The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is a week away and things may start to heat up soon around the league as the hunt for October baseball continues.
With races tightening and teams starting to evaluate whether they will be buyers or sellers, the landscape of the league could be about to shift by next Friday.
The Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates already broke the ice on Thursday by acquiring Scott Kazmir and Aramis Ramirez, respectfully.
Here's a look at five pitchers that could be on the move by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
Cueto, 29, has been in the rumor mill for months now and with the Cincinnati Reds (42-51) likely headed toward a rebuild and his contract set to expire, a trade could happen within the next week. Cueto is 6-6 this season with a 2.79 ERA and he ranks third in the National League in average allowed (.199) and fifth in WHIP (0.95).
According to MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays (49-48) are among teams interested in Cueto.
David Price, Detroit Tigers
Price, 29, has also recently popped up in speculation, though it's uncertain if the Tigers (47-48) will fully commit to selling in the next week. Price is 9-3 on the campaign with a 2.31 ERA. The southpaw has tossed three complete games and ranks third in the American League in ERA and fourth with 134 strikeouts.
While Price isn't considered on the block, Fox Sports reports that he's unlikely to be re-signed by Detroit, so it may end up wanting to move him if it continues to slide out of contention amid a disappointing season.
James Shields, San Diego Padres
Shields, 33, has been mentioned a lot lately, especially with the Padres (44-52) having a terrible year following their offseason makeover. Shields is 8-3 with a 3.77 ERA and he places third among NL pitchers with 144 strikeouts and 10.23 K's per nine innings.
According to ESPN, the Padres are willing to move Shields and Andrew Cashner (3-10, 4.10 ERA) in a potential deal.
Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox
Samardzija, 30, is likely to be moved and if Thursday proves to be his final outing with the White Sox (43-50), he went out in style. Samardzija held the Cleveland Indians (45-49) to one run on four hits. Overall, "The Shark" is 7-5 with a 3.91 ERA this season. He's third in the AL with 140.1 innings pitched and fifth with 1.67 walks per nine.
The Astros were said to be in on Samardzija, but that may have changed following the acquisition of Kazmir.
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
Hamels, 31, is seemingly on the block every July, but the Phillies asking price is usually way too high. With Philadelphia (34-63) sporting the MLB's worst record, perhaps they'll finally send Hamels to another team. Hamels is 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA this season and is signed through 2018.
According to ESPN, the Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers and Dodgers remain in on the southpaw.
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