10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

These 10 trades would drastically help contending teams at the MLB Trade Deadline.

As the calendar inches closer to June, it is starting to become clear who the major contenders in the MLB will be this season. While not all of the teams towards the bottom of the standings are out of it, a lot of them will have some difficult decisions to make soon.

If an MLB team is not going to be a serious contender, they might as well look to sell off some of their more veteran pieces at the MLB Trade Deadline. This is an opportunity for contending teams to add that possible missing link to the mix, while non-contending teams make moves with an eye towards the future.

With prospect values being at a premium, it is easy for teams to make a trade at the deadline that will benefit both sides. A lot of teams will be looking short-term, while others will be looking more at the long-term vision.

While the second Wild Card team added to both leagues has made some of the fringe contending teams less likely to sell off at the trade deadline, this season in particular seems to have some obvious teams who will be looking to sell. With no real hope at the post-season, these teams might as well sell off some veterans for usable assets down the line.

As always, there will be teams looking to improve an already great shot to make some noise in the post-season. Here are ten trades that these contending teams should be looking to make.

Next: 10. Jay Bruce