The Major League Baseball trade deadline is rapidly approaching and the rumors are continuing to swirl over several players throughout the league.
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It could prove to be an eventful trade season as losing teams look to dump salary and winning clubs hope to bulk up their rosters for the second half of the season and a playoff push.
Prior to the July 31 MLB trade deadline, here's a look at five possible players that could be on the move.
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Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics Infielder
There have already been plenty of rumors surrounding Zobrist and the Washington Nationals and New York Mets were said to have interest in him earlier this season. However, a trip to the disabled list and a slow start may make him less attractive to other teams than some other A's players as the team is likely to have a fire sale.
Zobrist, 34, is hitting just .242 with three homers and 21 RBI this season. Oakland is sure to make some deals with Billy Beane known for wheeling and dealing and especially since the team enters Friday with a 29-40 record. The A's are 11.5 games behind the first place Houston Astros in the American League West and 8.5 games out of a wild-card spot.
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies Closer
The rebuilding Phillies could have plenty of moves to make within the next month as there are several possible players they can deal. Philadelphia may have to eat a lot of his salary, which sees him make $8 million with a vesting $13 million option for next season and will either have to find a team in need of a closer (Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners or Chicago Cubs) or have Papelbon change his stance of having to be the ninth inning guy.
Papelbon, 34, is 1-1 with a 1.01 ERA in 26 games and 26.2 innings pitched and he has saved 13 games for the last place Phillies. Philadelphia enters Friday with a 23-45 mark, 13 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the NL East and 14 games out of the wild-card.
Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies Outfielder
The best thing going for Gonzalez is that the outfield crop is very thin, but it's still a long-shot that he gets dealt due to his $47 million deal, a $1 million bonus he gets if he is traded and his terrible road splits compared to how he performs at Coors Field. Gonzalez has stayed healthy this season and played better this month, so if the Rockies do find a trade partner they may move him.
Gonzalez, 29, is hitting just .243/.310/.423 this season with 10 long balls and 27 RBI. The Rockies are in the NL West cellar with a 28-38 record and trail the first place Los Angeles Dodgers by 9.5 games while they are eight games out of a wild-card spot.
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds RHP
The Cincinnati Reds will only deal their ace for a huge haul, which could end up keeping other teams from engaging due to the fact that he hits free agency at the end of the year. Still, Cueto is the type of arm that could impact a playoff-bound club in a huge way. Clubs will likely show interest, but the Reds aren't expected to deal him until after they host the All-Star Game on July 14.
Cueto, 29, is having another nice year as he is 4-4 with a 2.98 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and 86 strikeouts. The Reds are 30-35 entering Friday, 12.5 games behind the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central and 5.5 games back in the wild-card.
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies LHP
Hamels has once again emerged as one of the top candidates to be traded and one of the hottest commodities after the Phillies balked on trading him this winter. There is a long list of suitors for the left-hander, however general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s demands have been very high and most general managers aren't willing to part with what he's asking for. Still, the 3 1/2 years and $90 million on his deal make him more than a rent-a-player, so a swap could be in the cards by July 31.
Hamels, 31, is 5-5 this season with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts for the Phillies along with a 1.113 WHIP and 103 strikeouts.
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