A regularly updated look at the top five rumored baseball trade targets. The trade deadline without a player having to go through waivers has passed, but trades can still be made. If a player is traded by August 31, he is eligible on the postseason roster.
The Phillies struck gold last season with Matt Stairs, who hit a key playoff home run after he was picked up last August. Is there a player like him out there again? Most likely, yes.
Don't think Dunn would pass through waivers? Well, he did last year and was traded to Arizona. Since then, he signed a one-year deal with the going-nowhere Nationals, who might be inclined to get a prospect or two for their slugging first baseman, who is having another solid season (.275, 26 homers as of Aug. 2) despite having little protection in the Washington lineup.
Two Diamondbacks starters - Garland and Doug Davis - are candidates to be moved, and both have 5-10 records as of Aug. 2. But Garland has a better chance to be traded because he pitched well in July and has a good track record in the postseason. Could he head back to the White Sox, where he helped lead Chicago to a championship in 2005?
Expiring contract, veteran hitter, having one of his best seasons. He's nothing more than a first baseman, designated hitter or pinch-hitter off the bench, but he could definitely help somebody in the final month and possibly the playoffs.
Every team is one or two sore arms away from ruining its bullpen - Mahay could be an insurance policy or a replacement for a team whose relief lefties are struggling. He's making $4 million.
He's under the radar because he hasn't pitched all season. Would a contender take a flier on a guy who is coming off elbow surgery? Maybe. Duchscherer is a two-time All-Star with an expiring contract. If he throws any meaningful innings this year, it doesn't make sense for them to be with Oakland, other than sentiment. If Billy Beane finds a deal, a contender could use Duchscherer as a good spot starter in September.
