MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Beg the San Francisco Giants for Matt Cain

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To those who consistently watch his starts, Matt Cain may be one of the most underrated pitchers in MLB.

Cain has been consistently above-average over the last few seasons and has the potential to be elite if he can get some run support.

While he may not be the league leader in wins, the Giants aren't the only team to take notice of his dominance, and will surely get calls from teams desperate for an All-Star caliber starter.

No. 5. Chicago Cubs

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The Chicago Cubs have been desperate for a World Series championship ever since their last one in 1908.

Each year there seems to be a different aspect of the game that the Cubs struggle with, and it was pitching in 2011. Chicago allowed a whopping 756 runs, putting them fifth overall in the NL Central.

Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano are no longer the valuable starters they once were, and adding Matt Cain would be a step in the right direction toward making the playoffs again.

No. 4. Minnesota Twins

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The Minnesota Twins should not be a team who finishes with a record of 63-99. That should not happen.

Even with injuries, an offense with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau should produce enough runs to finish in any place besides last in the AL Central. Not only that, the Twins allowed the second-most amount of runs in the American League, with 804.

An addition like Matt Cain means the Twins would have a one-two of Francisco Liriano and Cain, which would certainly push them to the upper portion of the division.

No. 3. Boston Red Sox

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The Boston Red Sox finished a terrible 2011 season by losing seven of their last ten games, and narrowly missed the playoffs.

This result wouldn't be as terrible for most teams, but the Red Sox were clearly favored entering the season and missing the playoffs wasn't anywhere near the goal they had dreamed of.

Boston allowed 737 runs and had injuries to most of their pitching staff throughout the season. Matt Cain could be the player to push Boston ahead of the Yankees for good, and they certainly have the payroll and farm system to acquire him.

No. 2. New York Mets

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The New York Mets are another team who have talent but can't seem to get over that hump.

They certainly have the offense to be a dangerous team, with Jose Reyes, David Wright and Angel Pagan, although Reyes may very well be leaving in the offseason.

Dillon Gee was the leader in wins for the Mets, if that says anything. Cain would clearly be the No. 1 starter in New York, or two if Johan Santana can ever get healthy again.

A consistent starter like Cain would do wonders for this team, and Mets fans would surely welcome him to their squad.

No. 1. New York Yankees

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It's not a shock, but the New York Yankees really need another starter, and Matt Cain would certainly fill that hole.

There was a rumor that Cain was going to be traded for Jesus Montero, according to mlbtraderumors.com, but it turned out to be just that, a rumor.

It's still possible that the Yankees to attempt to acquire Cain, which would push them ahead of Boston even further. Plus, the Yankees certainly have the pieces to get him, and they're known for going after players at an alarming rate.