MLB Speculation: Ryan Zimmerman and 15 Names That Could Enter the Trade Market

With players strolling into their spring training facilities over the next week, it may be a bit premature to speculate on who may be moving between now and this summer's trade deadline.

But as the spring moves on, teams will no doubt look to fill holes to contend as others look to unload payroll and plan for the future.

The Washington Nationals have been a relatively active team this offseason, showing that they plan on contending sooner rather than later.

With Ryan Zimmerman heading into free agency after 2013, the Nationals will definitely have decisions to make, as they'd want to work out an extension sooner rather than later.

They're not the only team in this situation, as a number of players are poised to head into different markets during the dog days of summer.

Carl Pavano

The Minnesota Twins will be doing everything in their power to contend once again in the AL Central, but if that doesn't come to fruition, there could be some household Minnesota names leaving town.

One that you'd have to give consideration to would be Carl Pavano.

In the final year of his contract, Pavano is a veteran starter that has pitched in pressure situations and could be valuable to some team's postseason push.

Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is entering the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros in 2012, and with the team in a mode where they need to take in all the talent they can get, they'll definitely be looking for a suitor for Lee come this summer.

B.J. Upton

The always thrifty Tampa Bay Rays have enjoyed plenty of success in recent years but may run into this obstacle once again in 2012 as B.J. Upton enters the final year of his contract.

He's set to get a big payday in free agency, and with a number of teams that could use a star-caliber center fielder, the team may be forced to deal Upton prior to the deadline if it falls out of contention before then.

Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano's tenure with the Minnesota Twins has certainly been one filled with ups and downs. He has shown the ability to be a very effective strikeout pitcher, but his inconsistent production has raised some concerns.

His name hasn't been brought up in trade talks for quite some time, but with free agency looming, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Twins ship Liriano out of Target Field rather than work out a long-term deal for the enigmatic starter.

Delmon Young

After fizzling out as a former top pick of the Tampa Bay Rays, Delmon Young seems to have found some life in this league.

His performance in last year's postseason will likely help him out heading into 2012, and with the Tigers already chock-full of talent, Young's biggest value may be as a piece to bring in more talent this summer.

Gavin Floyd

Throughout the early part of the offseason, it seemed like John Danks would most certainly be headed out of Chicago as the White Sox looked to rebuild.

In somewhat of a surprising move, the Sox signed Danks to an extension, ensuring his place in the rotation for years to come.

With that move, Gavin Floyd becomes expendable for Chicago, as he'll enter free agency next offseason and likely won't sign for a number the White Sox will agree to.

Adam Jones

The Baltimore Orioles have an emerging star on their hands with Adam Jones but may not have him around for long if they're unable to work out a contract extension.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal has pointed out that it will likely take at least a five-year deal, and with negotiations not taking place, suitors could be lining up.

Stephen Drew

After seeing his 2011 season cut to just 86 games, Stephen Drew will no doubt come out with something to prove in 2012.

He'll have added incentive as he enters free agency in 2013, and as a Scott Boras client he will no doubt be on the market.

If the Diamondbacks don't see a possibility to extend him, they could certainly opt to find something in return this summer.

Matt Garza

Throughout much of the offseason, it seemed like there were relatively constant murmurs about Matt Garza being shipped out of Chicago prior to the start of the 2012 season.

They may have been quelled a bit, as Garza has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Cubs, but as Jon Morosi of Fox Sports points out, the team is still aiming to have a trade in place by the deadline.

Carlos Quentin

The San Diego Padres will certainly take on a different look in 2012 with a number of their best players leaving town via free agency or trades.

Fortunately, they do have a stable of young talent that provides a great deal of hope for the future, but a veteran bat could help their development, especially with the possibility of Carlos Quentin being a one-and-done in San Diego since he'll be looking to cash in with his first big contract.

Andre Ethier

The Los Angeles Dodgers at least temporarily dodged a bullet in signing Andre Ethier to a one-year deal worth more than $10 million, avoiding arbitration.

They'll need to make a decision this summer, however, as Ethier will be entering free agency and may not be an economically feasible option for the Dodgers moving forward.

Some believe there could be an extension for Ethier, but it appears the two sides have yet to get together for discussions.

Matt Cain

The San Francisco Giants have done themselves a big favor in locking in Tim Lincecum for the next couple seasons.

They'll now turn their attention to the other star in their rotation as Matt Cain prepares to enter free agency after the 2012 season.

The Giants certainly won't be able to pull the trigger on any trade this summer if they're in contention in the NL West, but if contract talks don't appear to be heading anywhere, they would likely at least listen to offers in order to get something in return.

Brandon Phillips

Spending the majority of his career in Cincinnati, Brandon Phillips has won three Gold Gloves in the past four seasons with the Reds, making two All-Star appearances in the process.

After a career-high .300 batting average in 2011, Phillips could add some value to his next contract with a stellar 2012 season, possibly putting himself out of the Reds' range and forcing them to put him on the block.

Wandy Rodriguez

It's a surprise in itself that Wandy Rodriguez still hasn't been dealt to a team looking to add a solid starting pitcher, but as Rodriguez's contract winds down, you'd think the odds of his move would increase.

He'll be a free agent after 2013, and with the Astros not in a position to contend any time soon, the time could be now to move him and look to build depth in the farm system.

Ichiro Suzuki

Having not known any other team in Major League Baseball, it's hard to imagine Ichiro Suzuki playing in any uniform other than that of the Seattle Mariners.

His 2011 season showed a slight decline from his past seasons in Seattle, but he's still a great outfielder, remains a threat in the batter's box and should continue to produce, even if it's not in a Mariners uniform.

Some thought the team may work out an extension prior to the season, but it now appears the two sides have decided to put the talks on hold.