With the trade deadline only one month away, it is time to ponder some of the rumblings going on in baseball. It is difficult to figure out some of the conversations between general managers of the league. However, it is fun to consider where some big names might be moved to. Here are a few intriguing trade possibilities we could see come July 31st.

The Houston Astros will trade for Sonny Gray

Sonny Gray hasn’t been great this year. So far he has racked up an ERA of 4.45 but does have 65 strikeouts. This might be an opportunity to get Gray at a reasonable price.

The Athletics are currently 17.5 games back of the Astros so this is a chance to get a return from Houston. The Astros still have some good prospects in their farm that the Athletics might have some interest in. Oakland is not looking great for the near future so it is important for them to move some pieces and plan for the future.

Gray is under team control through 2019 so he is more than just a rental. He also has the potential to be a top of the rotation starter despite his recent struggles. There are only a couple of blemishes on his record so far this season, so if you take those out the equation he becomes much more attractive.

The Astros are very close to becoming a juggernaut in the American League. Adding Sonny Gray could clear a path for them come October as well as the future of the AL West.

The Giants will move Johnny Cueto to the Friendly Confines

One of the glaring issues with this possibility is swallowing Cueto’s contract. He is currently in the second year of a six-year, $130 million contract. He also is not having his best year much like some of the pitchers that are already in Chicago.

Cueto’s contract appeared to be a good investment last year as he finished at 18-5 with a 2.79 ERA, so I wouldn’t rule him out from being the ace he has been in the past. The Cubs still have some valuable prospects that they would have to sell in order to land Cueto. This year is supposed to be the year the Cubs flourish, so it’s hard to imagine them staying idle at the deadline.

Chicago doesn’t want to give away their future for Cueto. However, Cueto could make the Chicago rotation mighty threatening as well as give them their push for the division. The Cubs have been in a bit of turmoil of late and may still be suffering from the World Series hangover. They need to make some big moves in order to boost morale and take advantage of this talented roster they have been working so long for.

The Dodgers make a deal for J.D. Martinez

Despite the fact that the Dodgers have been the most dominant team in the majors, they still only find themselves 1.5 games ahead of the Diamondbacks. The NL West is easily the best division in baseball this year, so despite their success, the Dodgers will have to make some more moves to improve their ball club.

J.D. Martinez would only be a rental if he does get moved. However, Los Angeles might be an intriguing spot for him to end up signing. It is doubtful that if Martinez stays put that he will resign with the Tigers. Detroit already has several large contracts, so it is hard to see them breaking bank for Martinez.

It might seem a bit unnecessary for the Dodgers to go after a big bat. Los Angeles needs to do everything they can to win the division though. If the Diamondbacks end up winning the division, then the Dodgers would have to play in that unpredictable wild card game. Kershaw is still one of the best pitchers in the majors but he has not been spectacular in the postseason in his career, so they wouldn’t just be able to rely on their ace due to his 4.55 postseason ERA.

The Dodgers know that this is their year to end their championship drought, so making a move for a big name like Martinez might just win them their first title since 1988.

The Marlins trade Justin Bour to the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees looked promising out of the gate this year. However, they have recently come into a rough patch as they have only won four games since June 13. On top of that, they recently put two of their best hitters on the DL in Matt Holliday and Starlin Castro.

According to USA Today Sports, the Marlins are currently shopping some of their infielders. The Yankees have inquired about first baseman Justin Bour, who is having a career year. This may be the best value the Marlins could get for Bour, so the Yankees and Marlins may be able to make a match here.

Bour also has an attractive contract of only $552,500 for this year. His bat would provide some more pop in the Yankees lineup and would be a great compliment to Aaron Judge. As mentioned earlier, this also might help cope with some of their injuries.

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