MLB Trade Rumors

Just a few days into the MLB offseason, the rumor mill is already in full swing, and one of the most interesting names that has been brought up so far is Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija.

The most discerning MLB general managers understand the art of buying low.

These talent evaluators don't just throw money at any player on the scrap heap. They know exactly when to spring for a free-agent ace rebounding from major surgery. They choose just the moment to pull the trigger on a deal for a floundering star who is ready to explode.

While superstars Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury headline MLB's free agent class this offseason, several big names could be on the move via the old-fashioned way: trades.

In fact, when the trade dust settles, a Cy Young winner, MVP runner-up and World Series MVP may all have new homes by Opening Day 2014.

Read on to find out which players might be packaged in Hot Stove blockbusters.

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With MLB free agency set to begin, so too are the rumors and speculation of players who will be traded.

Last year, it was guys like R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Justin Upton and James Shields who were traded to new teams. And this year is no different, as many big names have already been rumored to be moved. But will those deals happen? 

Here's a look at some of the biggest names on the trading block this offseason.

Note: All stats obtained from ESPN unless otherwise noted.

With the 2013 Major League Baseball season now in the books, speculation regarding this year’s free-agent class and the developing trade market is beginning to heat up.

Last winter, several of the game’s top-ranked prospects were dealt in exchange for established, veteran talent.

We can make all the predictions we want about the upcoming offseason. But the reality of the prediction business is that each time a move is made that comes out of left field, a lot of the thinking that went into the remaining predictions can go right out the window.

The Los Angeles Angels were one of the most disappointing teams in baseball. After entering the 2013 season with a lot of hype, they never developed into a serious contender, finishing 18 games behind the Oakland Athletics in the AL West.

Now, the effort to fix the roster begins. The pitching staff is the main area of concern after the Angels finished with a 4.23 team ERA, which ranked 24th in the majors. They are apparently seeking ways to add some pitching by moving a couple hitters. 

As of August 30, 16 major league teams either hold a playoff spot or are within 6.5 games of one and could be looking to improve their playoff chances by making a waiver-wire deal by tomorrow's deadline to add players who will be eligible for a playoff roster.

Eleven August trades have happened thus far:

Nine American League teams are still fighting it out for five playoff spots. Anything can happen. Nothing is close to being set in stone. Over in the National League, however, the Dodgers and Braves have all but wrapped up playoff spots while three National League central teams have a pretty good grasp on the others.

As of Aug. 23, 15 major league teams either hold a playoff spot or are within seven games of one and could be looking to improve their playoff chances by making a waiver-wire deal in the near future.

Seven August trades have happened thus far: