MLB Trade Rumors: Alfonso Soriano Amongst Chicago Cubs Who Should Be Traded Soon

Alfonso Soriano leads a group of Chicago Cubs who all could potentially be traded before this year's trade deadline.

At this point, Cubs GM Jim Hendry would do just about anything to part with a number of horrific contracts that continue to limit the financial freedom of second-year owner Tom Ricketts.

After winning the National League's Central Division in 2007 and 2008, the Cubs are on track to miss the postseason for the third consecutive year—mostly due to their inability to make any significant roster upgrades to keep pace with St. Louis and Milwaukee.

Unless Hendry is able to locate teams willing to take on at least a portion of one or more of these contracts by the deadline, Cubs fans will continue to suffer for years to come.

Let's take a look at five contracts the Chicago Cubs need to part ways with as soon as possible. 

5. Aramis Ramirez: $14.6 Million in 2011

Aramis Ramirez has likely worn out his welcome in Chicago after recently turning down an invitation to play in this year's All-Star Game.

Despite hitting .298 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI, Ramirez has been under constant criticism from the media regarding his work ethic and desire—or lack thereof.

Ramirez is under contract for $14.6 million this season and the Cubs have a team option for $16 million in 2012, one that will not be exercised—making Ramirez a free agent.

Ramirez could immediately step into the middle of a lineup on a contending team, providing a consistent bat down the stretch—potentially as a DH in the American League.

In an attempt to infuse some youth into the current roster, Cubs GM Jim Hendry will likely be talking to both the Yankees and the Red Sox about a potential deal for Ramirez that will net a couple of serious prospects in return. 

4. Kosuke Fukudome: $13.5 Million in 2011

Kosuke Fukudome has never lived up to expectations after signing a four-year deal worth $48 million in 2008.

In three-and-a-half seasons Fukudome has a .262 career batting average with just 37 total home runs to go along with 168 RBI.

The good news is this is the last year of Fukudome's contract, and it will be his last season as a Chicago Cub.  

The bad news is, it's highly unlikely the Cubs will be able to find a team willing to trade young talent for the perennial underachiever.   

3. Ryan Dempster: $13.5 Million in 2011

With a $13.5 million contract this season and a player option for a $14 million contract in 2012, it's safe to say that Cubs GM Jim Hendry will be doing everything in his power to trade Ryan Dempster and his 5.01 ERA.

In all fairness, Dempster has pitched over 200 innings in each of the last three seasons with a combined record of 43-27 and an ERA around 3.50.  He was also voted to the National League All-Star team in 2008.

Dempster is another Cub who has likely worn out his welcome after his recent dugout spat with manager Mike Quade.

2. Carlos Zambrano: $17.88 Million in 2011

If you said Carlos Zambrano's career with the Cubs has been like a roller coaster ride, you may find yourself contending for the understatement of the year award in 2011.

When Zambrano is on, he's great, but when he's off, he's REALLY off and now finds himself on the 15-day DL once again with lower back tightness.

Despite having a career ERA of 3.55, Zambrano has only averaged 12 wins per season over the past 10 years and has produced a season ERA under 3.00 just once (2.75 in 2004).

Zambrano has one of the worst contracts in all of baseball, making $17.88 million this season and is scheduled to make $18 million in 2012 with a vesting option of $19.25 million in 2013.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry will have to search high and low for someone to take this ridiculous contract off his hands, but Zambrano still has some appeal after an incredible second half in 2010 that saw him give up just 11 earned runs in his last 11 starts. 

1. Alfonso Soriano: $18 Million in 2011

The Cubs are officially more than half-way through the eight year, $136 million contract Soriano inked in 2007.  

Unfortunately, they're still committed to $54 million after this season and Soriano seems fairly committed to hitting about .260 with 22 home runs and 75 RBI every year—not exactly the kind of numbers you hope for from your $18 million man.

If you could point to one single mistake that has contributed the most to the Cubs severe underachievement over the past three seasons, Soriano's contract would be it.

As long as the Cubs hands are tied financially to extremely under-performing players with massive contracts, they will remain near the bottom of the National League Central for the foreseeable future.