Max Scherzer, Marcus Stroman, Trevor Bauer and Madison Bumgarner Hottest MLB Trade Deadline Targets

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and with no additional waiver trade deadline in place this year, teams only have one shot to get things right.

Big name starters in particular from across the league have the potential to shape the playoff race. Here's the latest on each of them.

MLB Trade Deadline Max Scherzer Rumors

The Nationals have been wildly disappointing this year and seem destined for a fire sale, to the point where general manager Mike Rizzo hasn't even ruled out trading his beloved ace starter Max Scherzer.

The Yankees, in particular, seem like a possible landing spot, considering they have prospects to swing such a deal and are in desperate need of a starter.

The remaining few years of his seven-year, $210 million contract will be tough for any team to handle, especially considering he's due $15 million in deferred money each year from 2022 to 2028.

MLB Trade Deadline Marcus Stroman Rumors

After struggling in 2018, Stroman has rebounded splendidly, posting a 3.18 ERA this season.

It's little surprise that he's found himself on the radar of a major contenders like the Yankees. Another team that's struggling with consistency in the rotation, the St. Louis Cardinals, might also try to swing a deal for the veteran right-hander.

With a strong season in tow, Stroman is sure to draw even more interest as the deadline approaches. If the Yanks can pull something off without surrendering Clint Frazier in-division, this gets more interesting.

MLB Trade Deadline Trevor Bauer Rumors

Bauer's had a bit of an up-and-down year, but his track record as a strikeout artist and dominant starter has garnered plenty of interest from across the league.

The Cleveland Indians' division rivals, the Minnesota Twins, have expressed interest in acquiring Bauer before July 31. The Yankees and Padres have also reportedly expressed interest.

He's a workhorse, leading the league with 108.1 innings of work this year. With 117 strikeouts and a 3.48 ERA as well, Bauer could provide a contender with a much-needed boost towards the front of the rotation. As for his contract, don't worry about it; Bauer's vowed to pitch on one-year deals for the remainder of his career, betting on himself.

MLB Trade Deadline Madison Bumgarner Rumors

As is the case with most starters on the market, the Yankees are at the forefront of the rumors surrounding Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.

The veteran southpaw brings a a 3.87 ERA and four All-Star berths to the table for teams looking to acquire him. We've also heard wild rumors about the Twins pushing hard for a fit here.

A move for Bumgarner would be extremely beneficial in the postseason as well, where he owns a career 2.11 ERA in 16 games, 14 of which were starts.