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The latest on American League trades and rumors

The Royals have an eye on October, so let's keep an eye on who we might be playing

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Royals made one of the biggest splashes this week with their acquisitions of Johnny Cueto and Ben Zobrist, but they're not the only American League contender rumored to be working on improving their club. Let's take a look at other teams still in the hunt.

New York Yankees (57-44, 6 game lead in the East)

The Bronx Bombers have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, so with the team in first place, they should be aggressive at the deadline. They had been heavily involved in talks for Phillies ace Cole Hamels before he was dealt to Texas, but balked at an asking price that included any of their top prospects - Aaron Judge, Greg Bird, or Luis Severino. Failing with Hamels, they turned their attention to Detroit's David Price before he was dealt to Toronto. With Miguel Pineda injured, the pressure will be on the Yankees to land a starting pitcher before the deadline. Texas pitcher Yovani Gallardo has become a top target for General Manager Brian Cashman.

New York has gotten zero production out of Stephen Drew at second base, and rather hand the job to rookie Rob Refsnyder, they have inquired about infielder Martin Prado, who they acquired at the trade deadline last year. Prado was shipped to Miami over the off-season, but a reunion would be a major upgrade at second for the Yankees who have had their second basemen combine for a line of .193/.254/.364. The Yanks have also asked about Miami infielder Derek Dietrich, who has spent most of the year in AAA, but has a career .736 OPS in 506 career Major League plate appearances.

The Yankees have asked about Padres closer Craig Kimbrel despite having a devastating bullpen combination of Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller already, but may have to settle for Joaquin Benoit. They have recently been aggressive in pursuing Reds closer Aroldis Chapman. They also acquired a bench outfielder in Dustin Ackley from the Mariners. The former #2 overall pick is hitting just .215/.270/.366.

Houston Astros (58-45, 2 game lead in the West)

The Astros kicked off the trade deadline season by acquiring left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Athletics for a pair of prospects. They made a strong play for Philly's Cole Hamels but he blocked a potential trade from happening. They had talked to the Padres about pitcher Tyson Ross but may instead prefer his teammate Andrew Cashner before landing outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitcher Mike Fiers from the Brewers for four prospects.

General Manager Jeff Luhnow has also looked into bullpen arms like Kimbrel, Benoit, and Milwaukee's Francisco Rodriguez. They could be in on a "significant deal" with the Padres involving Ross and Kimbrel.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (55-46, 2 games back in the West)

The Angels added a trio of outfielders to address a thin outfield crop that includes disappointing left-handed hitter Matt Joyce. Right-handed veteran bat Shane Victorino was acquired from Boston, and the Angels added Cleveland's David Murphy and Tampa Bay's David DeJesus as well.

Minnesota Twins (53-48, 8 games back in the Central)

Minnesota has had a quiet deadline despite a solid lead for the last playoff spot. With the Twins far back of the Royals in the division, they aren't expected to make big moves for short-term gain. The Twins are looking for power relief arms, with Padres relievers Benoit and Shawn Kelley as possibilities.

Baltimore Orioles (51-50, 2 games back of a Wild Card)

Despite being a ways back of a Wild Card, the Orioles do not expect to be sellers. General Manager Dan Duquetee is looking for an outfield bat with Justin Upton prominently on their radar screen and mild interest in Colorado outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Milwaukee's Gerardo Parra is another possibility, although there is a strong market for him. There were rumors Baltimore might be willing to part with young pitcher Kevin Gausman, but manager Buck Showalter called those reports "comical." Teams have even asked about Manny Machado, although it seems a long-shot that the All-Star third baseman is dealt.

Toronto Blue Jays (52-51, 2 games back of a Wild Card)

Despite a playoff spot being a bit of a long shot, the Jays have been one of the biggest movers already at the deadline. They made their big play, acquiring shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for shortstop Jose Reyes and two minor leaguers. Tulo is both a short-term improvement, but also a long-term upgrade as he is signed through 2021. They then added on with rental pitcher David Price of the Tigers

The Blue Jays are still interested in adding another pitcher with Rangers right-hander Yovani Gallardo on their radar as well as Padres pitcher Tyson Ross.

Chicago White Sox (49-51, 3 1/2 games back of a Wild Card)

The White Sox have been red-hot since the All-Star break, snapping a seven-game winning streak last night. They have suddenly decided they are buyers, looking for a bat to add to the lineup. They have inquired about some rental bats like Justin Upton and Detroit's Yoenis Cespedes.

Detroit Tigers (50-52, 3 1/2 games back of a Wild Card)

Last weekend the Tigers said they were still buyers. Then they lost four of their next five. Ace pitcher David Price has been shipped to Toronto, and former Royals reliever Joakim Soria was shipped to Pittsburgh. Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes could be next.

The trade deadline is 3 p.m. CT today. Consider this your trade deadline open thread. Rumor away!