Deadline Primer: The National League Central

Late last week, the Twins almost completed a deal to acquire Atlanta's Jaime Garcia, but it fell through in the late stages. Though the move didn't go down (not yet anyway), the message was sent: Derek Falvey and Thad Levine are in buy mode, and open to rentals at the right price.

As they seek to upgrade the rotation and bullpen, could they find a match in the NL Central?

STANDINGS

Milwaukee Brewers: 53-48

Chicago Cubs: 51-46

Pittsburgh Pirates: 49-50 (3 GB)

St. Louis Cardinals: 47-51 (4.5 GB)

Cincinnati Reds: 41-57 (10.5 GB)

THE BUYERS

The Brewers have been one of baseball's best surprises, outpacing low expectations to lead one of baseball's tougher divisions as we head into late July. They are in Buy Mode. The Cubs, who have already made a big splash by acquiring Jose Quintana from across town, probably aren't done. And the Pirates, making a hard charge after starting slow, are also setting their sights on a postseason berth.

THE SELLERS

The Reds are clearly open for business, with a few intriguing assets we'll cover below. The Cardinals? Well now that's an interesting one. They have placed first or second in the division for seven straight seasons, but last year finished 16.5 games behind the Cubs, and now they find themselves chasing three clubs. Non-contention is unfamiliar territory for the Cards, and while they're certainly not out of it, frustration is running high and the front office seems inclined to shake things up.

The Reds

The most interesting name generating trade buzz in Cincy is Raisel Iglesias. He was the Reds' Opening Day starter last year, but moved to the bullpen after dealing with some arm issues and has now settled in as a fearsome closer throwing in the upper 90s. He's only 25, and under team control through 2021, so the price would be exorbitantly high.

Looking elsewhere, you won't find much quality on the worst pitching staff in the majors, although there are a few players worth monitoring. Tim Adleman and Scott Feldman are serviceable starters that wouldn't require a top prospect to pry loose, though Feldman is currently on the DL. Among relievers, the Twins might be inquiring on Drew Storen (an impending free agent), Blake Wood, or left-hander Tony Cingrani.

One wild card: Zack Cozart. The shortstop has quietly emerged as a top-tier player in the game, combining premium offensive production with stellar D, and he's set to hit the open market at season's end. The Reds are certainly listening on him, and right now the Twins could stand to get better at short. If Minnesota is open to a contract extension, there could be something here, though it's a long shot.

The Cardinals

The Cardinals probably aren't going to trade current closer Seung-hwan Oh, but they might be inclined to listen on former closer Trevor Rosenthal, who is under contract through next year. His 14.1 K/9 rate ranks fifth among big-league relievers.

On the rotation front, Lance Lynn's name has unsurprisingly been popping up in many rumors. The 30-year-old is about to become a free agent, and has been a consistent stud in St. Louis over the years. He missed 2016 due to Tommy John surgery but has bounced back nicely this season.

Lynn will have many suitors, some with more urgency than the Twins.

SUMMARY

It's fun to ponder what dealings between the Twins and Cardinals might look like, but the Reds are the most likely trade partner in the NL Central. Unless the Twins are willing to pony up for Iglesias, they would likely be choosing from a group of mid-rotation starters and middle relievers. Feldman makes a lot of sense, but a trade for him probably would not materialize until August, after the non-waiver deadline.