he'll be back, as the veteran may want some form of long-term stability with a team after bouncing around so much as of late.

While the eventual trade partner isn't yet clear, the Tigers still have plenty of time to pull off a trade. Expect this ordeal to find a resolution soon.

Stats and info courtesy of MLB.com unless otherwise specified.