The Philadelphia Phillies are informing teams that they are willing to listen to trade proposals for marquee starter Cliff Lee, according to high-ranking executives from rival clubs with direct knowledge of trade discussions. The officials spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

The Texas Rangers are considered the overwhelming favorite to land Lee if he is traded, according to the officials. The former Cy Young Award winner would be the most expensive piece of what could be a significant purge by the Phillies, who have fallen 12 1/2 games out of the wild card race.

Lee, owed at least $95 million through 2015, can block trades to all but eight teams, but the Rangers are not on his list. Lee pitched for the Rangers the final two months of the 2010 season, helping them reach the World Series, but left as a free agent to sign a five-year, $120 million contract with the Phillies. Lee earns $21.5 million this year, $25 million a year through 2015, and has a vesting option for $27.5 million or a $12.5 million buyout in 2016.

The Braves, who also have been aggressively pursuing a starter, believe that Lee's salary is too exorbitant for the club to assume, according to a high-ranking Braves official speaking on condition of anonymity

Lee has struggled this season, partially due to poor run support, and is 1-6 with a 3.95 ERA. But he has excelled in the postseason, going 7-3 with a 2.52 ERA, striking out 89 with 10 walks in 82 innings. He has pitched in every postseason since 2009.

The Phillies, who have won the last five NL East titles, have decided to be sellers at Tuesday's 4 p.m. [ET] trade deadline after being swept over the weekend by the Atlanta Braves. They are 16 ½ games out of the NL East race this season.

The Phillies also have told teams that their starting outfield of Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence and Juan Pierre are available, along with starter Joe Blanton.

The Rangers, whose payroll is about $125 million, also have plenty of prospects to be used in trades, with third baseman Mike Olt and center fielder Leonys Martin among their highest-ranked minor leagues who could be available..