MLB Trade Rumors: Big Bats That Should Be Dealt During the Season

Spring training is the most exciting time of the year for Major League Baseball teams and fans. It is when optimism is at its highest for everyone, and all the weaknesses can be glossed over because the games don't count.

Trades rarely take place in February, but that does not mean there aren't names available. 

While it would be a shock to see a big-name player, either at the major or minor league level, dealt before the season starts, it is fun to look at someone who could be on the move today or July 31. 

Here are a few players who have been talked about in trade rumors recently and should be moved during the regular season. 

Andre Ethier, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ethier got talked about a lot last year because of the team's financial woes, but he stayed in Los Angeles for the entire season. 

This year should be different. He signed a one-year contract and has no arbitration years left, so he will be a free agent after the season. The team has too many holes, both in the lineup and starting rotation, that will prevent them from contending. 

Jason Churchill of ESPN.com speculated that the Dodgers, who should be under new ownership at some point soon, may hold off on a contract extension until after the season or that he could be trade bait to add more young, impact talent alongside Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp. 

Potential Fits: Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies

Mark Trumbo, 1B, Los Angeles Angels

As soon as the Angels signed Albert Pujols, Trumbo's name immediately came up as a potential trade chip. It makes sense: He is young, cheap and can hit a lot of home runs.

His value is limited because he doesn't get on base, but if you need a power hitter at the bottom of the lineup, then he is a good fit. 

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com proposed that the Angels deal Trumbo to Tampa Bay for Wade Davis. It's hard to envision the Rays doing that deal because of Trumbo's .291 on-base percentage, but there are teams out there dying for production at first base. 

The Angels may try him out at third base, but that experiment will not end well. He is going to be an asset for a team desperate for a home-run hitter. 

Potential Fits: Rays, Indians

Adam Jones, CF, Baltimore Orioles

There have been a lot of rumors surrounding Jones' future this offseason, with the most recent one coming from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that the Orioles and Braves were talking about a deal. Nothing was close, but at least the two sides were talking.

Jones really has no place in Baltimore right now. His career has stalled, though he did hit a career-best 25 home runs in 2011. He still has problems hitting off-speed pitches and playing in the pitching-rich American League East can't help. 

At some point, the Orioles will have to wise up and realize their best course of action is to trade him for whatever they can get. He is a free agent after the 2013 season, so they can ask for a little more since any team that acquires him will have a full season of control. 

Potential Fits: Braves, Cardinals

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