The Most Tradeable Asset on Every MLB Team

As the Hot Stove League heats up and trade rumors begin to swirl, new names are seemingly hitting the rumor mill on a daily basis leading up to the winter meetings.

Most of these rumors have to be taken with a grain of salt, and few will actually come to fruition, but each team has a number of players who could be moved given the right situation.

I've attempted here to name each team's most valuable trade asset. To clarify, I have only included players that I feel could potentially be traded in the right deal.

So while Mike Trout is undoubtedly the Angels' most valuable trade asset, you won't see him as the Angels' choice since it is a safe bet to say he's not going anywhere.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Player: SP Trevor Bauer

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

While Justin Upton is the most often rumored Diamondbacks player to be on the move, it's Bauer who has the most trade value in my mind.

Though he struggled to a 6.06 ERA over four big-league starts last season, he still has the stuff to be a future staff ace and he has plenty of team control left as he projects to not be a free agent until 2019.

Atlanta Braves

Player: SP Julio Teheran

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

Teheran suffered through a down season after entering the year as one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, but he is still just 21 years old and has electric stuff.

The Braves are loaded at starting pitcher, so he's not untouchable, but one would have to think the Braves won't want to deal him coming off of a poor season when his value is down. If he turns things around quickly to start 2013, though, he could be a huge chip at the deadline.

Baltimore Orioles

Player: SP Jake Arrieta

Contract: 2013: Pre-Arbitatration, 2014-16: Arbitration Eligible, 2017: Free Agent

After going 10-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 2011, Arrieta earned the Opening Day start for the Orioles in 2012, but before the season was over, he had been demoted to the minors and finished 3-9 with a 6.20 ERA.

Those numbers don't exactly scream in-demand trade target, but Arrieta still has tremendous upside and seeing as he appears to be on the outside looking in for the Orioles 2013 rotation, he could be a useful main chip in any trade package the team may put together.

Boston Red Sox

Player: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Contract: 2013: Arbitration Eligible ($2.5 million in 2012), 2014: Free Agent

Once the top catching prospect in baseball, Saltalamacchia was the marquee name in a package of prospects that included Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison and Neftali Feliz that Atlanta used to acquire Mark Teixeira from the Rangers.

It was not until last season in Boston, however, that Saltalamacchia finally got a chance at everyday at-bats. In 763 at-bats over the past two seasons, he has 41 HR and 115 RBI.

Following their signing of David Ross, and with Ryan Lavarnway in the mix, the Red Sox could opt to move Saltalamacchia, and in a market where veterans A.J. Pierzynski, Mike Napoli and Russell Martin represent the best catching options, the 27-year-old would have plenty of value.

Chicago Cubs

Player: SP Matt Garza

Contract: 2013: Arbitration Eligible ($9.5 million in 2012), 2014: Free Agent

Though he likely won't be traded this offseason after missing the end of last season with injury, Garza is a sure thing to be moved at some point this coming season if the Cubs don't reach an extension with him.

He likely would have been moved at the deadline last year had it not been for the injury, and while his 5-7 record did not reflect it, he is a legitimate front-line starter. The Cubs gave up four prospects to get him, and their asking price will likely be similar as they look to restock their continued rebuilding efforts.

Chicago White Sox

Player: SP Gavin Floyd

Contract: 2013: $9.5 million, 2014: Free Agent

The White Sox opted to extend John Danks last offseason, but Floyd remains destined for free agency at the end of the 2013 season and he may be shopped as a result.

A double-digit winner each of the past five seasons, Floyd has gone 62-56 with a 4.12 ERA over that span while making 29 or more starts each season.

The 29-year-old is not quite an ace, but he represents a veteran innings eater with a proven track record and would be a solid trade chip for a White Sox team that's incredibly thin at the minor-league level.

Cincinnati Reds

Player: SS/CF Billy Hamilton

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

Hamilton garnered national attention this past season, as he stole a ridiculous 155 bases between High Single-A and Double-A while hitting a solid .310/.410/.420 in the process.

The Reds desperately need a lead-off hitter, and while Hamilton projects to be that for them down the road they are also a team in a position to win now.

If they were to pull the trigger on a major deal, it would likely have to include Hamilton, and while he won't come cheap, he's not quite untouchable at this point.

Cleveland Indians

Player: SS Asdrubal Cabrera

Contract: 2013: $6.5 million, 2014: $10 million, 2015: Free Agent

The rebuilding Indians have a number of intriguing trade chips in Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson. However, it is Cabrera who is likely to net the biggest return of any player they could look to move.

With no real viable shortstop options on the free agent market, teams like the Diamondbacks, A's, Rays and Cardinals could all have serious interest in Cabrera.

With the Indians in need of young pitching, they could simply shop him for the best offer those teams can make as they bid against one another.

Colorado Rockies

Player: CF Dexter Fowler

Contract: 2013-15 Arbitration Eligible ($2.35 million in 2012), 2016: Free Agent

Once one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Fowler was average at best over his first three big-league seasons in hitting .264 with a combined 5.1 WAR. 

However, he broke out in 2012 with a line of .300 BA, 13 HR, 53 RBI that marked career highs across the board. With an abundance of outfielders and a complete lack of pitching, the Rockies could look to deal the 26-year-old Fowler while his value is at an all-time high.

Detroit Tigers

Player: 3B Nick Castellanos

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

Castellanos reached Double-A at the age of 20 last season, and hit a combined .320 BA, 10 HR, 57 RBI between there and High Single-A as he has emerged as one of the top third-base prospects in the game.

The Tigers have already made a splash this offseason in adding Torii Hunter, but for a team looking to win it all, they could look to deal for a middle infielder, left fielder or even another starting pitcher and they have no bigger trade chip than Castellanos, who is blocked by Miguel Cabrera for the foreseeable future.

Houston Astros

Player: SS Jed Lowrie

Contract: 2013-14 Arbitration Eligible ($1.15 million in 2012), 2015: Free Agent

Acquired from the Red Sox for reliever Mark Melancon last offseason, Lowrie hit .244 BA, 16 HR, 42 RBI over just 340 at-bats last season as he emerged as one of the top power threats at the position.

As with Asdrubal Cabrera, Lowrie has increased value this offseason simply because of the fact that there are so few shortstop options and a number of contenders looking for help at the position.

He's the closest thing the Astros roster has to a veteran right now, and if they don't feel he is part of the long-term plans with No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa the eventual shortstop, they could opt to move him.

Kansas City Royals

Player: OF Wil Myers

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

The 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, Myers hit .314 BA, 37 HR, 109 RBI as a 21-year-old between Double-A and Triple-A, though he did not receive a September call-up.

He'll likely open the 2013 season in the minors, as the Royals look to push back his arbitration clock. That is unless he is moved, and despite his tremendous upside, it's not out of the question as the Royals look for answers at the top of their starting rotation.

Los Angeles Angels

Player: 3B Kaleb Cowart

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

The Angels' biggest focus this offseason will be to shore up a starting rotation that no longer has Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Zack Greinke from last year's team.

They'll no doubt attempt to bolster their staff through free agency, but they may also work the trade market, and any big deal they make would likely have to include Cowart, who currently ranks as their top prospect.

The 2010 first-round pick hit .276 BA, 16 HR, 103 RBI as a 20-year-old between Single-A and High Single-A last season and looks to have a bright future. However, the Angels are trying to win now, so he could certainly be moved.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Player: SP Zach Lee

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

The Dodgers have gone all-in on the next few years, following their acquisition of Hanley Ramirez and their blockbuster deal with the Red Sox. They're expected to spend big this offseason, and should the right deal present itself, they'd no doubt jump at making another big trade as well.

The team's 2010 first-round pick, Zach Lee, remains their top prospect, and while they have balked at the idea of dealing him in the past, they are serious about acquiring a No. 2 starter and if it means dealing Lee for someone like James Shields, they likely would.

Miami Marlins

Player: RF Giancarlo Stanton

Contract: 2013: Pre-Arbitration, 2014-16: Arbitration Eligible, 2017: Free Agent

A year after spending big, the Marlins blew up their team in a blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays and like fire sales of the past, they may not be done.

It will take an astounding package of prospects and big-league talent to pry Stanton away from the Marlins, as his combination of affordability and perhaps the best pure power in the game make him one of the most valuable players in the league.

However, I don't think the 23-year-old budding superstar is untouchable, just really, really expensive for whoever chooses to make a run at him.

Milwaukee Brewers

Player: C Martin Maldonado

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

When Jonathan Lucroy went down in the midst of a breakout season last year, the Brewers didn't miss much offensively behind the plate thanks to Maldonado, as he hit .266 BA, 8 HR, 30 RBI over 233 at-bats.

With Lucroy back, the 26-year-old is headed for the bench this coming season, but he is no doubt an attractive trade target to any team looking to improve behind the plate.

He projects to be controllable through 2018, and will be playing for the league minimum the next few seasons, making him even more appealing.

Minnesota Twins

Player: LF Josh Willingham

Contract: 2013-14: $7 million, 2015: Free Agent

The three-year, $21 million contract that Willingham signed with the Twins last offseason turned out to be one of the biggest steals of the winter as he went on to hit .260 BA, 35 HR, 110 RBI in his first year in Minnesota.

That cost-effective contract, coupled with the relative lack of impact run producers on the free-agent market, makes Willingham a valuable commodity for the Twins, and one who would likely fetch a higher price than another potential trade chip in Denard Span.

New York Mets

Player: 3B David Wright

Contract: 2013: $16 million, 2014: Free Agent

The Mets continue to try to hash out an extension with the face of their team in Wright, but the deeper we get into the offseason, the more likely the team is to shop him in an effort to avoid losing him for nothing but draft pick compensation like they did Jose Reyes.

Anyone willing to part with the package of prospects necessary to acquire him would almost certainly need an assurance he would sign a long-term deal. The Mets find themselves in a similar situation with Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, but in the end I think it's Wright who has the greater trade value.

New York Yankees

Player: CF Mason Williams

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

The Yankees have worked hard to rebuild their minor league system after developing a reputation as a team that routinely traded off their young parts for more high-priced talent.

That said, it's not out of the question to think that they would pull off a major trade following their embarrassing postseason exit.

Should they do so, Williams represents their most attractive trade chip, as he's still a work in progress but has a very high ceiling as a future lead-off hitter.

Oakland Athletics

Player: RF Josh Reddick

Contract: 2013: Pre-Arbitration, 2014-16: Arbitration Eligible, 2017: Free Agent

The A's acquired Reddick hoping he could provide some punch in the middle of the lineup, and he did more than they could have ever hoped in hitting 32 home runs with 85 RBI.

However, he hit just .242 and struck out 151 times on his way to a weak .305 OBP. The A's are notorious for trading young players before they become expensive, and with his value up and set and eligible for arbitration next offseason, Reddick is exactly the type of player who the A's could trade.

Especially following the acquisition of Chris Young from the Diamondbacks.

Philadelphia Phillies

Player: SP Cliff Lee

Contract: 2013-2015: $25 million, 2016: $27.5 million option ($12.5 million buyout), 2017: Free Agent

While the $87.5 million that he is due over the next four seasons would be enough to count some teams out of the running for his services, if the Phillies were to legitimately make Lee available, there is no question several teams would be interested.

In an offseason where Zack Greinke is the only legitimate staff ace, Lee would have incredible value. While the Phillies are still looking to be competitive now, dealing Lee could free up payroll and bring back some solid prospects in return, while the Phillies would still have Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels atop their rotation.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Player: RP Joel Hanrahan

Contract: 2013: Arbitration Eligible ($4.1 million in 2012), 2014: Free Agent

Assuming pitching prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon are untouchable, which I believe they are, the Pirates' best trade chip may be two-time All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan.

A free agent at the end of this coming season, and due for a raise over the $4.1 million he made last season, trading Hanrahan could make sense.

Prospect Bryan Morris is a candidate to close, as well as a handful of other internal options, but seeing as the Pirates are unlikely to re-sign him, trading Hanrahan would make sense and should net a solid return.

San Diego Padres

Player: 3B Chase Headley

Contract: 2013-14: Arbitration Eligible ($3.48 million in 2012), 2015: Free Agent

One of the breakout stars of 2012, Headley hit .286 BA, 31 HR, 115 RBI to finish fifth in NL MVP voting and lead the NL in RBI.

The Padres appear committed to getting back to contention soon after re-signing Carlos Quentin and Huston Street, but Headley is likely heading for a $100 million payday if he can produce at a similar level, and that may be out of the Padres price range.

His value may never be higher, and if someone comes along with a fantastic trade offer for a Padres team that is still rebuilding to a point, I don't think Headley is by any means untouchable.

San Francisco Giants

Player: RF Hunter Pence

Contract: 2013: Arbitration Eligible ($10.4 million in 2012), 2014: Free Agent

After trading top prospect Zack Wheeler two years ago and catching prospect Tommy Joseph to acquire Pence this past season, the Giants don't have much in the way of big-ticket prospects.

One player who could be moved, however, is Pence. The team is actively shopping for outfielders on the free-agent market and Pence is set to earn a raise over the $10.4 million he made last season in what will be his final year of arbitration. 

Despite his struggles after joining the Giants, Pence still hit .253 BA, 24 HR, 109 RBI last season, and is just a year removed from a .314 BA, 22 HR, 97 RBI season, so he has should have plenty of value.

Seattle Mariners

Player: SP James Paxton

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

The Mariners have three stud starting pitchers in Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker and James Paxton, and while I believe the first two are untouchable, Paxton could be the chip the Mariners use to improve their dismal offense.

The 23-year-old left-hander went 9-4, 3.05 ERA, 110 Ks, 106.1 IP in Double-A last season, and should make his big league debut one way or another in 2013.

He doesn't quite have the ceiling of Hultzen or Walker, but at this point he may be the most big-league-ready of the group, which certainly adds to his value.

St. Louis Cardinals

Player: 1B Matt Adams

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

Coming off of a .300 BA, 32 HR, 101 RBI season at Double-A in 2011, Adams showed he was ready for big-league action. However, he saw just 86 at-bats with the Cardinals in 2012, hitting .244 BA, 2 HR, 13 RBI.

Back in the minors, he hit .329 BA, 18 HR, 50 RBI in 258 at-bats, and with Allen Craig settled in at first base, he figures to be blocked for the foreseeable future. That should make Adams a prime trade candidate should the team opt to do any wheeling and dealing this offseason.

Tampa Bay Rays

Player: SP Jeremy Hellickson

Contract: Pre-Arbitration

There is no question the Rays need to improve their offense if they hope to be legitimate title contenders, and they have the abundance of starting pitching to do just that on the trade market.

In my mind, the only pitcher who can't be had in a trade is David Price, as the team would likely at least listen on everyone else. While James Shields is often brought up in trade rumors, I think it is Hellickson who has the most value of anyone.

After going 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA in 2011 to win AL Rookie of the Year, he avoided a sophomore slump last season and went 10-11 with a 3.10 ERA.

He's still just 25 years old and has yet to reach arbitration, so he could significantly impact another team now and for many years to come.

Texas Rangers

Player: SS Elvis Andrus

Contract: 2013: $4.8 million, 2014: $6.475 million, 2015: Free Agent

Since debuting as a 20-year-old in 2009, Andrus has quickly become one of the top shortstops in the game, as his combination of stellar defense, good on-base skills and terrific speed make him incredibly valuable.

However, with top prospect Jurickson Profar ready to step into a big-league job, the Rangers have to find a way to get him at-bats. In need of another starting pitcher as well as a run producer to replace Josh Hamilton, dealing Andrus could make sense for the Rangers in the right situation.

Toronto Blue Jays

Player: C Travis d'Arnaud

Contract: Pre-Arbitration (no big league experience)

A catching controversy has been in the works in Toronto for a few years now, as it was only a matter of time before d'Arnaud pushed the incumbent J.P. Arencibia for at-bats.

He likely would have last season, after opening the year with a .333 BA, 16 HR, 52 RBI line through 279 at-bats in Triple-A, but a torn PCL ended his season prematurely.

The Blue Jays could opt to trade either player, but there is no question d'Arnaud has more value and he could help bring the team the front-line starter they are still looking for.

Washington Nationals

Player: LF/1B Michael Morse

Contract: 2013: $6.75 million, 2014: Free Agent

Assuming the Nationals go after a center fielder and also re-sign Adam LaRoche, it will likely be Morse who winds up the odd-man out and he could very well find himself on the trading block before the offseason is over.

The 30-year-old was a late bloomer, but he's hit 64 home runs over the past three seasons in what amounted to two seasons' worth of at-bats. With very few impact power hitters on the market, Morse could be in demand if made available.