Latest MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees looking for a starter

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

Major League Baseball's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is a week away. In other words, we're close to crunch time for teams to decide whether they're buying or selling this season. 

Here are the latest trade rumors from around baseball: 

• The New York Yankees, who acquired Brandon McCarthy and Chase Headley earlier this month, are reportedly looking for another starting pitcher, and reportedly scouted San Diego Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy's start Wednesday night. 

• Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has hit the bench, and the club's reportedly had little success in trying to move him, thanks to his bloated contract. The report suggests the Phillies have also discussed releasing Howard outright. 

• Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow doesn't believe he'll trade reliever Chad Qualls before the deadline. Qualls has an impressive 1.78 ERA so far this season and makes a reasonable $2.75 million - making him an attractive piece to rival teams.

• The Pittsburgh Pirates may have interest in Philadelphia starter A.J. Burnett - but only if he doesn't exercise his 2015 player option. Burnett, who has a 3.86 ERA in 144 2/3 innings, has a mutual option for $15 million next season and is guaranteed at least $7.5 million.

• The Oakland Athletics designated former closer Jim Johnson for assignment Thursday, after reported attempts to trade him were unsuccessful. 

• The Minnesota Twins are selling, reportedly shopping Josh Willingham, Kevin Correia, and Kurt Suzuki. Kendrys Morales was also rumored to be on his way out of town, and that came to fruition Thursday, when he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. 

• The Mariners are chasing October, and may not yet be done. They've reportedly inquired with the Colorado Rockies about the availability of right-handed hitting outfielder Drew Stubbs and his 117 OPS+.

Visit theScore's MLB news section for all the latest news and rumors as the trade deadline approaches.