Reds trade rumors: Giants scouting Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake

Giants executives Brian Sabean and Lee Elder were in Chicago this weekend, presumably scouting Reds' starters Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, according to reports from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. The pair of high-level executives may have been looking at other players as well, due to the Reds' status as one of the most likely sellers at this year's trade deadline.

Cueto, 29, is going to be one of the most sought-after trade candidates this summer, and has already been linked to the Astros and Blue Jays in rumors. The soon-to-be free agent has posted a 2.85 ERA with 82 strikeouts in twelve starts this season, and is slated to be a prime candidate to start the All-Star Game for the National League at his home park.

Leake is another prime trade candidate, and will also become a free agent after the season. His stock may have suffered a little bit due his rough start this season (4.35 ERA in thirteen starts), though scouts throughout the game are high on him and believe that he will be able to pitch in both leagues as a rental for a contender.

San Francisco's strong rotation has struggled a bit due to injuries to veterans Jake Peavy and Matt Cain, and has had to rely on on Tim Lincecum and no-hit sensation Chris Heston at the back end of a rotation headlined by Madison Bumgarner. The team has historically been aggressive in making deadline upgrades, acquiring Peavy last year from the Red Sox after getting Hunter Pence and Marco Scutaro in trades before their 2012 championship run.