MLB trade rumor roundup: Yankees, Red Sox targeting Young, Garza’s price ‘exceptionally high’, Crain market heats up

Most baseball fans were giving the Midsummer Classic their attention on Tuesday, but it was a handful of non-All-Stars who were grabbing headlines around the trade rumor mill. Here's the latest from trade land:

AL East scoping out Michael Young

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are among several clubs showing interest in acquiring Phillies infielder Michael Young. Both the Sox and the Bombers are in dire need of help at the infield corners, and Young seems to be the best name available. While his numbers at the plate have been serviceable this year, his defense continues to get worse, which could be a sticking point for potential buyers. With the Phillies sitting at .500, there's a chance that GM Ruben Amaro decides not to sell off any pieces and keep Young, et al. in the hopes that the postseason isn't out of their grasp. Given that their run differential sits at -41, however, it seems that the Phillies may be better off going into "sell" mode now.

The Chicago Cubs have in their possession the most coveted deadline trade chip, and they seem to be well aware of it. The team has set right-hander Matt Garza's asking price "exceptionally high" in the hopes that someone will be desperate enough to bite and give up a few elite prospects in the process. The Rangers are rumored to be the early favorites in the Garza sweepstakes, but the Cubs are reluctant to have third base prospect Mike Olt as the centerpiece in a deal, and Texas is reportedly unwilling to include young southpaw Martin Perez. The Cardinals, Pirates, Indians, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, and Dodgers are also in the mix for Garza, so the Cubs have plenty of options if things don't pan out with Texas.

When White Sox right-hander Jesse Crain hit the disabled list at the beginning of the month, the trade speculation surrounding him cooled off considerably. But with the reliever now a week away from returning to the bullpen, his market is heating back up. The Colorado Rockies are rumored to be very interested in Crain, who nearly signed a two-year pact with Colorado before agreeing to his current three-year deal with the ChiSox. Crain has also heard rumors that the Red Sox have/had interest in him, and thinks "it would be fun" to play in Boston.