MLB Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Justin Verlander, Sonny Gray and More

Two big-name starting pitchers could be on the move before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, according to the latest trade rumors.

That's in addition to a hot-hitting Alex Avila, who is enjoying the best season of his career since finishing 12th in the MVP voting in 2011.

Here's a look at the latest trade chatter as the trade deadline nears.

Justin Verlander

The Detroit Tigers starter has enjoyed a fantastic 13-year career in the bigs, all with one team.

Verlander is having a down year in 2017, as he's managed just a 4.54 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, but he's coming off a 2016 campaign when he finished second in the Cy Young voting (and arguably should have finished first).

With the Tigers eight games under .500 and having already traded star outfielder J.D. Martinez, they are clearly in a rebuilding mode and may look to deal the 2011 MVP and Cy Young Award winner.

According to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports and MLB Network, the Houston Astros are interested in both Verlander and closer Justin Wilson:

However, Morosi noted that the Astros would have to navigate a few roadblocks in order to pull off a Verlander deal:

"

On #Tigers/#Astros talks, important context: Verlander would need to approve trade, and Detroit likely would have to include cash. @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2017"

If the trade goes through, that would give the Astros a fantastic playoff rotation of Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., Verlander and Brad Peacock.

Coupled with Houston's phenomenal batting order and a lights-out bullpen, that would make the Astros an even more difficult team to beat en route to the AL pennant.

Sonny Gray

It seems like nearly every MLB team in contention has checked in on Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray, per recent rumors.

As Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports notes, the New York Yankees have an interest in Gray, but nothing is imminent:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the Yankees, Astros and Milwaukee Brewers figure to be the top three suitors for Gray, but that they could all be facing even more competition.

Morosi has the Astros in the lead:

Gray seems like a more realistic fit for the Astros rotation than the aforementioned Verlander, simply because of the no-trade clause and cash hurdles Morosi mentioned in his report.

Furthermore, the Tigers would likely be asking for a lot in return for a player one year removed from being one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Of course, it will cost a lot for Gray, who has a 3.66 ERA this year and a 3.45 ERA for his five-year career. Still, the Astros, Yankees and Brewers all need rotation help, so it figures that one of them (or a wild-card team) will be willing to pay a steep price.

The guess here is that Houston ends up being that team.

Alex Avila

Although the biggest names left on the trade market are pitchers, contenders can still trade for a few hot bats.

One of them is Avila, and according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Chicago Cubs are interested:

In 70 games, Avila has hit 11 home runs in addition to a .932 OPS. However, the Cubs already have a catcher who has been doing well this year, as Willson Contreras has hit 13 home runs, knocked in 48 RBI and hit for a .822 OPS.

That being said, what team wouldn't want another left-handed power bat?

Also, Avila could fill the role of Miguel Montero, who was released following disparaging comments about one of his starting pitchers, and form a solid platoon with the right-handed Contreras. Avila can even play a little first base (he's been there for 15 games this season) if Anthony Rizzo needs a day off.

With the Cubs just one game out of the NL Central lead, acquiring Avila could be a big boost toward putting them over the top of the Milwaukee Brewers and into first place.