MLB Trade Speculation: Ideal Destinations for 10 Players Who May Be on the Move
With baseball's All-Star Game just around the corner, some teams appear poised to punch their ticket to the postseason, while others have definitely played their way out of contention.
The majority, however, probably fall somewhere in between. Some teams may be exceeding expectations but in all reality will regress to the mean.
Even still, the potential for being left out of October baseball probably won't stop them from looking at making a move to improve their team's chances.
There have been many notable names thrown out there as potential trade targets and even though most rumors fail to gain steam, some players will end up joining a contender and filling a hole that may get that team over the hump and maybe even into the World Series.
David Wright: Detroit Tigers
1 of 10Currently just one game behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers appear poised to be contending for a division crown if the Indians fall even further back to the pack from their outstanding start to the season.
The Tigers have probably the most balanced lineup in the division, but could probably use help to ensure they have what it takes. Brandon Inge has never been relied upon too heavily for his bat, as he has a sub-.250 career batting average.
But with his average hovering barely north of .200 this season, acquiring David Wright could help improve the team's overall hitting. His average right now isn't a whole lot better than Inge's, but with a career average of .302 you can bet that he'll improve on his current .226 clip.
Brian Fuentes: St. Louis Cardinals
2 of 10The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in the thick of a hotly contested NL Central division. With the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers all within three games of each other at the top, one right move at the deadline could make a huge difference.
Signed for $10.5 million over the next two seasons, Brian Fuentes could be a relatively cost-effective option for the Cardinals if they choose to bolster their bullpen.
His numbers in Oakland have been less than stellar (1-7, 4.73 ERA) but Fuentes' track record has made him a valuable part of contending franchises over recent seasons.
Mike Aviles: Cleveland Indians
3 of 10During the early parts of this season, the Cleveland Indians appeared to be running away with the AL Central. The team couldn't do anything wrong, while the rest of the division seemingly couldn't do anything right.
Things have changed since then, and the Indians' division lead has dwindled to just one game—thanks in part to decreased productivity from their infielders.
One option to solidify things would be Mike Aviles of the Kansas City Royals. Despite a slow start to the season, the infielder is a career .285 hitter with an OPS of over .700.
J.J. Hardy: Milwaukee Brewers
4 of 10The Milwaukee Brewers took a big step towards showing they're ready to contend for a division title this past offseason with the acquisition of Zack Greinke from Kansas City.
The move has paid off as Greinke is showing form after returning from injury and the Brewers are currently atop their division.
They could take another step in the right direction if they choose to replace struggling infielder Yuniesky Betancourt with a more reliable option.
While he wouldn't necessarily be the savior for a team ready to take it to the next level, the return of J.J. Hardy to Milwaukee could provide a spark to the team. Hardy is currently batting .304 this season and has gone deep nine times on his way to 27 RBI.
Francisco Rodriguez: Philadelphia Phillies
5 of 10Francisco Rodriguez's name has been swirling around trade talks since long before the season began. It's becoming more and more clear that Rodriguez has to go.
With a 2.53 career ERA, his late-inning prowess could add to a Philadelphia Phillies bullpen that would nicely complement the team's dominant starting rotation.
Mark Buehrle: New York Yankees
6 of 10The Chicago White Sox likely won't be shipping out any member of their team as long as they stay in contention for the division. But if they find themselves on the outside looking in, moving Mark Buehrle may be a move the team looks to make.
Currently in the final year of a four-year, $56 million deal, Buehrle is 6-5 with a 3.73 ERA in 15 starts. The team may be hesitant to extend Buehrle at what would likely be a high price tag for a 33-year-old starter, making this move more logical in the event they falter.
The Yankees are seeking depth in the starting rotation and wouldn't hesitate to eat up the payroll to rent Buehrle for a late-season run and potentially an eventual contract extension.
Cincinnati Reds: James Shields
7 of 10Despite being in the thick of things in the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds could use some help in their starting rotation as they look to emerge above the rest of their competition.
If they're able to work out a deal with Tampa Bay, James Shields could go a long way towards solidifying their rotation. In the final year of a four-year deal, Shields is 7-4 with a 2.40 ERA.
Jose Reyes: San Francisco Giants
8 of 10Jose Reyes' name is constantly in trade rumors across the media, leaving little question as to whether or not he'll be leaving New York, but rather where he'll be leaving New York for.
The San Francisco Giants appear to be a ready and willing suitor for the services of Reyes. With the loss of Buster Posey from the lineup, other holes on the roster are now magnified, making it more important that the team address their deficiencies.
Reyes is batting .336 this season with 12 triples and 29 RBI. Add to that his 26 steals in 31 attempts and it's easy to see that he'd make an immediate impact no matter where he ends up.
Brandon League: Chicago White Sox
9 of 10In the seemingly wide-open AL Central division, the Chicago White Sox appear to be returning to form after a less than spectacular start put them in an early hole.
The White Sox will likely monitor their status in the division closely as the All-Star break comes and goes, as they assess whether or not making a move would help their chances at bringing a division title back to the Cell.
If they do decide they need help, they could potentially look towards Seattle and bring in Brandon League to solidify their bullpen.
League has appeared in 33 games this season and has converted 20 saves on his way to a 3.82 ERA.
Heath Bell: Boston Red Sox
10 of 10With the San Diego Padres calling the NL West basement home, it doesn't seem that the team is poised to make a run at postseason play this season.
Heath Bell has been a bright spot for the team however, notching a 2.70 ERA while saving 19 of the team's 32 victories.
The Boston Red Sox got an up-close look at Bell on Monday as he converted a save opportunity in one inning of work.

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