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3 pairs of division rivals that would make great trade partners

Darren McCollester / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Crosstown Chicago rivals the Cubs and White Sox shocked the baseball world just over a week ago by completing a trade for only the second time this century.

The Cubs acquired Jose Quintana for several prospects in a perfect swap that addressed needs for both organizations, as the Cubs were searching for pitching help and the White Sox continue stocking an already impressive prospect pool.

Though they aren't in the same division, their shocking trade raised a timely question: Should rivals - specifically division rivals - shy away from making deals with each other? The old-school response would be yes; sending a key player to a team within the division is illogical and, frankly, impractical.

But, as the Cubs and White Sox proved, circumstances change. And with several organizations embracing the possibility, it's clear the unwritten rule is meant to be broken.

As the trade deadline approaches, here are three pairs of division rivals that look like perfect matches as trade partners, either now or this winter.

Teams: Houston Astros, Texas Rangers

Their last swap: 2013 - Rangers acquired left-hander Travis Blackley for future considerations

Trade candidate: Yu Darvish

Remove "division" from the equation and Darvish going from Texas to Houston makes perfect sense.

The Astros, widely believed to be in hot pursuit of pitching upgrades, reportedly scouted Darvish as recently as Saturday.

He's slated to become a free agent at season's end, so the trade poses a greater risk for the Astros than their AL West rivals (and Houston's reportedly still looking at starters with several years of team control).

Even as a rental, however, adding a starter of Darvish's caliber to a rotation that already includes Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers would cement the Astros' status as World Series threats. The Rangers, though still emotionally attached to the idea of signing Darvish to an extension, could profit now rather than potentially losing the stud for nothing in the offseason.

Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants

Their last swap: 2016 - Giants acquired right-hander Cody Hall for PTBNL

Trade candidate: Mark Melancon

The NL West clubs' last trade was of little importance, but things are different now that the Diamondbacks are going all-in, as epitomized by their deal for outfielder J.D. Martinez.

Arizona has a very capable lineup and solid starting rotation, but the bullpen - specifically the closer's role - has to be addressed. Enter the scuffling Giants, who should be ready to deal some veterans after compiling an NL-leading 62 losses.

Though Melancon is only a few months into a four-year deal he signed in December, the Giants should act quickly to capitalize on the high demand for relievers.

The 32-year-old, who's been on the disabled list since June 28, is expected back soon. Replacing the struggling Fernando Rodney with Melancon would give the Diamondbacks their most reliable closer since Brad Ziegler.

Teams: Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays

Their last swap: 2012 - Red Sox acquired right-hander David Carpenter and rights to manager John Farrell for infielder Mike Aviles

Trade candidate: Josh Donaldson

The last time these AL East rivals made a deal, former Blue Jays manager John Farrell shipped up to Boston. Now, the Farrell-led squad should be all over one third baseman north of the border.

The Red Sox promoted top third-base prospect Rafael Devers on Sunday, though, so a trade involving Donaldson won't happen prior to the trade deadline - and it's unlikely the Blue Jays move him by then regardless.

The offseason is when things could get interesting. If Devers fails to make an early impression, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski could decide to deal him for a player of Donaldson's caliber, similar to the way the Red Sox sent off Yoan Moncada in the deal for Chris Sale. If the Blue Jays feel like their window to win has officially closed by then - or midway through 2018 - a Donaldson trade could become imminent.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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