MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Players Likely to Be Dealt Before the Deadline

10 MLB Players on the Trading Block

With the MLB trade deadline just days away, it's crunch time around the league for sellers to move their products and for contenders to buy them up. Whether it's a team that is playing for something or not, the trade deadline is equally important to both sides.

Baseball trades usually involve prospects this time of year, much to the chagrin of casual fans. It's tough for younger fans and those that aren't looking at the business side of things to understand why some of these deals get made. Sometimes a guy just gets too expensive and the team is better off taking some losses as a result, rather than continue to pay a ridiculous salary.

While most deadline deal candidates are fairly obvious, there are always a few surprises each July as well. Last year, for example, we saw the Dodgers acquire a massive amount of Red Sox players and payroll. Nothing of that nature is expected to happen in 2013, though. Most of these rumored deals are for bullpen arms and bats.

Contending teams that are able to land a missing piece this time of year, greatly increase their chances of making or extending their run in the playoffs. There are so many roles to fill on a baseball team, that sometimes it doesn't become clear what's missing until part of the season has passed. Most of these clubs know exactly what they want and they're usually willing to pay big bucks to get a deal done.

Here are 10 players currently on the trading block that could easily be moved by July 31:

Erik Bedard

Interest in Bedard is starting to pick up from several teams. The veteran lefty has had a few strong outings as of late and would come relatively cheap, considering that he's 34 and boasts a 3-8 record on the season.

Jonathan Papelbon

Papelbon made headlines when he said that he 'didn't know it was going to be like this' in Philly recently, because his name keeps getting kicked around in trade rumors. But, you can't blame the Phillies for shopping him, or Pap for being upset.

Jeff Samardzija

The Cubs are reportedly listening to offers for Samardzija, although the price tag is said to be extremely high. It's kind of shocking to hear his name in rumors, however the Cubs could get several good prospects for him.

Alex Rios

Rios is getting the most interest from the Pirates and Rangers and it's very likely the White Sox will deal him before the deadline. Rios is having a decent year, batting .272, but he's been notoriously up-and-down over the second half of his career. The team that takes him will assume a $12.5 million deal for 2014, so they've got to see a bit of a future with the OF.

Michael Young

The Phillies have made it clear that the veteran infielder is available. He's having a decent 2013 campaign, going .277/.342/.402 and could be a valuable utility guy for a contender. This is the last year of his current contract, making him a solid rental candidate.

Kevin Gregg

Out of nowhere Gregg has returned to Chicago with a fury. He's posted 22 saves to date, while striking out 36 batters in 40 innings of work. He has no long-term future with the Cubs, and that's why they'll deal him for another prospect.

Justin Morneau

The Orioles have contacted the Twins about Morneau and could look to add him as a DH. The Twins need prospects and the Orioles needs all the firepower they can get for another run at the postseason.

Luke Hochevar

While Ervin Santana's name keeps coming up in trade rumors, Hochevar is way more likely to be dealt. He's been very good as a setup man for the Royals, going 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA, which of course has several teams interested.

Joe Nathan

Nathan, an All-Star, is the biggest surprise in trade rumors this summer. Although he's having a terrific year, the Rangers are said to want another bat. They would apparently be willing to deal Nathan and move Joakim Soria into the closer role to do it.

Jake Peavy

Peavy is the most likely guy to be traded at the deadline. With the White Sox going nowhere and contenders looking starting pitching, it's really only a matter of time. The A's and Orioles are said to be the front-runners for Peavy, while the Red Sox might still be in the mix. The Braves have now reportedly dropped out of discussions.

One way or another, Peavy is getting moved.