Jake Peavy rumors: Athletics, Red Sox, Cardinals, Orioles remain in the mix

Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy has been one of the hottest commodities on the trade market since Matt Garza was shipped to the Rangers, and is now preparing to be dealt before the deadline. Peavy packed extra suitcases for the team's road trip from Chicago to Cleveland, and told ESPNChicago's Bruce Levine that he expects to be dealt in the next couple days.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Braves are no longer pursuing Peavy, and that the Athletics, Orioles, Red Sox and Cardinals are the teams who are still talking to the White Sox about a deal:

"It is sad to think that this is probably my last day in here," Peavy said on Sunday morning. "We all realize the reality of the situation and I am prepared with that to happen soon."

Sources: #Braves not in mix for Peavy. #STLCards, #Orioles, #RedSox and #Athletics talking to #WhiteSox.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2013

While many teams would love to add Peavy to their rotation, Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com says that the Oakland Athletics have emerged as the favorite to acquire him.

Sources have confirmed that White Sox' executive vice president was in Stockton on Friday night to watch the Athletics' High-A affiliate. Top pitching prospect Michael Ynoa pitched in that game, meaning that the White Sox may have interest in acquiring him as part of a package for Peavy.

#WhiteSox source has Oakland #Athletics in front of Jake Peavy sweepstakes. Peavy brought extra bags on trip in case, per @JJStankevitz.

— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesCSN) July 28, 2013

The Cardinals have interest in acquiring both Peavy and shortstop Alexei Ramirez from Chicago in a potential deal, according to a source who notes that Cardinals prospects Carlos Martinez, Kolten Wong and Michael Wacha have all been discussed between the two teams. It is not clear at this time how far along the talks have progressed between the sides.

Source: #WhiteSox have discussed Carlos Martinez, Kolten Wong, and Michael Wacha with the #Cardinals in potential Peavy/Ramirez deals.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 28, 2013

The Cardinals and Red Sox were speculated as potential favorites once Peavy was made available, but sources say that Boston is more interested in another White Sox' pitcher, Matt Lindstrom.

While the Red Sox have "more serious interest" in getting Lindstrom, they are just "kicking the tires" on potentially acquiring Peavy.

Chicago is focusing on middle infield and starting pitching prospects in the Red Sox' system, although top prospect Xander Bogaerts is not currently in play.

Source: #RedSox are seriously interested in Matt Lindstrom and only "kicking the tires" on Jake Peavy. #WhiteSox

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 28, 2013

#WhiteSox source says "based on what #RedSox are looking for from us, Bogaerts is not being discussed"

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 28, 2013

As Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported on Saturday, the Orioles are in the mix for Peavy and other starting pitchers on the trade market. Because Peavy may be too expensive and Baltimore will likely be reluctant to include top prospects like Kevin Gausman and Jonathan Schoop in a trade, the Orioles might fall behind the Cardinals in Athletics in the sweepstakes.

By acquiring Scott Feldman and Francisco Rodriguez earlier in the month, the O's showed that they are aggressively looking for ways to improve their team, so they may be a dark horse to watch in regards to Peavy.

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• Jake Peavy rumors: Boston considering sending Middlebrooks to White Sox
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