MLB Trade Deadline 2018: End Date and Brian Dozier, Zack Wheeler Rumors

The Milwaukee Brewers held onto first place in the National League Central throughout most of the first half of the season.

However, they lost that lead in the final days before the All-Star break and will have to chase down the Chicago Cubs to regain it. While the Brewers appear to be a stronger team than the one that struggled in the second half of last season, they will almost certainly need to make some moves prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

The Brewers were reportedly involved in the Manny Machado trade talks before the Baltimore Orioles ultimately sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for five prospects.

They fell short in their attempt to get Machado, but they should be in a position to make several other moves. One of them could come in a deal with the Minnesota Twins for power-hitting second baseman Brian Dozier, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and The Athletic.

Rosenthal also reported the Brewers have some interest in acquiring additional pitching help. That would seem to be the case with most of the contenders, with the possible exception of the defending World Series champion Houston Astros.

Dozier had 16 home runs and 48 RBI in the first half of the season, and he has been strong in the second half in each of the last two years, hitting hit 28 home runs in 2016 and 21 last year after the All-Star break.

The New York Mets sit 4th in the NL East (40-55) and are not in contention for a playoff spot, even after their 11-1 start.

However, the Mets' pitching is a strength despite clear problems with their hitting, fielding and base running. 

While it may take a blockbuster offer before they would consider trading Noah Synedegaard or Jacob deGrom, other hurlers such as hard-throwing righthander Zack Wheeler could come at a more reasonable price.

A source who had discussed the matter with the Mets' front office said it was "better than 50-50" that Wheeler would be traded by the trade deadline, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Wheeler has a 3-6 record and a 4.44 earned run average. However, he has a 3.67 ERA since June 1 and has struck out 106 batters in 107.1 innings in total. Wheeler's ability to come up with a big strikeout when it is needed most could make him a much-coveted commodity.

Steven Matz could also be a trade target, but he is likely not as highly thought of as Wheeler.

Additionally, Tom Verducci reported Friday night during the MLB Network's broadcast of the Mets' game against the New York Yankees that "several teams" are involved in talks for closer Jeurys Familia.

Rosenthal went a bit further, tweeting Familia "was on the verge" of being traded, with a tweet from ESPN's Buster Olney suggesting the Oakland A's as one of the teams to be seriously interested.