The MLB trade deadline (July 31, 2015) is quickly approaching, and that means that the rumors are going to start flying at a rapid pace. Much of the talk will turn out to be nothing more than smoke screens, but there are usually at least a couple of big-name players moved every year. The Oakland Athletics got things started by dealing Scott Kazmir to the Houston Astros, and as we get close to the deadline, the talk will only continue to ramp up. Some of the most desirable players thought to be available in the next week include Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto and Justin Upton. Click through to see the most recent rumors regarding them and more. (Getty)
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, clubs around the league believe that there are four potential landing spots for Hamels, who is arguably the most-sought after player available: the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. Although the Phillies are in an obvious position to sell, the price is going to be steep. Not only has Hamels, 31, been one of the best left-handed starters in the league over the last several years, but he's under team control through 2019, making him far more than just a mid-season rental. It's likely going to take an immediate-impact player or elite prospect to get him. Per Stark, the Cubs have reportedly put top-10 prospect Javier Baez on the table, while the Rangers may have to part with someone like Joey Gallo or Jorge Alfaro. (Getty)
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
Although Cueto isn't under team control for as long as Hamels (he's a free agent next winter), he has been far more effective with a 2.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 115-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 18 starts. He's an obvious target for teams focused on winning the 2015 World Series and not as concerned about the future. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman lists five teams who are thought to be in the hunt for Cueto: Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. (Getty)
Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics
The A's, 11 games out of first place in the AL West, are going to be sellers at the trade deadline for the first time in a long time, and Zobrist is arguably the most tantalizing prospect. He's a solid player who has good pop (.421 slugging percentage on the year) and can play anywhere from second base to shortstop to the outfield. Moreover, a free agent at season's end, his price should be reasonable. The New York Mets were the last team thought to be discussing a trade with the A's, but the New York Post's Mike Puma called Zobrist a "long shot" for New York. The wild-card leading Pittsburgh Pirates have also been rumored to be interested. (Getty)
Yovani Gallardo, Texas Rangers
Per ESPN's Jayson Stark, the only player the Texas Rangers are shopping is Yovani Gallardo. The 29-year-old righty has been fantastic in his first season with Texas, compiling a 2.91 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 80 strikeouts through 20 starts. For teams that miss out on Cueto, Gallardo is a nice backup option who is also a free agent after the season. (Getty)
Justin Upton, San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres' huge offseason haul hasn't exactly worked out as planned, as they sit 9.5 games out in the NL West. As such, Justin Upton, who is likely gone as a free agent in the winter, is a logical trade chip for GM A.J. Preller to dangle. Upton is hitting only .252 on the season, but the 27-year-old provides a lot of pop with 15 homers on the year and a .472 career slugging percentage. The Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates have both shown interest. (Getty)
MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Cole Hamels & More