MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Teams With the Chance to Get a Big Deal Done
There has been a lot of focus on the 2010 free agent signings during the hot stove season.
But what about a good old-fashioned trade?
Now that Cliff Lee is off the board, the pool of free agents has started to slither away.
Here is a look at 10 teams that could potentially be involved in a blockbuster trade that might shift the course of power in both the American and National Leagues.
Some teams have aging sluggers that need a fresh start, some have a big-time player that has become too expensive, while others need that slugger and are willing to dip into their farm system to get him.
Which teams will pull the trigger?
1. Los Angeles Angels
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They whiffed on signing Carl Crawford. They let Hideki Matsui sign with the A's. And now they appear to be out of the race for Rafael Soriano:
“We are probably not going to add a new weapon to our bullpen,” said Angels GM Tony Reagins.
So what are they going to do?
They still could go after Adrian Beltre. If that plan falls through, the Angels will be actively seeking a blockbuster deal to ignite their fan base.
Outfielder Mike Trout and catcher Hank Conger lead the way for juicy prospects that the Angels could deal.
Potential targets for the Halos include Prince Fielder, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton.
The Angels have been very quiet thus far in the hot stove season. Expect that to change.
2. Kansas City Royals
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It seems that the question is when will Zack Greinke get traded as opposed to if he will be traded. The Royals have up to 10 teams that are willing to do what it takes to get the '09 Cy Young winner. The list includes the Yankees, Rangers, Brewers, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Nationals.
Greinke is due $27 million over the next two seasons and is considered a bargain. The Yankees whiffed on Cliff Lee, so expect them to throw a full-court press on Royals management. But can he handle the extreme media attention that will be thrown at him?
That's the reason the Royals are waiting it out right now. Let a team like the Yankees or Angels, that keep swinging and missing on free agents, duke it out for the ultimate offer for Greinke. The Royals need help on offense and could land a boatload of top prospects in a potential trade.
The Royals need a franchise player and Greinke isn't going to be that guy.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
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As the soap opera that is the Dodgers front-office situation continues, there are a lot of players the Dodgers need to make decisions on this off-season.
Are the Dodgers satisfied with Matt Kemp? He broke out onto the scene in '09 but followed that up with a pretty disappointing '10 campaign (.249 average). Having Kemp as the centerpiece of a trade, for say, a Zach Greinke might be enough.
The Dodgers are also in need of a catcher after losing Russell Martin to free agency. Jorge Posada, anyone?
James Loney has been brought up as a potential trade candidate to the Cubs, but the Carlos Pena signing likely nixes that rumor. But crazier things have happened.
Expect the Dodgers to have a few tricks up their sleeves this winter.
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4. Milwaukee Brewers
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It's no secret to the rest of baseball that the Brewers will not have All-Star Prince Fielder past 2011. He will become a free agent and command a Carl Crawford-esque mega deal. The mid-market Brew Crew can ill afford to let him go for nothing.
The front office has been shopping Fielder and any deal involving him would be enormous. The dedicated fan base won't like their team moving it's franchise player, but it's the best move to make for the long-term stability of the franchise.
The Angels, Mets and Dodgers are just a few teams that could make a fevered pitch at Fielder.
To make things even better for the Brewers, top pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi could bring in an already proven starter to help an abysmal staff.
5. New York Yankees
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Signing Russell Martin allows the Yankees to build a package around stud catching prospect Jesus Montero, if a potential suitor believes he could stick at catcher.
The Yanks do have quite a few prospects that they could deal. What about trading for Justin Upton or Colby Rasmus?
Austin Romine, Manny Banuelos, Ivan Nova, Andrew Brackman, Dellin Betances, Slate Heathcott and Gary Sanchez are all legit trading pieces.
Zack Greinke is now the No. 1 target after losing out in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. It may take trading a player like Nick Swisher to seal the deal.
6. New York Mets
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The Mets are saddled with a high payroll and a lot to prove. The heat is on after the Phillies turned into the Miami Heat of baseball.
It may take a trade or two to import some exciting new talent and shake things up.
Jose Reyes has been linked to the Reds. Obtaining one of the young and cheap arms that the Reds possess would be huge for the Mets. Travis Wood, Matt Maloney and Homer Bailey are all pieces that could boost the Mets.
Big name players that the Mets could acquire?
Jonathan Papelbon, Matt Garza or Jacoby Ellsbury are all on the radar. But the biggest issue is on offense and I expect them to make the biggest splash at the top of their lineup.
Imagine if they could somehow rid themselves of Carlos Beltran's insane contract? Dream on, Met fans.
7. Tampa Bay Rays
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Every team in the majors would love to have Matt Garza and his $5.5 million contract in 2011.
The Rays front office has let it be known that they will listen to offers for Garza and the bidding has begun. But a smart GM will realize that the awful financial situation the Rays sit in could make them take a lesser offer.
Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano and Carlos Pena are all gone...Garza will be next.
The Rays will receive some A-list prospects for any trade involving the emerging star. With Tampa currently having five to six open slots in their bullpen for '11, using Garza to gain some depth could be a smart move.
James Shields could potentially be on the block as well after a mediocre 2010 season.
8. Oakland Athletics
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The A's just signed Hideki Matsui to help fill a void on offense. They also have a shot a landing Adrian Beltre.
But realistically, the A's are going to have to make a trade or two to help bolster their anemic offense. Outfielders Chris Carter and Michael Choice, shortstop Grant Green and pitcher Ian Krol are all potential studs in the A's farm system.
Will the A's be patient and let the in-house talent develop? Or will they ship off a few of their top prospects in return for a proven slugger that could instantly infuse excitement into a group of fans that need some sort of spark?
9. Texas Rangers
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The Rangers were oh-so-close to signing Cliff Lee. Now they face the cold hard reality of trying to find someone to fill his shoes.
Long-time Ranger Michael Young could be expendable for an above-average starting pitcher.
Right-handers Zack Greinke and Matt Garza could be obtained via trade, and the Rangers could also move Neftali Feliz from the closer's role into the rotation.
Vladimir Guerrero and Rich Harden are gone in addition to Lee. The bank is open in Arlington and the Rangers just need to figure out a way to spend it.
10. Washington Nationals
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The Nationals have been trying to throw money at seemingly every available player this offseason. Jason Werth took the bait. Cliff Lee and Jorge De La Rosa said no thanks.
Now the 'Nats will turn to the prospects of a trade to bolster their last place club.
The top trade targets—Matt Garza and Zack Greinke—are both on the Nationals' radar.
Any trade scenario would require the Nationals to deal shortstop Ian Desmond and/or starter Jordan Zimmermann. Both players seem to be coveted by the 'Nats front office.
The Nationals are more than willing to trade outfielder Josh Willingham, but his likely $6 million salary would make him too expensive for the low-budget Royals and Rays.
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