2013 MLB Trade Deadline

The annual July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline carries the potential to reverse franchise fortunes—short term as well as long term—and alter pennant races like no other date on the calendar.

It can signal the end of some dynasties or usher in others. It can mean teams shedding the payroll of stars in exchange for something before the stars can leave their teams at season's end in exchange for nothing.

With the trade deadline now just five days away, contenders will look to put the finishing touches on their postseason roster push in the days ahead and there are still plenty of solid players on the market.

While the crop of available hitters is relatively thin, there are a handful of veteran bats that could make a difference down the stretch. What follows is a look at the top remaining bats on the market and what uniform I see them wearing come August 1.

If the Atlanta Braves want to make one of the most underrated moves of the season, general manager Frank Wren should go out and acquire Scott Downs from the Los Angeles Angels.

Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington is currently in the midst of a search for a starting pitcher who can replace Clay Buchholz in the franchise’s rotation.

Peter Gammons of MLB Network reports a few players the Red Sox are scouting:

The Cincinnati Reds are in a position to buy at the MLB trade deadline. The July 31 deadline is rapidly approaching, and although the Reds are not in need of any major changes, one name is continuously tossed around by fans looking for a big shake-up.

MLB contenders must seize opportunities to add impact players prior to the 2013 non-waiver trade deadline. They face ultimatums as July winds down: Complete blockbuster deals to address glaring weaknesses, or risk having those weaknesses exploited down the stretch.

Five teams in particular feel the urgency to find solutions for specific needs. Of course, their challenge is fending off the other dozen or so clubs that feel postseason competition is still a possibility.

The July 31 MLB trade deadline is just over a week away, and the Cincinnati Reds are not likely to make any drastic moves despite some intriguing names being linked to the team.

Cincinnati is in great position to return to the postseason, so there aren't many areas that need to be addressed. 

The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is approaching, and the Oakland A's are in a position similar to where they were at this time last year.  Back then, the A's were just in the playoff hunt, but this year, they find themselves as division leaders at the deadline.

With the Cubs trade of Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers on Monday, the player viewed by many as the prize of the 2013 trade deadline has been moved, and that could have a domino effect on the rest of the market.

For teams looking to add an impact arm, there is no real home run option left, and the best available starter now looks to be White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy.

The MLB trade deadline is just eight days away, yet many teams are still undecided about being buyers or sellers.

Since five teams in both the American and National League make the playoffs, even some teams that are hovering around .500 believe they still have a shot at playing in October.

Here are a few teams on the cusp of contention who may be in line to make a big move or two before the July 31 deadline.