Fans of the Edmonton Oilers can relate to those watching the MLB trade deadline, which is July 31st, as their team has made some big moves at the deadline in recent years. There are a few big names that should be up for grabs as teams look to either bolster their sports betting odds of winning the World Series, or they aim to start rebuilding for next year. Here are the five players most likely to move teams before the deadline. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets Beltran wants to stay in the National League, where he can play in the field, and he looks healthy once again. He is the big prize at this year’s deadline, and there are a number of teams in play, like San Francisco and Philadelphia, but Texas and Cincinnati could make a late run to stir things up. Heath Bell, San Diego If you bet on MLB baseball, you’ll know the importance of having a good closer, and you could put Bell in the top five in the majors right now. There are a lot of teams who are kicking the tires on Bell, like Texas, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Angels, among others, but the Padres have a high asking price. B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay It’s a bit surprising to see to a team that still has playoff aspirations looking to make a move, but that’s what Tampa Bay does, and that’s why they’re able to hang with Boston and the New York Yankees: they may take a step back now by trading Upton now, but they’ll be better for it in the future. San Francisco has apparently stepped up as the Mets are asking a lot for Beltran, their No.1 target. Carlos Pena, Chicago Cubs Those following MLB news watched the Cubs sign Pena to a one-year deal worth $10 million but they may be ready to pull the chute on this experience, although they’ll likely have to eat some of his salary. Pena is definitely available at a cheaper price than guys like Beltran and Upton, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a team in need of offense go after him for the stretch run. Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Rasmus is all but gone out of St. Louis, it’s just a matter of who will get him. Word is Tampa Bay have dangled young pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, which may be a bit too high of a price, but then again, the Rays are loaded with pitching prospects. The Chicago White Sox have reportedly offered Edwin Jackson and young relief hurler Matt Thornton, which is a good haul for Rasmus as the Cardinals look to boost their online sports betting odds.
