MLB Trade Rumors: Power Ranking the Teams Most Likely to Pull Off a Deal
MLB trade rumors are swirling following some of the big moves the past few weeks.
The Adrian Gonzalez deal was a game-changer for the Boston Red Sox. And now that Cliff Lee has somewhat unexpectedly signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, there are going to be serious repercussions for the team's who missed out on landing an ace starter.
So who out there is most likely to make a deal?
Inside we'll power rank the top 20 teams most likely to trade, either to improve their team for next season, avoid impending free agency or prepare for the future.
No. 20: Seattle Mariners
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Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik recently told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that he has no interest in trading Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez.
Wise decision by Zduriencik. No matter how bad the Mariners were in 2010 (and they were bad, 61-101), trading away a 24-year-old who's won 32 games and posted a 2.38 ERA in the past two seasons would be a disaster.
But the Mariners do need to do something to improve their lineup. Ichiro Suzuki and Milton Bradley will get on base, but they need a power bat. Last season Seattle was dead last in the majors with just 101 home runs.
No. 19: Pittsburgh Pirates
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The lowly Pirates have made two nice moves in the free agent market.
First they signed Matt Diaz, the outfielder who had a decent season with Atlanta last year.
And the signing of Lyle Overbay to add power at the first base spot, was even more important: only one Pirate hit 20 home runs last year.
But there seems to be a consensus that the club will deal Ryan Doumit. And since catcher is a much needed spot on several teams, and the Pirates have Chris Snyder (15 home runs, 48 RBI last year), they can afford the move.
A starter would be the best thing to get in return.
No. 18: Florida Marlins
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The Marlins have added to their pitching staff this offseason, signing Javier Vazquez and Randy Choate.
But since they gave away Dan Uggla for very little, they need to find a replacement for his 33 home runs and 105 RBI.
MLB.com is reporting that Mike Cameron could be on his way to Florida.
Cameron would be a great fill-in. Although his groin injury kept him out most of last season, he should be able to add 20 or so home runs to the Marlin lineup.
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No. 17: Philadelphia Phillies
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Within hours of the team signing Cliff Lee, rumors started that the Phillies would deal away Joe Blanton, the team's fourth starter...that was until Lee was signed.
Blanton was declared relatively expendable and the Red Sox were dubbed the best fit for him.
But NESN.com reported that, a Phillies team source said, "(I) don't know where this is coming from.''
Even if Boston isn't the right fit, the Phillies would be wise to shop him around to the Mets, Brewers, or whoever else is interested.
They may be looking for a semi-replacement for Jayson Werth's outfield bat.
No. 16: Baltimore Orioles
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The Orioles have already been very active this offseason: the Mark Reynolds deal may up their team strikeout totals, but he'll provide much needed power at the third base spot.
They may also add Adam LaRoche (Reynolds' former Diamondback teammate) to play opposite him at first base.
But if Buck Showalter wants the club to continue the momentum from their 34-23 finish, they need to add to the pitching staff. The team's 4.59 ERA was second worst in the AL.
Zack Greinke might not be a possibility, but Matt Garza would be a great add.
No. 15: Arizona Diamondbacks
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Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers seems to have cooled on moving Justin Upton this offseason, according to MSNBC.com.
And dealing Upton would probably be a mistake, considering the fact that he's 23, been in the big leagues for four years and has been very effective.
But the Diamondbacks aren't really going anywhere, and by dealing away Mark Reynolds, they seem to be in fire sale mode.
Assuming they come down on their unreasonable requests for Upton, they are likely to move him.
No. 14: Detroit Tigers
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The Tigers' activity in the free-agent market probably won't end with signing Victor Martinez: they have to make a decision on either re-signing Magglio Ordonez or bringing in someone else.
But according to local reports, any move to acquire another starter might be achieved via trade.
Armando Galarraga might have earned headlines for his (sort of) perfect game, but he was not a terribly effective fifth starter. Therefore Dave Dombrowski might go after Cubs lefty Tom Gorzelanny.
Gorzelanny has not pitched well the past few seasons, but he went 14-10 with a 3.88 ERA for the Pirates back in 2007.
No. 13: San Diego Padres
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The Padres trading for Jason Bartlett has hit a "snag" in the past few weeks, but there still seems to be a good bet of it happening.
According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, the chances remain "better than 50-50."
The Padres have to make this deal: they moved Adrian Gonzalez for very little in return and Miguel Tejada signed with a divisional rival. Bartlett isn't a power guy like those two, but if he returns to his 2009 form (.320, 14 home runs, 66 RBI, 30 stolen bases), he's a big-time acquisition.
Look for Jed Hoyer to pull the trigger.
No. 12: Los Anglees Angels
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First, the Angels missed out on Carl Crawford, then Hideki Matsui bolted for Oakland.
They will need to fill that void somehow. And as good as he is, closer Rafael Soriano isn't capable of doing that.
There are free agents out there, but Prince Fielder would be a huge get for the club, and once again make them a favorite in the AL West.
Too bad that is a tremendous long shot.
No. 11: Washington Nationals
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Jayson Werth adds a major name to the club that bordered on irrelevance with the injury to Stephen Strasburg.
But there are still moves to be made if they have an interest in at least coming close to finishing .500.
Ian Desmond seems to be the most expendable player even if he doesn't want to be.
"I guess it's good that other teams are interested in me, but I hope the Nationals keep me," Desmond said. "I have been with them my whole career. I hope they like me enough to not trade me. But as long as I have a jersey, I'll be OK. I really don't care who I play for. I would love to stay with the Nationals, though."
Desmond's numbers were fine last year: .269 average, 10 home runs, 65 RBI and he's only 25 years old. But if it helps obtain a player like Matt Garza or even Zack Greinke, it's a no-brainer.
No. 10: Texas Rangers
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The Rangers can't sit and wallow for long after Cliff Lee bolted town. They need to go and make a move.
Vladamir Guererro is a priority and they should sign him to keep at least one of their stars.
But they probably will continue hot on the Zack Greinke trail.
ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick suggests that the club doesn't have enough to give Kansas City in exchange, but don't think that will stop the rumors.
And trading for Matt Garza would be a better pickup for the club than giving Carl Pavano a huge contract.
No. 9: Boston Red Sox
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The Red Sox have already made the biggest trade of the offseason, bringing in Adrian Gonzalez.
But they probably aren't done yet. The rumors about Joe Blanton coming to town following the Cliff Lee signing might be unfounded. But after missing the postseason for just the second time in seven seasons, Theo Epstein seems to be trigger happy.
Jonathan Papelbon has been rumored to be on the blocks, and if they can move Daisuke Matsuzaka they will.
No. 8: Milwaukee Brewers
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Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has frequently talked about not wanting to deal his star first baseman.
"I don't know what I'm going to do yet," Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "You can't say one or the other. I haven't decided yet. You always want to keep your options open, keep your flexibility. When a player approaches free agency, you've got to keep yourself open. If I got an offer I can't refuse, why would I say (beforehand) I wouldn't trade him?"
If they don't want to be out of the race by the All Star break, they will probably have to make a move. And they are already showing interest in Joe Blanton.
No. 7: Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Dodgers offseason hasn't been that busy, signing a low-level starter in Vicente Padilla and reliever Matt Guerrier, and passing on Russell Martin.
But maybe manager Ned Colletti is working on something bigger.
James Loney was reportedly being inquired about by the Cubs, prior to their signing Carlos Pena.
There are other teams out there who should have an interest in Loney, a 26-year-old left handed bat who drove in 88 runs last season.
No. 6: Kansas City Royals
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Obviously right hander Zack Greinke is the top arm out there for teams to inquire about.
And although reports have the Yankees and Rangers not offering enough to convince Kansas City to move the 2009 AL Cy Young winner, that certainly could change.
With Cliff Lee shaking up the free agent market and ruining several teams' offseason plans, Greinke could be a great Plan B for Texas, New York, Washington, Toronto, or whoever else.
And just in case Greinke doesn't move, maybe the team will part with excellent young closer Joakim Soria (1.78 ERA, 43 saves). Why does a team who wins 60 games need a great closer?
No. 5: Tampa Bay Rays
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As if losing Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and probably Rafael Soriano wasn't enough, the Rays fire sale will continue.
Jason Bartlett seems to be a lock to go to the Padres, and Matt Garza might be the backup plan to the backup plan (Zack Greinke) for team's who had hoped to sign Cliff Lee.
The Rays have rebuilt themselves up from the ground once already, so they might not fear what's about to come in 2011.
And if they get good prospects in return for Bartlett and Garza, they might not spend long in the basement.
No. 4: Chicago White Sox
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Carlos Quentin is not on the trade blocks, according to general manager Kenny Williams.
"I did not have one single conversation about Quentin at the Winter Meetings," he told MLB.com two weeks ago. "I have not had any discussions with anyone about Carlos since the General Managers Meetings, and it could never have been described as we were shopping him."
But with the addition of Adam Dunn and the re-signing of Paul Konerko, that might be hard to believe.
The White Sox need another arm and moving Quentin could accomplish that. His home run totals (83 the last three seasons) should entice someone.
No. 3: Chicago Cubs
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For a while now it's been pretty obvious that the only club who could (not would) have an interest in Zambrano is the Yankees. They can afford to pick up his $18 million contract in exchange for his antics and shaky track record.
Around the time of last year's trade deadline that wasn't going to happen because Zambrano was struggling so much. But he was excellent after the All Star break (8-0, 1.79 ERA in 14 starts), so if the Yankees cannot bring Zack Greinke to the Bronx, Zambrano would be nice fit.
Plus, they've reportedly already signed Zambrano's former Cubs teammate Mark Prior to a minor league deal, so Z might be willing to waive his no-trade clause to play for a clear cut playoff team.
No. 2: New York Mets
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The new regime in Queens is not likely to stay put this offseason. And having missed out on several big name free agents, they might have to go the trade route to do so.
Jose Reyes seems likely to leave town, with rumors that he could be headed for Cincinnati.
Carlos Beltran might be a better move since he is older and has a better resume, but they seem to be moving towards dealing the younger Reyes.
Still, rumors about Beltran (who might finally be healthy in 2011) continue, even if they don't bother him, as he told MLB.com.
No. 1: New York Yankees
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Even though they've already made three big time deals this offseason (re-signing Derek Jeter, re-signing Mariano Rivera, signing free agent catcher Russell Martin), general manager Brian Cashman's going to remain very busy.
They missed out on Cliff Lee and if Andy Pettitte does retire than there will be a pretty big hole in the rotation, even with C.C. Sabathia there.
Zack Greinke would be the best fit for the team, but they might not be able to pry him away from Kansas City. They'll have a much more willing trade partner in the Chicago Cubs, if they are willing to pay Carlos Zambrano's huge salary.
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