MLB Trade Rumors: Every Team's Chances of Making a Big Trade

As we push closer to spring training, teams' opening day rosters begin to take shape, as most of the free-agent signing and big-time trading has already taken place.

There are exceptions, as Prince Fielder, Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson, among others, have yet to sign, and there will likely still be at least a handful of trades made before the season opens.

However, looking ahead to the deadline, certain teams are far more likely than others, even at this point, to be involved in a huge trade, whether it is from the position of buyer acquiring a big-name veteran or seller moving the veteran to bolster its farm system.

So, here are the odds that each MLB team pulls off a big move this coming season, taking into account the GM's history of making big trades, what the team has already done this offseason, what holes still remain and whom the team's key trade chips would be.

Cincinnati Reds: 1 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Walt Jocketty

The Cardinals GM from 1994-2007, Jocketty has had a great deal of success in part because of good player development and free-agent signings, but more so for his ability to pull off the big trade.

One of the most memorable was acquiring Mark McGwire from the Athletics in 1997 for three players, but that was far from his only big move.

He also acquired Edgar Renteria, Jim Edmonds, Fernando Vina and Scott Rolen in prospect-laden trades. On the selling end, he sent J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero to the Braves for two pitching prospects that ended up being Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright.

Team Outlook

After winning the NL Central in 2011, the Reds took a step back last season, and they were very active this offseason because of that.

They sent a four-player package of top prospects and Edinson Volquez to the Padres for Mat Latos to shore up their rotation, traded Travis Wood to the Cubs to get Sean Marshall in the back of their bullpen and signed Ryan Ludwick to plug a hole in left field.

Needs/Trade Chips

Following the moves they have made this offseason and barring injury, the Reds don't really have any major holes heading into 2012 and won't need to do much more.

In trading for Latos, they fixed their biggest issue in getting a top-tier starting pitcher, but also thinned out their farm system significantly to the point they likely would not be able to pull off another big deal if they wanted to.

Milwaukee Brewers: 1 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Doug Melvin

The Brewers GM since September of 2002, Melvin has pulled of some huge trades in his time at the reins of the team.

He acquired a pair of top-tier sluggers in Carlos Lee from the White Sox for Scott Podsednik and Richie Sexson from the Indians for three pitchers.

He also picked up C.C. Sabathia from the Indians in one of the best deadline deals of all time, and last offseason, he picked up Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum for five prospects.

Team Outlook

Losing Prince Fielder (probably) in free agency and Ryan Braun to a 50-game suspension is a dagger for the Brewers, and while they still have a solid team, they will no doubt take a step back in 2012.

The team signed Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez as a free agent to help replace some of Fielder's offense and will likely hand over the first base duties to long-time prospect Mat Gamel. Alex Gonzalez was also signed to play shortstop.

Needs/Trade Chips

The team has some holes, but likely won't be much of a player in any big trades, as they simply don't have the young pieces to pull off such a deal at this point.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 5 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Neal Huntington

The Pirates have never really been in a position to be buyers, and since Huntington took over at the end of the 2007 season, he has not done much in the way of major trades.

He dealt Brian Giles to the Padres for Jason Bay and Oliver Perez in a very smart trade, and pulled off a major coup in acquiring Jose Tabata, Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen and Ross Ohlendorf from the Yankees for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

Team Outlook

The Pirates had a solid offseason so far, adding Erik Bedard, Rod Barajas and Clint Barmes all to low-cost deals and trading for Casey McGehee to help shore up the roster.

They won't take anyone by surprise this coming season, and while they may not be in a position to make the playoffs, this could be the year they break their 19-year losing record streak.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Pirates still don't have the payroll flexibility to pull of a major trade, but you can expect them to make some moves similar to what they did at the deadline last year when they added Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick.

The farm system has some fantastic top-end talent, but those players are the future of the franchise, not trade bait.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 5 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Ned Colletti

Colletti, the Dodgers GM since 2006, has made a number of moves in his time in the front office, and while they have not all worked out, he has had his hits as well.

His first move as GM was sending Milton Bradley to the Athletics for then-prospect Andre Ethier, which was a huge success. His biggest deal was bringing in Manny Ramirez in a three-team deal in 2008, and that would have been a huge success had he not re-signed him.

Team Outlook

The Dodgers are moving closer to being out from under the disastrous reign of Frank McCourt, and they added a number of small pieces this winter that should make them competitive in the NL West this coming year.

In signing Mark Ellis, Jerry Hairston, Adam Kennedy, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang, they shored up second base, added depth at third base and filled out the back of their rotation for relatively cheap.

Needs/Trade Chips

While the team has more financial freedom than it did last season, it may be more inclined to focus on locking up Clayton Kershaw and free-agent-to-be Andre Ethier than it would be to trade for a big-name player.

The Dodgers minor-league system is fairly weak at this point, too, so they will more than likely stand pat this coming year and focus on keeping their in-house talent and finding a new owner.

St. Louis Cardinals: 8 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: John Mozeliak

The heir to Walt Jocketty, Mozeliak took over following the 2007 season, and the team has not missed a beat with him calling the shots.

His biggest deal was no doubt acquiring Matt Holliday from the Athletics for three prospects and getting a jump on re-signing him to a long-term deal in the process.

His smaller deals to acquire Jake Westbrook at the deadline in 2010 and Octavio Dotel, Marc Rzepczynski and Edwin Jackson for Colby Rasmus and two others at the deadline last year have also paid major dividends.

Team Outlook

The Cardinals are one of the few teams that could afford to lose a player of the caliber of Albert Pujols and still be in good shape heading into the season, as they look to be the NL Central favorites at the very least.

Lance Berkman is back and will play first, and Carlos Beltran was signed to play right field. Rafael Furcal is back as the everyday shortstop, and Daniel Descalso will get the second-base gig. Those moves pale in comparison, though, to getting back starter Adam Wainwright, who missed all of last season.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Cardinals have no real needs entering the season, although they are short on starting pitching depth and Jason Motte is as unproven as any closer in baseball.

There is not much in the way of intriguing prospects the Cardinals could move, as their top guys are more or less untouchable. Expect the usual tinker moves and little else from a good Cardinals team.

Cleveland Indians: 8 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Chris Antonetti

With Mark Shapiro moving to team president, Antonetti took over as GM at the end of the 2010 season, and he wasted no time dealing in Cleveland.

In his first year with the team last year, he dealt for Kosuke Fukudome and Jim Thome and pulled off the blockbuster deal when he sent off Alex White and Drew Pomeranz, along with two other players, for Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez. Then, he acquired Derek Lowe from the Braves this winter to better fill out the rotation.

Team Outlook

The Indians stuck around in the AL Central race much longer than anyone would have expected last season, and they have a good core of young talent that should mean they only get better over the next few seasons on their way to contention.

Aside from acquiring Lowe, the Indians have done little else this offseason other than bringing back Grady Sizemore, but with a healthy Shin-Soo Choo, a full season from Jimenez and another year of experience for their young players they should be in good shape in 2012.

Needs/Trade Chips

As far as what the team needs moving forward, if Carlos Santana is going to play first base regularly, that will mean Lou Marson is the team's everyday catcher after hitting .230 BA, 1 HR, 19 RBI in 243 at-bats last season.

Other than that, the team lacks depth at practically every position, so if injury strikes, they may need to deal. However, after trading Pomeranz and White last season, the team doesn't have much to trade and may not have the payroll room to make one anyway.

Minnesota Twins: 10 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Terry Ryan

Back at the helm of the Twins after resigning in 2007, the Twins struggled to a 63-99 record last season after making the postseason in six of the previous nine seasons.

He previously held the position for 13 seasons, and among his biggest trades were sending Chuck Knoblauch to the Yankees for four prospects in 1998 and dealing Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett to the Rays for Delmon Young.

He also picked up Johan Santana from the Marlins following the Rule V draft in a stroke of genius.

Team Outlook

The Twins were dealt a blow in losing Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel in free agency, but added Jamey Carroll, Ryan Doumit, Jason Marquis and Josh Willingham to help offset things.

The Tigers are undoubtedly the favorites in the AL Central, but if the Twins can remain healthy, they have the talent to contend for the division title.

Needs/Trade Chips

Free-agent-to-be Francisco Liriano could be moved at some point this season, and if he can bounce back from a down 2011 season, he could bring a solid return.

The middle-infield situation of the team is one issue that needs to be shored up at some point, and if the combination of Carroll, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Luke Hughes and Alexi Casilla can't fix the problem, they may need to trade for a solution.

Arizona Diamondbacks: 10 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Kevin Towers

Towers has not been shy about pulling the trigger on big trades since his time as Padres GM when he dealt big prospect packages to acquire stars like Greg Vaughn, Kevin Brown and Brian Giles.

He has also been on the prospect end of some big trades, acquiring a young Adrian Gonzalez from the Rangers for Adam Eaton and Aki Otsuka and dealing Jake Peavy to the White Sox for four prospects.

As Diamondbacks GM, he sent Mark Reynolds to the Orioles for prospects and recently traded three prospects, including top pitching prospect Jarrod Parker to the Athletics for Trevor Cahill.

Team Outlook

After making a surprise run at the postseason last year, the Diamondbacks were without any real holes going into the 2011 offseason. However, the team still went out and signed left fielder Jason Kubel as a free agent and trading for Cahill, making them even stronger.

The team will likely be in contention, so pulling off a big trade is not out of the question. However, the Diamondbacks really don't have much in the way of needs, so barring an injury, they likely won't need much.

Needs/Trade Chips

How Stephen Drew comes back from injury and who steps into the fifth starting role are the biggest questions as of now.

Arizona is loaded with talented pitching prospects and could tap into that should it need to fill a hole in the lineup, but they won't likely need much in the way of pitching because of that.

Los Angeles Angles: 12 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Jerry Dipoto

Dipoto was hired in October as the Angels new GM after serving in the Diamondbacks front office as senior VP of scouting and player development.

He served as interim GM from July 2010 to September 2010 with the Diamondbacks and worked out the trade that sent Dan Haren to the Angels for Joe Saunder and Tyler Skaggs. He also sent Edwin Jackson to the White Sox for Daniel Hudson during that time.

Team Outlook

The Angels made the splash of all splashes this offseason when they signed Albert Pujols, and they also added starter C.J. Wilson, reliever LaTroy Hawkins and dealt with the Rockies for catcher Chris Iannetta.

Those moves will at least put the Angels in the running in the AL West, although there are still far too many under-performing, overpaid players in the lineup.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Angels are a bit handcuffed as far as salary is concerned after spending so much this offseason, but they do still have a need at third base and in the bullpen.

With Pujols, Mark Trumbo, Kendrys Morales and Bobby Abreu all battling for at-bats at first base and DH, the team could look to deal one or two of those players (not Pujols, obviously) to address any needs that may arise.

New York Mets: 12 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Sandy Alderson

Hired as the Mets new GM last October, Alderson took over a mess of a team and had to deal with a bloated payroll.

He dealt Carlos Beltran to the Giants and Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers to help bolster the farm system, but chose to hold onto Jose Reyes before inevitably losing him to the Marlins.

Now, the team will begin rebuilding, and what Alderson does in the seasons to come will go a long way towards determining the Mets' fate for the next several years.

Team Outlook

The Mets have some good young hitters in Ike Davis and Lucas Duda, along with some stellar young pitchers in Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, so they have a good core moving forward.

However, the team will likely struggle greatly in 2012, as more than a few young players will be getting a long look.

Needs/Trade Chips

Much like Reyes last season, the team will need to decide what to do with free-agent-to-be David Wright, and with contending teams like the Angels, Rockies and Tigers among others in need of a third baseman, there will be a big market for him.

Beyond that, the team doesn't have much in the way of tradeable players and likely won't be in the market to acquire any big names for at least a season or two.

Philadelphia Phillies: 15 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Ruben Amaro, Jr.

Since taking over as GM following the 2008 season, Amaro has helped the Phillies to a 292-194 record and three straight postseason appearances.

He has not been shy when it comes to pulling off the blockbuster deal, as he sent big prospect packages to acquire Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. He also dealt for right fielder Hunter Pence last year at the deadline and gave up a good deal to get him, but helped landed a solid young player in the process.

Team Outlook

The Phillies lost Ryan Madson, Raul Ibanez and Roy Oswalt this offseason, but added Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome, Laynce Nix and closer Jonathan Papelbon to help offset the losses.

They should once again be among the NL favorites thanks to their dominant rotation, and even though Ryan Howard will miss the beginning of the season, they should still have plenty of offense.

Needs/Trade Chips

Left field remains a question mark for the Phillies, as the team hopes Domonic Brown steps up and claims the position, but for now, Nix and John Mayberry will hold down the position.

The team has an impressive corps of young pitchers if they were to try to upgrade the position through trade, and they may also be in the market for an upgrade over Placido Polanco at third base. The team looks strong, but Amaro is never shy when it comes to adding the big name he hopes will put the Phillies over the top.

Seattle Mariners: 15 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Jack Zduriencik

Hired in October of 2008, Zduriencik had the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess left behind by previous GM Bill Bavasi.

His first trade as GM was a big one, as he pulled of a three-team, 12-player deal in which the Mariners acquired Franklin Gutierrez, Jason Vargas and Mike Carp among others and really only gave up J.J. Putz.

He made the most of dealing Cliff Lee when he sent him to the Rangers for first baseman Justin Smoak and three other prospects.

Team Outlook

The Mariners were bad last season, and they will likely be bad again in 2012, but they are finally starting to turn over starting jobs to some talented young players.

Trading Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero helps address a glaring lack of offense, and as guys like Smoak and Dustin Ackley continue to develop, the team should have a good core of young hitters.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Mariners are a team that has the young pieces to pull off a big-time trade, countless holes to fill with such a trade and some payroll space to make a trade.

However, because they are a ways from contention right now, they are far more likely to hold onto that young talent and continue to build from within. Still, if they play well early, they could certainly make a move and make a run at the postseason.

Baltimore Orioles: 20 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Dan Duquette

Named the Orioles' new GM in November, Duquette previously served as the Expos GM from 1991-1994 and then the Red Sox GM from 1994-2002.

He acquired pitcher Ken Hill for Andres Galarraga and then dealt Delino DeShields to the Dodgers for Pedro Martinez while with the Expos.

He also helped shape what would be a World Series team in Boston by trading again for Martinez from the Expos, dealing Heathcliff Slocumb to the Mariners for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek and acquiring Curt Schilling from the Diamondbacks.

Team Outlook

The Orioles have seemingly been rebuilding forever now, and with the Rays and Blue Jays getting stronger of late, they are in a class of their own at the bottom of the AL East.

They have been aggressive on the foreign market so far this offseason, signing Tsuyoshi Wada and Wei-Yin Chen to fill two spots in their rotation, and while those moves could pay big dividends, they are still a long way from the postseason.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Orioles would be far more likely to be on the selling end of a big trade than the buying end, and they have a few trade chips that could bring a solid return.

Starter Jeremy Guthrie is headed for free agency in 2012 and is a veteran innings eater, while centerfielder Adam Jones is the team's biggest potential trade piece should the team decide against extending him.

San Francisco Giants: 20 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Brian Sabean

Sabean has been the GM of the Giants since 1997, and considering how long he has been there, he has not orchestrated all that many major trades.

The one he is probably best remembered for is dealing Francisco Liriano, Boof Bonser and Joe Nathan to the Twins for A.J. Pierzynski, who wound up being cut the following season.

His best trade, though, came right after he took over as GM, when he dealt third baseman Matt Williams to the Indians for Jeff Kent, Julian Tavarez and Jose Vizcaino.

Team Outlook

Getting back Buster Posey alone is a huge plus for the Giants, and adding Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan to the outfield should help shore up what has been a revolving door.

The Diamondbacks are now the favorites in the NL West, but with the trio of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner, the Giants will at the very least be in the thick of things.

Needs/Trade Chips

The team still does not have a shortstop, as Brandon Crawford will get the Opening Day nod after a less-than-inspiring .204 average over 196 at-bats last season.

Youngsters Brandon Belt and Gary Brown are the future in San Francisco, and any moves the team makes will have to include low-level prospects.

San Diego Padres: 25 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Josh Byrnes

The GM of the Diamondbacks from 2006 until the summer of 2010, Byrnes takes over in San Diego after Jed Hoyer moved on to the Cubs.

During that time, he traded Javier Vazquez to the White Sox for three players, including current centerfielder Chris Young. He also dealt four players to the Yankees to re-acquire Randy Johnson and picked up Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson in a three-team deal with the Yankees and Tigers.

Team Outlook

The Padres made a surprise run at the NL West crown in 2010, but took a big step back last year after dealing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox.

However, they are moving back towards contention this offseason, as they traded Mat Latos to the Reds for a fantastic package of four young players, acquired slugging outfielder Carlos Quentin from the White Sox and picked up closer Huston Street from the Rockies.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Padres are not going for a full-on rebuild like some other teams around the league, but instead are retooling their roster with some major trades.

Still, they should be competitive and may look to deal middle infielders Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson and upgrade at that position, as those two were big disappointments last season.

Miami Marlins: 25 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Michael Hill

Hired in September of 2007, Hill has some financial freedom for the first time as the Marlins move into a new stadium and are ready to spend.

His first big move was sending Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers, and in another cost-cutting move, he sent Dan Uggla to the Braves for Omar Infante and prospects.

More recently, he dealt Chris Volstad to the Cubs for controversial pitcher Carlos Zambrano and also acquired manager Ozzie Guillen from the White Sox for a prospect.

Team Outlook

After signing Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell this offseason, the Marlins are heading towards contention and set to do it in a new stadium.

While they are not on the same level as the Braves and Phillies in the division, they should only get better with increased payroll and continued development by their young players.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Marlins could use an upgrade in center field and are hotly pursuing Cuban Yoennis Cespedes for that role, but if they fail to sign him, they could go after someone like B.J. Upton.

With Hanley Ramirez shifting to third base, top prospect Matt Dominguez could be made available, and the team has a number of mid-level pitching prospects who are nearly MLB-ready that could also be attractive trade pieces.

Kansas City Royals: 25 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Dayton Moore

Assuming the role of GM in June of 2006, Moore has built the Royals from the ground up by using his high draft picks to their fullest.

As far as trades, his biggest deal was sending Zack Greinke to the Brewers last offseason for four prospects, but aside from that, he has done little in the way of making blockbuster trades.

Team Outlook

The core of the Royals lineup looks strong right now, but the team is lacking in starting pitching. That was partially alleviated when the team dealt Melky Cabrera to the Giants for Jonathan Sanchez.

For now, they will continue to build for the future, and it seems more than likely they will improve on their 71-91 showing from last season.

Needs/Trade Chips

Starting pitching remains an issue, and the Royals rotation will be what holds them back in 2012 and in seasons to come, as they lack a true future ace in what is a strong-minor league system.

Outfielder Wil Myers could be a huge trade chip if the team were willing to move him, but there are a number of talented young players the Royals could package if they were to go after a starting pitcher on the trade market.

Texas Rangers: 28 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Jon Daniels

Hired to replace John Hart at the end of the 2005 season, Daniels has done a fantastic job shaping the Rangers into a perennial contender.

His biggest trade has been sending slugging first baseman to the Braves for Neftali Feliz, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones, as the team certainly got its money's worth for a free-agent-to-be.

Dealing up-and-coming Edinson Volquez for Josh Hamilton was also a stroke of genius and a move that gave the team a face of the franchise.

Finally, moving Francisco Cordero, Laynce Nix and Kevin Mench to the Brewers for Carlos Lee and Nelson Cruz gave the team a slugger then and a slugger now.

Team Outlook

There doesn't seem to be any reason the Rangers can't make it three straight World Series appearances, even with the loss of C.J. Wilson.

The deadline for signing Yu Darvish is today, and if they can come to terms with him, they would be in that much better shape rotation-wise. Also, the team supposedly has enough money to make a run at Prince Fielder, which would be a borderline unfair addition to its lineup.

Needs/Trade Chips

First base is a weak spot, although Mike Napoli does log some at-bats there and Mitch Moreland is not as bad as he's made out to be.

The Rangers don't have much in the way of prospects, as their top guys, like Martin Perez and Jurickson Profar, are untouchable and there is a sharp dropoff after them. Still, if the opportunity arises, the team has not hesitated to do what it takes to win now.

Washington Nationals: 30 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Mike Rizzo

Promoted to GM prior to last season, Rizzo has control of one of the most promising young teams in all of baseball.

While signing Jayson Werth was the splash of the offseason last year, it was a trade this winter that put the Nationals in the headlines, as Rizzo dealt a prospects package of Brad Peacock, Tom Milone, Derek Norris and A.J. Cole to the Athletics for Gio Gonzalez.

Team Outlook

The Nationals have not been shy with their money, and they could still be the eventual landing spot of Prince Fielder, but for now, they look like they should be able to compete with the Marlins for the third spot in the NL East.

The trade was the only significant move the team made, but healthy seasons from Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche and Stephen Strasburg and a repeat season from Michael Morse would make them formidable to say the least.

Needs/Trade Chips

The team is still in search of a centerfielder and could make a play for B.J. Upton if he is put on the block. However, the Gonzalez trade cost the Nationals three of their top-10 prospects. Regardless, they look like a team that wants to win now, and if the right trade comes along, I don't think they'll hesitate to deal.

Boston Red Sox: 30 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Ben Cherington

Named the replacement to Theo Epstein in Boston, Cherington has been his been his right-hand man since 2009. He also served as co-GM with Jed Hoyer for a short time in 2006 when Epstein left the team.

He has at least had a hand in the moves that the Red Sox have made over the past three years, and he should implore much of the same GM strategy that Epstein did: growing the franchise with solid player development.

Team Outlook

The Red Sox's monumental collapse last season aside, the team looks solid on paper once again this coming season.

Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon were acquired to fill out the back end of the bullpen with Jonathan Papelbon gone and Daniel Bard moving to the rotation. Ryan Sweeney will open the season as the starting right fielder, as the team dealt Josh Reddick to the Athletics.

Needs/Trade Chips

The rotation will be the biggest question mark for the 2012 Red Sox, as they currently have Alfredo Aceves and Bard slated to fill the back two rotation spots. Aaron Cook, Vicente Padilla and Andrew Miller provide depth but none are a knockout option to lock down a rotation spot should something happen.

The team has a good amount of solid young offensive talent, but it may not want to part with what could be the future core of the team to shore up the back of its rotation. Still, you can never count out a team like the Red Sox on the trade market.

Toronto Blue Jays: 35 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Alex Anthopoulos

Promoted to GM following the 2009 season, Anthopoulos has been aggressive in his first two seasons at the helm, and the team is looking poised for its best season in years because of it.

In his short time as GM, he his most impressive feat was managing to somehow unload the contract of Vernon Wells on the Angels, but he has made other solid moves.

He also dealt Roy Halladay to the Phillies 13 days after taking over as GM, got Yunel Escobar from the Braves for Alex Gonzalez, sent Shaun Marcum to the Brewers for exciting young slugger Brett Lawrie and acquired centerfielder Colby Rasmus from the Cardinals at the 2011 deadline.

Team Outlook

The Blue Jays missed out on Yu Darvish after many viewed them as the front-runners, but if nothing else, that shows that they are willing to spend that type of money right now.

The team did re-sign Kelly Johnson at second base and traded for White Sox closer Sergio Santos, and it will continue to rely on a potent offense and young pitching staff.

Needs/Trade Chips

There is a hole in left field where Eric Thames is the starter, and the starting rotation is average at best.

Catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud could be an interesting trade chip, as J.P. Arencibia looks to have the catcher position locked up after a 23 HR, 78 RBI rookie season. Expect the team to be as active as anyone as they continue to move towards contention in baseball's toughest division.

Colorado Rockies: 35 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Dan O'Dowd

The Rockies GM since 1999, O'Dowd has had some positive moments in his tenure with the team and developed some impressive talent, but in the end, he may always be remembered for his signings of Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton.

He hasn't done much in the way of making big trades, but his best may have been dealing Matt Holliday to the Athletics for Carlos Gonzalez and Huston Street. He also dealt Ubaldo Jimenez to the Indians last year at the deadline for two top pitching prospects in Drew Pomeranz and Alex White.

Team Outlook

The team has added free agents Ramon Hernandez, Casey Blake and Michael Cuddyer this offseason, as well as dealing third baseman Ian Stewart to the Cubs for D.J. LeMahieu and Tyler Colvin.

That should be enough to make the Rockies competitive in the NL West and, at the very least, would be an improvement over their 73-89 record last season.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Rockies have been linked to Mets third baseman David Wright in the past, and Casey Blake is little more than a stop-gap option at third base, so the team could re-visit that avenue at the deadline this season.

The closer's role could be an issue as well, as the team will rely on Rafael Betancourt in the ninth inning this coming season. So while the team does not have the deepest farm system, they could be players at the deadline anyway if they are in contention.

Oakland Athletics: 40 Percent

GM Big Trade History: Billy Beane

With a well-hyped small payroll with which to work, Beane has been on the selling side of major trades far more than he's been on the buying end.

Perhaps his best deal was sending Mark Mulder to the Cardinals for Dan Haren, Kiko Calero and Daric Barton, but he has made several more under-the-radar, smaller-scale deals that have helped make the Athletics competitive over the years.

Team Outlook

The Athletics have been aggressive in selling away their assets this winter, dealing starting pitchers Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez for a grand total of seven prospects, of whom five will likely be on the Opening Day roster.

New additions Josh Reddick and Seth Smith will take on the middle-of-the-order, run-production roles on the team, and Bartolo Colon was signed to bring some experience to young rotation. In the end, the team likely won't be as bad as many think they will, but will be far from a playoff team.

Needs/Trade Chips

It is clear that the team is ready to rebuild after trading its top two pitchers and loading up on prospects, and it could very well continue on with the fire sale during the season.

Catcher Kurt Suzuki and reliever Grant Balfour and Brett Fuentes could garner some interest and be moved before 2012 is over, and with all of the young talent they have acquired, the A's could be a force in a matter of years.

New York Yankees: 45 Percent

GM Big Trade History: Brian Cashman

With a limitless budget with which to work, Cashman has made most of his noise on the free-agent market in his time as Yankees GM.

Since taking over as GM in February of 1998, he has not done much in the way of major trades aside from the deal that sent Alfonso Soriano the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez.

He did, however, make a splash this offseason in dealing uber-prospect Jesus Montero to the Mariners for Michael Pineda.

Team Outlook

The Yankees addressed their biggest area of concern in trading for Pineda and signing Hiroki Kuroda to shore up their rotation.

That should be enough to make the team favorites in the AL East after they took the division by six games and won 97 total with a rotation that featured Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Yankees could still need a fifth starter, as the trio of A.J. Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes will be counted on to fill that spot and by no means bring about much confidence.

Top pitching prospects Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos could very well be the future of the Yankees rotation, but they could also help the team land a big-time free agent if they choose to deal them.

Chicago Cubs: 50 Percent

GM Big Trade History: Jed Hoyer

While adding Theo Epstein was the move that excited Cubs fans, it is Hoyer who is actually the team's GM. After serving as Epstein's assistant in Boston, Hoyer was turned down for the Pirates GM job in 2007 and the Nationals job in 2009 before finally landing in that role with the Padres in 2009.

In his two seasons as GM in San Diego, he make his fair share of big trades, but none bigger than moving first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox last winter.

He also picked up Ryan Ludwick at the 2010 trade deadline and helped resurrect the career of Cameron Maybin in acquiring him from Florida for two pitchers.

Team Outlook

The 2012 season is going to be a rebuilding year for the Cubs, as their new front office is attempting to stabilize the roster from the ground up.

Right fielder David DeJesus was signed, while Ian Stewart, Travis Wood, Chris Volstad and Antony Rizzo were acquired in moves that sent Tyler Colvin, Andrew Cashner, Sean Marshall and Carlos Zambrano out of town.

Needs/Trade Chips

The selling of veteran talent likely is not over, as the Cubs will look to move free-agents-to-be Ryan Dempster and Marlon Byrd at some point this season. The club also continues to look for a taker for Alfonso Soriano. Don't be surprised if all of those players and then some are traded before the July deadline.

Atlanta Braves: 60 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Frank Wren

Wren took over as Braves GM when John Schuerholz was named team president, and just 18 days into his tenure, he dealt shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Tigers for Jair Jurrjens.

Since then, he has made a few other major deals, including trading Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman in a deal that didn't work out.

He also traded four prospects to the White Sox for Javier Vazquez, then flipped Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera and top prospect Arodys Vizcaino. Last offseason, he added second baseman Dan Uggla for a package of player, then acquired Michael Bourn from the Astros at the deadline for four players.

Team Outlook

The Braves have a good young core of players and should once again be right in the thick of things in the NL East. 

So far this offseason, they have been relatively quiet, trading Derek Lowe to the Indians to open up a rotation spot and save some money, but doing little else of note.

Needs/Trade Chips

Atlanta boasts a bumper crop of young starting pitching like no other team outside of the Rays, and the team could move someone like Mike Minor or Randall Delgado who does not look to have a rotation spot at this point.

With Alex Gonzalez gone, the team has a need at shortstop if Tyler Pastornicky is unable to step into that starting role, and it would also like to upgrade left field where incumbent Martin Prado is better suited in a utility role.

Detroit Tigers: 60 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Dave Dombrowski

Dombrowski was hired as Tigers GM following the 2001 season with the team coming off its eighth straight losing season, and while the team suffered through four more losing seasons, the Tigers were in the World Series in 2006 and have posted winning records in all but one year since.

He pulled off a big-time deal when he acquired Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from the Marlins for six players. While Willis did not pan out as hoped, the only real talent they gave up to get him was Cameron Maybin.

His other major deal was the three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks and brought in Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Phil Coke and Daniel Schlereth.

Team Outlook

The Tigers are coming off a solid 2011 season, and they return essentially the same core of players with the departure of Brad Penny being the only major change, as top prospect Jacob Turner is expected to step into his spot. All things considered, the Tigers should be considered favorites in the AL Central once again.

Needs/Trade Chips

Detroit was dealt a blow when DH Victor Martinez tore his ACL in a workout, and he will likely miss the entire 2012 season.

That means the team will need to replace .330 BA, 12 HR, 103 RBI in the lineup. There is also a weakness at second base (Ramon Santiago) and third base (Brandon Inge), so there are certainly spots that could be upgraded.

In Turner and Andrew Oliver, the team has two MLB-ready pitching prospects with which to build a solid package around should they decide to deal.

Tampa Bay Rays: 70 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Andrew Friedman

Friedman's official title is "vice president of baseball operations," but in that role, he serves as the team's GM.

Working withing the fairly tight budget of the Rays, he has managed to pull of some very nice trades. In November of 2007, he dealt top prospect Delmon Young to the Twins for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett.

Those players went on to play a major role in helping the Rays to the World Series. He then dealt Garza to the Cubs for an impressive four-prospect package.

Team Outlook

The Rays are still sparse on offense, but their pitching is again good enough to at least put them in contention for a playoff spot.

The addition of Luke Scott should be a solid one, and a full season of Desmond Jennings will certainly not be a bad thing either.

Needs/Trade Chips

The Rays have glaring holes at catcher, first base and shortstop and a question mark surrounding centerfielder B.J. Upton.

Luckily, they have an absolutely stupid amount of young starting pitching with guys like Alex Cobb, Alex Torres, Alexander Colome and Jeff Niemann all on the outside of the rotation looking in and capable of starting. That makes nine capable starting pitchers, and simple math should tell the Rays dealing one or two of those guys for offensive help makes sense.

Chicago White Sox: 75 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Kenny Williams

Hired in October of 2000, Williams has helped build the White Sox into a World Series championship team, as well as into the shell of a contender that they are today.

Never afraid of making a move, Williams has pulled off some big moves, including trading Carlos Lee to the Brewers for Scott Podsednik, trading Aaron Rowand and prospects for Jim Thome and trading Freddy Garcia to the Phillies for Gavin Floyd.

He is known as a one of the most active GMs in all of baseball, and he should more than live up to that reputation in the season to come.

Team Outlook

Set for a rebuild, the White Sox have already traded closer Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays and outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Padres this offseason, and free-agent-to-be pitcher Gavin Floyd could very well be the next to go.

The team has an incredibly weak farm system and will need to restock that if they hope to legitimately commit to a rebuild.

Needs/Trade Chips

Aside from Floyd, the team could listen to offers on nearly anyone on the team in the year to come, and while they have already moved their big piece in Quentin, they have plenty of other players who would garner interest if made available.

Houston Astros: 90 Percent

GM Big-Trade History: Jeff Luhnow

Recently hired as the Astros' new GM, Luhnow served as vice president for the Cardinals last season, and while he has no previous GM experience, he did play a part in building some very successful teams in St. Louis.

Team Outlook

The Astros have almost entirely stripped down their team from two seasons ago, trading the likes of Roy Oswalt, Michael Bourn, Lance Berkman and Hunter Pence in an attempt to replenish a weak farm system. 

The 2012 season will be a long one, and they likely won't be contenders for several seasons, but they are making the necessary moves and heading in the right direction.

Needs/Trade Pieces

The team's biggest need is a season to evaluate their young players and decide who factors into their future plans.

The Astros still have some attractive trade pieces in Brett Myers, Carlos Lee and most of all, ace left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, and moving some or all of them would be another step toward building for the future.