MLB Trade Speculation: Each MLB Team's Biggest Trade Rumor Magnet

It seems almost inevitable that with each passing year in baseball, every MLB team has at least one player who is being targeted as the player most likely to be involved in a trade at the deadline.

In many cases, that player may be a prospect, but in other cases, it may be a player with a relatively high contract that his team may be looking to unload. In cases where teams are clearly identified as buyers looking for that one major piece that can upgrade their team for the pennant drive, selling teams will be looking to cash in with either a major league ready prospect or a highly rated prospect who could be ready to perform with the big club the following year.

A trade between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox in 1990 is a classic example. The Red Sox, gearing up for a playoff run, dealt minor league prospect Jeff Bagwell to the Astros on Aug. 30 that year for relief pitcher Larry Andersen, hoping Andersen would help shore up the bullpen.

Of course, Bagwell went on to enjoy a terrific 15-year career in Houston, and Andersen, while he did help the Sox get to the postseason in 1990, was lost to free agency the following season.

This deal was considered one of the most lopsided in MLB history, and while teams would be hard-pressed to get that diamond in the rough like the Astros did in 1990, they will still be looking for prospects in exchange for veterans wanted by buying teams.

With this list, we will take a look at the one name for each MLB that appears to be the magnet in terms of being associated with trade rumors, whether it be a prospect for a buying team or a veteran for a selling team.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Brandon Allen

Make no mistake about it, the fact that the Arizona Diamondbacks are even being considered as possible buyers approaching the trade deadline is a complete surprise to just about everyone.

New general manager Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson have both transformed the organization in different ways—Towers in repairing a fractured front office and re-opening lines of communication and Gibson in getting his players to believe that discipline and accountability leads to playing the right way.

However, the D-Backs may still need some pitching depth if they are to continue their fight at the top of the NL West with the San Francisco Giants, and selling teams just may be looking at D-Backs' first base prospect Brandon Allen when discussing deals.

Allen is currently hitting .298 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI for Triple-A Reno in the Pacific Coast League, but it appears that the D-Backs may be more intrigued with Double-A prospect Paul Goldschmidt, who is tearing it up for Mobile and will represent Arizona in the MLB Futures game at Chase Field on All-Star Sunday on July 10. Allen could be moved to bump Goldschmidt up faster.

Atlanta Braves: Randall Delgado

The Atlanta Braves would certainly appear to be buyers at this juncture. While they are five games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the race for the NL East title, they are leading the wild-card race by just one game in a tightly packed group that has eight teams within five games.

The Braves have seen their struggles offensively, and with the clearly mediocre play of Nate McClouth in center field (.238 average, three HR, 12 RBI), GM Frank Wren will be looking for upgrades.

The name that teams will inquire about the most is RHP Randall Delgado. Delgado is currently 4-4 with a 3.68 ERA in 14 starts for Double-A Mississippi and got one look at the major league level this season, pitching four innings for the Braves on June 17 against the Texas Rangers.

At just 21 years of age and with the Braves’ current pitching depth, Delgado will be the prospect targeted by many teams.

Baltimore Orioles: Koji Uehara

While the Baltimore Orioles are not out of it, at five games under .500 and in the ever-competitive AL East, it’s highly unlikely the O’s will be looking at the playoffs this season. Considering the number of players who have under-performed this year (Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Luke Scott, Michael Gonzalez, Brad Bergesen), they may be hard-pressed to deal some of those players especially considering salary issues.

However, one standout has been reliever Koji Uehara. Uehara, in 32 appearances, has posted a miniscule ERA of 2.31 and opponents are only hitting .169 against him.

Middle relief is always a huge concern for playoff contenders, and Uehara, at just $3 million for the year, is not only affordable, he’s effective.

Boston Red Sox: Josh Reddick

The Boston Red Sox definitely appear to be buyers heading into the trade deadline, currently one-half game behind the Yankees in the AL East. After an awful start, the Sox now lead the majors in runs scored, hits, batting average and on-base percentage.

With recent injuries to Daisuke Matsuzaka and Clay Buchholz and the continued inconsistency of John Lackey, GM Theo Epstein may be looking for depth in the starting rotation.

Outfielder Josh Reddick may just be the prospect that selling teams will be looking for in dealing with Epstein. Reddick is currently hitting a sizzling .414 for the Sox, chipping in for the big club while standout Carl Crawford rehabs from a strained left hamstring.

With J.D. Drew in the last year of his multi-year contract and Mike Cameron not likely to be retained, Reddick could be the answer in right field for the future, so Epstein may be VERY antsy about including Reddick in any deal. However, it won’t stop teams from asking.

Chicago Cubs: Ryan Dempster

At 15 games under .500 and the team performing well under expectations, Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts may be instructing his GM, Jim Hendry, to start unloading the high contracts sooner rather than later.

While Hendry may be holding out hope that the season is still salvageable, three months into the season, the Cubs are still sinking, having lost eight of their last nine series.

One player who could be unloaded that could provide stability for a potential playoff contender would be Ryan Dempster. Dempster, 5-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 17 starts, has pitched much better in May and June after a horrible April that inflated his stats.

Signed for $13.5 million with a player option for next season, Dempster’s contract could be an issue, so buyers will most likely look for the Cubs to pick up part of that remaining money.

Chicago White Sox: Mark Teahen

With the Chicago White Sox increasing their payroll by $20 million during the offseason, it’s hard to imagine they will be buyers even if they’re in the playoff mix at the trade deadline.

While GM Kenny Williams will continue to hope that free-agent acquisitions Adam Dunn and Alex Rios can turn their seasons around, he may be looking to unload in other areas.

In that scenario, third baseman/outfielder could find himself as the odd man out in Chicago. Barely hitting above the Mendoza line a .203 with two HR and seven RBI in 32 games, Teahen spent time on the DL, has struggled mightily since his return, hitting just .125 since June 7 and with his position flexibility, figures to draw interest from teams nearing the deadline.

Cleveland Indians: Jason Kipnis

You have to give the Cleveland Indians a little credit—after being the darling of the majors throughout April and May, they have stumbled through June, with an 8-15 record and losing their AL Central lead to the Detroit Tigers. However, they are still in the mix in that crazy division.

If the Indians are somehow still viable and within a few games of the lead come the trade deadline, they could become unlikely buyers. If that’s the case, teams may be asking about second base prospect Jason Kipnis.

Kipnis is hitting .286 for Triple-A Columbus, and with the Tribe’s recent call-up of Cord Phelps, Kipnis could be the one most teams will inquire about.

Cincinnati Reds: Yonder Alonso

The Cincinnati Reds, hot off their first NL Central division title in 15 years last season, is in the thick of a tight race in the NL Central once again, as well as in the wild-card standings. If GM Walt Jocketty is of a mind to be in a buying mood come trade deadline time, there is clearly one prospect that selling teams will have in mind—first baseman Yonder Alonso.

Alonso is hitting .306 with nine home runs and 42 RBI with Triple-A Louisville, however his path to the majors in Cincy is clearly blocked by reigning NL MVP Joey Votto.

If Jocketty is looking to improve his club for the pennant race, Alonso’s name will be brought up more than once.

Colorado Rockies: Ryan Spilborghs

The Colorado Rockies are clearly an enigma right now—streaky as a word for their play thus far in 2011 would be an understatement.

Nonetheless, they are still only five games out in the NL West and five games back in the wild-card race. If they were to become buyers, second base is clearly a position they will look to upgrade. In order to do that however, one particular player just may have to be part of any deal—Ryan Spilborghs.

Rockies’ GM Dan O’Dowd has recently talked about the possibility of exploring options to upgrade the Rockies’ starting rotation, and Spilborghs, currently hitting .236 with two HR and 15 RBI, could be looked at as a utility outfielder for inquiring teams.

Detroit Tigers: Magglio Ordonez

The Detroit Tigers have worked themselves to the top of the AL Central and look to be locked up in a battle in that division for the rest of the season, especially given the horrible play of the Minnesota Twins and the surprising play of the Cleveland Indians.

However, they have done it without one of its stellar players over the years, Magglio Ordonez. Ordonez, currently hitting just .183 with two HR and eight runs batted in, just recently returned from a broken ankle. However, Ordonez is still clearly struggling at the plate and has turned into more of a liability in right field.

GM Dave Dombrowski would do well in swinging a deal to send Ordonez to a team looking for DH help at this point.

Florida Marlins: Leo Nunez

The Florida Marlins are affixed in last place in the NL East, 14 games behind the front-running Philadelphia Phillies, and even the return of 80-year-old Jack McKeon won’t be enough to consider the Marlins as anything but sellers come the trade deadline.

There is no question that Leo Nunez will be the player most inquired about by buying teams, and his name has already been talked about in many different trade speculation ramblings by many publications.

Nunez is signed for $3.65 million this season and is arbitration eligible next season, so the Marlins still have control. However, Nunez could bring a nice package of prospects and possibly major league ready players in time for the Marlins’ debut of their new stadium next year.

Houston Astros: Hunter Pence

Has there been any one outfielder mentioned more times this season in trade talks than Hunter Pence?

Considering the Houston Astros at 28-51 are clearly in a team headed in the wrong direction for the 2011 season, incoming owner Jim Crane may be looking to rebuild in order to make his mark quite soon.

Pence, hitting .316 with nine homers and 52 RBI, would be an attractive addition to any contending team, and the Astros could absolutely command a nice package of prospects in return.

Kansas City Royals: Jeff Francis

After a surprising start to the season, the Kansas City Royals have settled into a position that has become all too familiar—in the cellar of the AL Central.

As such, players who don't figure into the future of the team will certainly be considered expendable at the trade deadline. Given the success of the Royals' recent drafts (Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Luke Hochevar), they will no doubt continue to build with youth.

Left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis, acquired during the offseason for $2 million, has struggled in his only year in Kansas City, with a 3-8 record and 4.76 ERA. However, he'll still attract interest from teams looking for pitching depth down the stretch.

Los Angeles Angels: Joel Pineiro

For anyone expecting the Los Angeles Angels to become buyers at the trade deadline if they're within striking distance of the Texas Rangers in the AL West, guess again—it was reported two weeks ago by Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles that owner Arte Moreno instructed GM Tony Reagins not to spend any more of his money this season.

While the Angels may not be involved in any blockbuster deals, they could try to find ways to unload current salary, such as starter Joel Pineiro.

Pineiro, in the final season of a two-year, $16 million deal, is 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 starts after starting the season on the disabled list, and has received very little run support in several of his starts. Pineiro is much more likely to be traded than top-line starters Jered Weaver, who is under team control through 2012, and Dan Haren.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Jonathan Broxton

The continuing saga of ownership for the Los Angeles Dodgers has without question turned the storied franchise into sellers this season. Several reports indicate that Frank McCourt will not have the available cash needed to make the June 30 payroll, at which time MLB will step in and a messy transferral of power will begin.

So, the Dodgers, while a complete dismantling won't happen, will no doubt have players available. Closer Jonathan Broxton is clearly one of those players.

Broxton, currently serving his second stint this season on the DL with a bone bruise in his right elbow, will most likely be shopped as soon as he shows his elbow is healthy again.

Broxton was lights out in the first half of 2010 but has struggled since, and his current health issues certainly haven't helped his cause.

However, Broxton's future in LA does not appear to be long.

Milwaukee Brewers: Sean Halton

The Milwaukee Brewers clearly gambled their future for the present this past offseason with the acquisitions of pitchers Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum. The two trades greatly weakened their farm system, however thus far in 2011 it is paying off, with the Brewers on top of the NL Central by three games.

Given the uncertainty of the contract status of Prince Fielder, the Brewers would be hesitant to include first base prospect Sean Halton, but teams will no doubt ask.

Halton, hitting .315 with five HR and 36 RBI for Double-A Hunstville, could clearly be an insurance policy for the Brewers if they are unable to retain Fielder.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer

At this point in time, on the heels of a five-game losing streak that has put the Minnesota Twins back in the cellar of the AL Central, it's hard to imagine the Twins being buyers in less than six weeks.

It would be the first time in more than a decade that the Twins would be put in this position, so speculation about trade rumors have been rampant. However the name most often mentioned that could provide the Twins with some value in return has been first baseman/outfielder Michael Cuddyer.

With Justin Morneau now on the shelf and Delmon Young landing on the DL with a nasty ankle sprain, GM Bill Smith will be hesitant to move Cuddyer. However, considering he is a free agent at the end of the season, Smith may look to move him now to get some value in return instead of losing him to free agency and getting nothing in return.

New York Mets: Jose Reyes

New York Mets Jose Reyes continues to be the hot topic concerning trade rumors, and that doesn't figure to change for the next five weeks.

Reyes is having an All-Star season, with a .334 average that leads the National League, 13 triples, 27 steals and has been the biggest bright spot in a Mets season that has quickly turned sour.

New York Yankees: Jesus Montero

Highly regarded New York Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero was reportedly benched for two games earlier this month by Triple-A Scranton after showing what was an apparent "lack of energy."

Given the fact that Russell Martin and Francisco Cervelli are firmly implanted with the big club and with Jorge Posada hitting much better in the month of June, any trade that the Yankees may involve themselves with to add depth for the playoff run will no doubt include Montero's name for selling teams.

Montero is hitting .289 with five homers and 26 RBI, and his offensive numbers project far above the current major league averages for catchers.

Oakland Athletics: Brian Fuentes

Closer Brian Fuentes has had a difficult year to say the least—a 1-8 record, 4.76 ERA, three blown saves and relegated to the middle of the bullpen upon the return of Andrew Bailey.

Fuentes is owed about $7.5 million through 2012, but with a number of teams looking for bullpen depth down the stretch, GM Billy Beane will almost certainly listen to offers.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jarred Cosart

The Philadelphia Phillies own the best record in the majors and appear primed for postseason play. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. will no doubt look to make some upgrades before the trade deadline, and while the Phillies aren't piled up with great prospects, one that selling teams will be inquiring about is pitcher Jarred Cosart.

Cosart, who will be appearing in the MLB Futures game during All-Star weekend on July 10 at Chase Field in Phoenix, is currently enjoying an excellent season with Advanced Single-A Clearwater, with a 6-4 record and 3.16 ERA in 13 starts.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Maholm

At 39-38, the Pittsburgh Pirates are above .500 at the latest point of any season since 1995, and first-year manager Clint Hurdle has his players believing that they are indeed good.

While it's no doubt a refreshing change in the Steel City, does anyone really believe that the Pirates will be buyers in five weeks?

The player most involved in trade speculation has been starter Paul Maholm. Maholm has clearly been the definition of a hard-luck pitcher thus far in 2011, with a 4-8 record and a paltry 3.21 ERA.

If the Pirates are sellers at the deadline, Maholm, who is in the final season of a three-year deal, could be the starter most coveted by buyers.

San Diego Padres: Heath Bell

The San Diego Padres are fast becoming the West Coast version of the Pittsburgh Pirates—develop a great crop of players and move them along after they become unaffordable.

Hence, there are a slew of players whom will be deemed unaffordable in the future for the Padres, and the list is topped by closer Heath Bell.

Bell has stated he would accept less money to continue his career in San Diego, but as one of the elite closers in all of baseball, Bell won't accept THAT much of a hometown discount.

The Phillies figure to be a team who will inquire, considering that Jose Contreras is on the shelf until at least late July and Brad Lidge at least that long as well.

San Francisco Giants: Jose Reyes

Yes, I know Jose Reyes is with the Mets, but this slideshow is dedicated to trade magnets, and Reyes' name has most often been associated with the San Francisco Giants.

With the disaster that has been Miguel Tejada's season thus far (.224 average, just one homer) and the fact that the Giants are in first place in the NL West despite scoring the fewest runs in the league, GM Brian Sabean will no doubt pursue a creative deal to get Reyes in the Bay Area.

Seattle Mariners: Erik Bedard

At 32 years of age, Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Erik Bedard is pitching like he's 25—considering all the time he's missed over the past three seasons, that's actually not far from the truth.

As the oldest pitcher on the Mariners' staff, Bedard is indeed pitching like a youngster again—a 4-5 record, 2.93 ERA and just 70 hits given up in 83 innings. Bedard is certainly showing the youth of the Mariners a thing or two.

However, his time in Seattle probably isn't long, as the M's young staff headed by Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda only figures to continue with its youth movement.

St. Louis Cardinals: Matthew Adams

The St. Louis Cardinals are once again in the thick of things in the NL Central, three games behind the Milwaukee Brewers an in the wild-card race as well. It appears that GM John Mozeliak will be looking for some pitching help to keep the Cards in the chase.

One player that selling teams will be giving a serious look at is first base prospect Matthew Adams. Adams is currently tearing up the Texas League with Double-A Springfield, hitting .353 with 16 HR, 50 RBI and an OPS of 1.076.

Unfortunately, Adams' path to the bigs with the Cards is blocked by all-world first baseman Albert Pujols. Despite his current fractured wrist and struggles in 2011, and questions regarding whether or not he will be a Redbird in 2012, Pujols is likely not going anywhere, and Adams will be a valuable chip in any trade talks for selling teams.

Tampa Bay Rays: B.J. Upton

Tampa Bay Rays VP of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has shown to be a very shrewd baseball man in his time on the job. His sense of judging talent has certainly worked in the Rays' favor since his tenure started in 2006.

Friedman was the one who made the decision to trade left-hander Scott Kazmir in 2009—while panned at the time, Friedman proved to be prophetic in his thoughts regarding Kazmir.

Now, the Rays, despite still having one of the lower payrolls in baseball, are still hanging around in the AL East, just one and a half games behind the New York Yankees. And the player most talked about, regardless of where the Rays sit in five weeks, continues to be outfielder B.J. Upton.

The Washington Nationals have already indicated they would "overpay" for Upton's services, and Friedman would certainly be willing to oblige, especially with prospect Desmond Jennings waiting in the wings.

Texas Rangers: Martin Perez

In defending their AL championship, the Texas Rangers are 41-38 and leading a weak AL West division by two games over the Los Angeles Angels, however all four teams in the division are only separated by six games.

The Rangers and GM Jon Daniels will no doubt look to upgrade, especially with veteran pitching, and young prospect Martin Perez will be the one selling teams will be salivating over.

Perez is currently 4-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 15 starts with Double-A Frisco and at 21 years of age continues to improve. Rated as the No. 24 prospect by Baseball America in the preseason, Perez will no doubt want to be included by several teams in any trade discussions.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jon Rauch

At 39-39, the Toronto Blue Jays certainly haven't been terrible, but given the play of the three teams above them in the AL East, a .500 record at this juncture won't even get the Jays a sniff at playoff contention.

Reliever/closer Jon Rauch has been okay in his first season with the Jays after providing huge relief for the Minnesota Twins in 2010 in the absence of Joe Nathan.

Rauch will definitely be a player on the trade market that can bring back value for the Jays and at $3.5 million, is a less expensive option than other relievers rumored to be available.

Washington Nationals: B.J. Upton

With all of the hoopla surrounding the managerial issues in Washington over the last three days, it's easy to forget just how well the Nationals have been playing and whether or not they'll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

The Nats have made no bones about the fact they are looking for a long-term answer in center field, and B.J. Upton has been the name behind that answer.

Upton has never fully developed as the Tampa Bay Rays thought he would since he debuted as a 19-year-old back in 2004, and at just 26 years of age, a change of scenery could do him justice.