It remains to be seen if he will be made available, but Twins outfielder Josh Willingham would be a nice addition to contending teams at midseason. There is a shortage of run-producing outfielders this year. One general manager told Nick Cafardo, "Of all the guys out there, he's one who can significantly impact your offense immediately."

The Blue Jays have rejected an offer from the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks for pitcher Jesse Chavez, according to a report. The Hawks offered Toronto $1 million and would have paid the right-hander $3 million over two years. Chavez, 28, has pitched to a 3.72 ERA in 58 innings across ten Triple-A starts.

The Cubs own the worst record in baseball, which leads many to believe that they will hold a fire sale this summer. After the First-Year Player Draft in early June, Chicago's front office will focus on the trade market. "You get to that point in the year where decisions, roster moves, a lot of things like that [have to be made]," manager Dale Sveum said when asked about how important the next few weeks are for the big-league club. "You get to the point where if you're not playing well things start changing a lot."

Ryan Dempster is aware that his career with the Cubs is likely nearing an end. The right-hander has been Chicago's best starter this season, but they are in rebuild mode and moving him could bring some valuable pieces. "I'm not an idiot. I know how things go," Dempster said. "I know how it goes with players in contract years and the team not necessarily doing like they're supposed to be doing, there's always a possibility of things. There's a possibility of being traded anytime. "But I don't really think about it. I don't really worry about it because I can just control doing my job the best I can."

The Cubs are expected to be sellers this July and officials from other teams have a long list of players they believe will be on the market. Ryan Dempster, Carlos Marmol and Geovany Soto are the most likely to be dealt, but Alfonso Soriano, Matt Garza, Randy Wells, Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt were also mentioned by rival executives.

The Royals will have a big decision to make regarding reliever Jonathan Broxton this July. They could put him on the trade market or opt to sign him to a new contract as they did with outfielder Jeff Francoeur last August. Broxton was coming off surgery when the Royals signed him for $4 million last November and he became the team's closer when Joakim Soria was hurt in spring training.

Dan Duquette says he is seeking ways to upgrade Baltimore's pitching staff and depth. The Orioles are 28-16 and they hold a two-game lead over the Rays in the American League East.

Starlin Castro is viewed as Chicago's best player and the crown jewel of the organization, but some are wondering whether the Cubs should consider dealing him. Dealing the 22-year-old shortstop could help speed up the rebuilding process because of the haul the Cubs would receive in return. Castro seems capable of being a .300 hitter for the next decade, but he has twice as many errors as walks this season.

The Phillies and Indians are keeping an eye on Kevin Youkilis as he rehabs from injury, according to a report. Cleveland needs a right-handed bat, but they have yet to actually call Boston about the third baseman. The Boston Globe also mentioned the Diamondbacks as potential suitors in Sunday's edition. Will Middlebrooks, who was called up to help fill the void left behind by Youkilis, has been off to a hot start.

The Giants have "put out feelers" for players on the trade market, according to a report. It has been suggested that San Francisco takes a look at Orlando Hudson, who was released by the Padres earlier this month.