Baseball's non-waivers trade deadline arrives Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, leaving three more days of flux for players and teams. USA TODAY Sports' Paul White and Jorge L. Ortiz look at players who could be on the move and teams with vexing decisions to make before the clock runs out:
Jake Peavy, SP, White Sox
Why he could be dealt When the player's stock is high and the team's is low, of course you move. With Matt Garza already gone from the Cubs to the Rangers, Peavy's the most intriguing starting pitcher on the market. Peavy, who has made two strong starts since returning from a broken rib, is signed through next year and maybe even another season if a vesting option based on 2013-14 innings kicks in, increasing the take in prospects the White Sox can demand.
Who needs him The Braves have made it clear they'll pay, especially since Tim Hudson was lost for the season. But the White Sox should be able to create an auction situation. Precious few contenders couldn't use a rotation upgrade. Put the Cardinals high on the list, and don't rule out the Red Sox, Athletics, Rangers and Dodgers.
Forecast The Dodgers are empowered again, and that means spending for a guy whose best years were in San Diego. But Atlanta has more of the assets the rebuilding White Sox will demand — quality prospects.
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TEAMS ON THE FRINGE: Buy or sell?
Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
Why he could be dealt Morneau, 32, probably has seen the last of his 30-homer years. His contract — at $14 million a year — is up after this season, and Minnesota might as well get some return.
Who needs him The Orioles, Rangers and maybe even Yankees could roll him into a first-base/DH mix. Even the Rays would consider a rental such as Morneau. But Morneau certainly is adept enough defensively to be a factor for National League teams, and nobody could use a first baseman more than Pittsburgh.
Forecast The Pirates badly need a bat, but they aren't likely to deal top prospects. Morneau would cost less but be that big name the Pirates could show fans and players.
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Luke Gregerson, RP, Padres
Why he could be dealt Long-term consistency from setup men is a rare commodity. Gregerson, 29, has been doing it now for five seasons. That makes him more enticing than teammate Huston Street, who is less consistent and often injured.
Who needs him The Tigers and Pirates are the contenders most in need of creating bullpen depth. It's been a Tigers quest all season, and the Pirates were already getting concerned about wear and tear on their effective group before closer Jason Grilli was lost for at least a month. The Rangers could also use more certainty in front of closer Joe Nathan.
Forecast The Tigers, knowing the bullpen is the question mark on an otherwise powerhouse club, are the team most willing to pay more than the going rate. It should take a young starting pitcher to get a deal done.
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Kyle Lohse, SP, Brewers
Why he could be dealt Milwaukee can demand a big return for a pitcher who's already proved he can handle the stretch-run and playoff pressure. Lohse was the one who beat the Braves in last year's NL wild-card playoff, and his experience makes him safer than Houston's Bud Norris or San Diego's Edinson Volquez. Lohse's $11 million salary is less than Peavy's $14.5 million, and Lohse is locked up through 2015.
Who needs him He's a good NL fit, putting Atlanta on the list, plus the Braves can help deepen Milwaukee's collection of promising young pitchers. Putting him at the bottom of the Dodgers rotation would be a comfortable spot for a guy who has been hot lately but isn't the dominant sort.
Forecast The Cardinals system is deep enough that it can provide the quality prospects needed to persuade Milwaukee to make an intradivision deal and St. Louis still hangs on to its very best young players. Plus the Cardinals can offer a major league-ready player or two.
GALLERY: TRADE TRACKER
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