MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Top Players Rumored to Move in August Waiver Deals

August trade rumors do not take as much precedent as those that are floating around at the MLB non-wavier trade deadline. However, many of the moves made in August are ones that have major impacts on playoff races.

Many players will actually clear waivers, but many of them will not be moved. There are a few players that could be dealt before September 1. Some deals that occur may be salary dumps while others could net a team a player that leads them into the playoffs.

Rich Harden

Rich Harden was almost traded to the Boston Red Sox before the July 31st trade deadline. However, the deal fell apart. Now, another AL East team is looking to acquire the right hander.

The New York Yankees have sent scouts to watch Harden pitch. It is well known that the Yankees are looking for pitching help and Harden could help answer their problems.

Wandy Rodriguez

The Houston Astros tried to move Wandy Rodriguez in July but they found no takers. They are still looking to see if they can move him.

If the Astros are able to trade Rodriguez, it will most likely be as a salary dump. Rodriguez has already been placed on waivers and should draw interest from a few teams.

Brett Myers

Brett Myers is another pitcher that the Houston Astros could look to move in August. Just like Wandy Rodriguez, Myers has been placed on waivers.

Myers' numbers this year have been slightly misleading and he is signed through 2012 with an option for 2013. He should draw interest from a few contenders.

Alfonso Soriano

With Jim Hendry out as the Cubs GM, it might be hard for the team to make a deal as they are in a transitional period. If they can make a move, one of the players that could be dealt is Alfonso Soriano.

The Cubs are willing to pay a large portion of Soriano's salary to move him. Soriano likely does not fit with the Cubs new direction and trading him will give the team more flexibility.

Jim Thome

Jim Thome hit a major career milestone this year when he hit his 600th home run. Thome could accomplish another major milestone if he is dealt to a contender this year.

If Thome is traded to a team like the Philadelphia Phillies, he could win his first World Series title. He would likely be a power bat off the bench.

Carlos Zambrano

It is clear that Carlos Zambrano has worn out his welcome in Chicago. It is highly doubtful that Zambrano will be wearing a Cubs uniform when the 2012 season begins.

Zambrano is currently on the disqualified list and the Cubs could certainly look to trade or release him. The Cubs will need to pay of large chunk of Zambrano's salary if they want to get rid of this headache.

Ramon Hernandez

The Cincinnati Reds have fallen out of contention in the NL Central and it appears that it is time for them to look forward to next season.

Trading Ramon Hernandez could help them with this. Devin Mesoraco appears to be ready for the MLB and should begin to start seeing at-bats with the Reds. Yasmani Grandal is not far behind him.

Jason Giambi

Teams were interested in Jason Giambi before the July 31 trade deadline but he suffered an injury and was placed on the DL. Now that Giambi is healthy, teams may be interested in him again.

Giambi can serve as a useful bat off of a contenders' bench. In addition to this, Giambi has the ability to be a leader in the clubhouse.

Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero may not be putting up the same numbers that he did in 2010, but the Baltimore Orioles outfielder is still having a good season. He could be a useful player for a number of teams.

Guerrero will be a free agent after the season so he will be a very low-cost pickup. Teams will likely use Guerrero as a DH or a power bat off the bench.

Jeff Francis

Jeff Francis has more value than his numbers project. His FIP and xFIP are both significantly lower than his ERA. He also has a very affordable contract for the remainder of the year.

Francis becomes a free agent after the year so he could be a cheap addition to the back end of a contender's rotation. The Royals certainly could look to move Francis this year.