3 trade deadline deals that should happen

Tap here to access our MLB Trade Tracker which includes all trades and rumors leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

Seattle Mariners trade RHP Taijuan Walker, 3B D.J. Peterson, and 2B Nick Franklin to Tampa Bay Rays for LHP David Price

Why it makes sense for the Mariners: The Mariners decided to contend immediately when they signed 31-year-old Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240-million deal this past winter, and acquiring Price would enable Seattle to compete for a playoff berth in each of the next two seasons. General manager Jack Zduriencik would be unwise to squander the finest season of Felix Hernandez's career, and the burgeoning stardom of Kyle Seager has afforded the Mariners just enough offense to justify such an aggressive move.

Why it makes sense for the Rays: It's only a matter of time before the Rays trade Price, as the club lacks the financial resources to extend the 28-year-old left-hander. Despite the club's recent surge - the Rays have won 11 of their last 15 games - it would behoove them to trade Price, who's arbitration-eligible through 2015, soon to maximize their return and infuse a farm system that has graduated a lot of talent to the majors over the last two seasons.

Toronto Blue Jays trade RHP Aaron Sanchez, C Santiago Nessy to Philadelphia Phillies for LHP Cliff Lee

Why it makes sense for the Blue Jays: Though the club's starting pitching has been surprisingly adequate this season, right-hander Drew Hutchison's effectiveness has waned of late and it remains unclear how rookie Marcus Stroman will respond to an unprecedented workload. Mired in a prolonged slump, the injury-ravaged Blue Jays must add value without forfeiting a piece from their 25-man roster to contend for a division title. Sanchez remains the club's top prospect, but unrelenting control problems have shed serious doubt on his ability to actualize his No. 1 starter potential.

Why it makes sense for the Phillies: Lee missed the last two months with a strained left elbow and is set to earn $25 million next season with a $27.5-million vesting option for 2016. In dire need of a rebuild, the Phillies boast the third-highest payroll in the league and lack premium talent in their farm system, especially on the mound.

San Francisco Giants trade SS Christian Arroyo, OF Mac Williamson to New York Mets for 2B Daniel Murphy

Why it makes sense for the Giants: The Giants watched their comfortable lead atop the National League West dissipate in recent weeks, and have received negligible production from second base all season long. Brandon Hicks has served as the club's primary second baseman in the absence of Marco Scutaro, but has hit .162/.280/.319 (73 OPS+) through 71 games and has contributed to the club's meager average of 3.89 runs per game, the seventh-worst mark in the majors.

Why it makes sense for the Mets: Murphy, who earned his first All-Star berth this season, has just one season of arbitration-eligibility remaining and is certain to sign elsewhere as a free agent before the Mets can reasonably contend for a playoff spot. Acquiring both Arroyo and Williamson would help bolster a farm system dangerously bereft of impact position players, while also allowing Wilmer Flores to assume everyday duties at second base for the Mets.