MLB Trade Deadline Draws Near

By - Lauren Dundee

One of the more anticipated times in Major League Baseball is rapidly approaching; the trade deadline.

Buyers and sellers across the league are making moves that could have major implications on postseason play this year.

One of the more likely players to be on the move is Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy. Many teams have shown interest in the right-hander, including the Braves, Dodgers, Orioles, Reds, Rangers and Cardinals. Most notably, the Boston Red Sox have recently entered the fray. The Sox are in desperate need of pitching, and could certainly put Peavy to good use. Boston has one of the best farm systems in the league, so they could provide Chicago with some much needed prospects in return.

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Bud Norris of the Houston Astros is another pitcher likely to be moved by the deadline. Multiple reports have the Braves as front-runners to land his services. The 28-year-old would be a solid addition to Atlanta's starting rotation, which earlier this week lost veteran Tim Hudson for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. The acquisition of prospects would help the Astros in their rebuilding process.

The Texas Rangers are looking to bring back a fan favorite in infielder Michael Young. The seven-time All-Star was traded from the Rangers to the Philadelphia Phillies just last season. Young is a very versatile player that can play all across the infield as well as DH. Since his contract expires at the end of the year, Texas could make a good offer for him.

First baseman Justin Morneau is also set to become a free agent at the end of the season. With the Minnesota Twins currently 12 games back in the AL Central, they could get better use out of prospects than they could the former league MVP. The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly very interested in Morneau. His power hitting would be an added boost to their lineup, which has struggled to produce runs this year.

The MLB trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of the season, as moves are made that can potentially shift the balance of power around the league. A trade made over the course of the next few days could very well be the missing link a team needs to make a deep postseason run.