Chicago Cubs Trade Speculation: 5 Deals to Get Rid of Alfonso Soriano

With the trade deadline approaching quickly, Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is spending every second of his time working to get a deal done for Alfonso Soriano.

The team is willing to take on a large portion of Soriano's salary if any team is willing to trade for him.

It won't be easy for the Chicago Cubs to move the highly-paid outfielder, but it is possible.

Following are five deals to get rid of Soriano.

Boston Red Sox

Proposed deal: J.D. Drew for Alfonso Soriano

Gethin Coolbaugh of SBNation.com believes this is be a deal that may happen in the next few days.

The Chicago Cubs can't expect to get much in return for Soriano, so receiving J.D. Drew makes sense.

J.D. Drew is having a down season, batting only .223 with four home runs. However, he would be able to help in the outfield if Kosuke Fukudome is dealt.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Proposed deal: Willie Bloomquist for Alfonso Soriano

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been lacking a power bat since Mark Reynolds left town. That's where Soriano comes in.

While he has had a down year, Soriano still has some pop in his bat and could wind up having a better second half with a change of scenery.

The only concern the Diamondbacks will have with this deal is Soriano's suspect defense.

Philadelphia Phillies

Proposed deal: Ben Francisco for Alfonso Soriano

The only reason the Philadelphia Phillies would consider this trade is because of the fact they won't be responsible for Alfonso Soriano's contract.

They wouldn't have to give up much in return, either.

Ben Francisco is a solid defensive player who is also confident with the bat in his hands.

The good news for the Cubs in this deal is that Francisco would be able to take over in left field if the deal were to happen.

New York Yankees

Proposed deal: Andruw Jones for Alfonso Soriano

Could Alfonso Soriano return to New York?

It all depends on if the Yankees are willing to take a chance on him.

The Yankees would love to put Soriano in the designated hitter role and use him in the outfield when necessary.

Like most teams, the most appealing part of this deal is the fact that they won't have to pay Alfonso Soriano much and won't be losing much in the trade.

Tampa Bay Rays

Proposed deal: Justin Ruggiano for Alfonso Soriano

The Tampa Bay Rays designated Justin Ruggiano for assignment during this past offseason as he was inconsistent down the stretch.

Batting only .258 this season, Justin Ruggiano is sure to be included in the trade conversation leading up to the deadline.

Dealing him for Soriano would be a great trade for the Tampa Bay Rays as they are looking to add some power to their lineup to make a second-half run in the AL East.

The team would most likely have him split time with Johnny Damon in the DH spot as well as in left field.