MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Teams Who Might Chase Alfonso Soriano

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Alfonso Soriano is widely acknowledged as one of the baseball's most immovable players. Once an elite player, Soriano has diminished at the plate, lost his speed and is now a liability in the outfield.

Wherever Soriano goes, the Cubs will have to eat a a sizable portion of his contract.

Still, Soriano has some pop left. If he continues to hit 25 home runs and knock in over 80 RBI then he is actually a good option at DH.

Here are a list of teams who might be interested in the Cubs' slugger.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have excellent starting pitching, but they need more offensive firepower. Last year their production was limited at DH—Bobby Abreu posted only eight home runs and 60 RBI.

Alfonso Soriano could give the Angels 25-30 home runs and knock in 80-100 RBI as a DH. These numbers are precisely what the Angels need.

New York Yankees

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The Yankees were looking into Soriano at the trade deadline last summer, and it is easy to see why. Jorge Posada filled the DH role for New York last year and hit just .234 with only 44 RBIs.

The Yankees already have a productive offense. They do not need any major renovations. However, their weakest link is clearly at DH.

With Soriano, they could receive a sizable upgrade at a trifling (for the Yankees) cost.

Tampa Bay Rays

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The Tampa Bay Rays have relied on smart baseball and good pitching and it has served them well. But the Rays could use some power—the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox each scored over 100 runs more than the Rays last year.

The Rays could upgrade their team with Soriano, who will most likely perform significantly better than Johnny Damon did last year.

A move like this could make all the difference in another extremely close AL East playoff race.

Boston Red Sox

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With David Ortiz leaving behind a vacant DH spot, Soriano would make sense for the Boston Red Sox.

Soriano cannot match Big Papi's 2011 on-base percentage or batting average. However, Soriano will give Boston similar home run and RBI totals, which would help keep Boston's scoring numbers high.

Oakland Athletics

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The Oakland Athletics may also be interested in Soriano. Designated hitter Hideki Matsui failed to produce, and it hurt them—the A's finished third in the AL West.

Soriano has the potential to be the best power hitter on this team. The only serious competition would come from Josh Willingham, who hit 29 homers and batted .246.

Soriano provides a way for the Athletics to acquire some power without going after a premiere free agent.