Chicago Cubs Trade Rumors: Possible Destinations for Alfonso Soriano

It is no secret that the Chicago Cubs are going through a major rebuild, but that process won't be complete until Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer find a way to trade outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, there are currently eight American League teams that have shown interest in acquiring the inconsistent slugger.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts looks to be on board as well, claiming to be willing to eat up a good amount of Soriano's terrible contract just to get a deal done.

There has been no word on which franchises have shown interest, but these eight clubs seem like likely destinations.

Baltimore Orioles

One destination that remains extremely likely to make the move for Alfonso Soriano is the Baltimore Orioles.

The club has yet to sign a player to fulfill their role at designated hitter, and there really isn't a better option to fulfill a hitter-only role than Soriano.

The Orioles may look to have the Cubs take on a bad contract of their own in second baseman Brian Roberts, but if the Cubs could get themselves out of the third-year infielder, it could be a huge win for Epstein and Hoyer.

New York Yankees

Could Alfonso Soriano be sent back to where he won his World Series title?

Possibly, but the Cubs likely wouldn't get much in return.

If the Cubs were looking to get some prospects in return, they would perhaps have to include catcher Geovany Soto in the deal.

The Yankees moved on from now-retired catcher Jorge Posada, and they also dealt catching prospect Jesus Montero.

The team has a void at catcher, and Soto may be a piece they would be interested in.

Soriano could fill the DH role quite well, while also being a possible substitute for the outfield if needed.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

If the Chicago Cubs were to send Alfonso Soriano to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the team would likely be looking at another situation of just eating up most of his remaining contract.

They would likely get some low-grade prospects in return, but it would at least get Soriano out of the North Side.

Bringing him in would give the Angels a lot of options at first base and designated hitter, with Bobby Abreu, Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo already sitting on the roster.

The Cubs could possibly give up a couple pieces to acquire a talent like Trumbo, but that seems just as-far fetched as any deal with the Angels does.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals had a solid designated hitter last season in Billy Butler, but adding a bat like Alfonso Soriano's could really help solidify this roster.

While it remains to be seen what the Cubs would get in return, the Royals have a relatively strong farm.

They may be hesitant in giving up some decent products, but the Cubs' Jason McLeod has an eye for talent and may be able pluck something out there that the club could work with.

Young pitching is essential for the Cubs, so perhaps they can find a decent arm among their options. If the Cubs include an option of their own, they could perhaps try to swing a deal for relief pitcher Blake Wood.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have been one of many teams to be rumored to be interested in attaining free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, but if they fail to do that, Alfonso Soriano could be a decent option to add some power to their lineup.

The Mariners could even possibly use him in the outfield, as both Trayvon Robinson and Franklin Gutierrez had terrible seasons.

This is another deal that would likely result in the Cubs getting some low-grade prospects in return, but the Mariners may be willing to give up more than many would expect since they are somewhat desperate to add a power hitter to the lineup.

Catcher Miguel Olivo led the entire team with home runs last year, only knocking 19 out of the park. They could really use some help in that department.

Oakland Athletics

If the Oakland Athletics can get Alfonso Soriano for basically nothing, general manager Billy Beane would be foolish to not jump on that deal.

The A's are desperate for some power in their lineup, and they could really use a designated hitter that could provide some production like Soriano.

The team moved on from Josh Willingham, who was by far their biggest source of production.

While Soriano won't be nearly as productive, he would be a fine enough upgrade to provide some potential run production for this team.

Texas Rangers

With the Texas Rangers looking to acquire Prince Fielder, the team would be wise to instill a Plan B option, just in case things don't work out.

If the team is looking for another power hitter to add to their already ridiculous lineup including Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and Ian Kinsler, the addition of Alfonso Soriano could bolster their lineup as well.

The Rangers have a lot of money currently on their payroll, and they are also looking to sign Japanese pitching prospect Yu Darvish.

A player the Cubs could perhaps take on in exchange for Soriano would be second baseman Michael Young. He is making $2 million less than Soriano, but he also has one less year left on his contract.

The addition would give the Rangers a more realistic DH option, while providing the Cubs with a much better option at second base.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays would likely love to add another power bat to their lineup, as Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and J.P. Arencibia were unable to get this team going despite their power numbers.

Adding a guy like Soriano would add another potential power bat, while also giving them another option behind outfielders Colby Rasmus and Eric Thames.

Edwin Encarnacion had a good season last year batting in the DH role, but the team could opt to go with another potential option—especially if it costs them nothing to get him.

The Blue Jays have one the best farm systems in the MLB, so they likely have many options for the Cubs to choose from in terms of pitching prospects.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.