MLB Trade Scenarios: 15 Free Agents-to-Be Who Could Be on the Move at Deadline

Just a week into spring training and it seems that some teams already have new holes to fill before the season gets underway.

Most teams will likely wait until the season gets underway before swapping pieces for fixes, as what they "need" may be different in July when a possible postseason push kicks into full gear.

A number of soon-to-be free agents may very well end up heading elsewhere this offseason, meaning their teams could opt to move them beforehand, getting at least something in return.

Others may very well end up staying with their current organizations as situations shake themselves out, but in the meantime, here are some candidates for a potential move.

Matt Garza

Throughout much of the offseason, it seemed like there were relatively constant murmurs about Matt Garza being shipped out of Chicago prior to the start of the 2012 season.

They may have been quelled a bit, as Garza has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Cubs, but as Jon Morosi of Fox Sports pointed out, the team is still aiming to have a trade in place by the deadline.

Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano's tenure with the Minnesota Twins has certainly been one filled with ups and downs. He has shown the ability to be a very effective strikeout pitcher, but his inconsistent production has raised some concerns.

His name hasn't been brought up in trade talks for quite some time, but with free agency looming, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Twins ship Liriano out of Target Field rather than work out a long-term deal for the enigmatic starter.

B.J. Upton

The Tampa Bay Rays always seem to contend in a very tough AL East despite never having much flexibility in the payroll department. They'll run into this obstacle once again in 2012 as B.J. Upton enters the final year of his contract.

It's possible they'd look to unload Upton to the highest bidder, but if the team is in the middle of a race for either an AL East crown or wild card spot, it would be nearly impossible to move such a productive piece.

Marlon Byrd

As the 2012 season progresses, Marlon Byrd could be a formidable option for the Washington Nationals, a team that would be a logical fit given their past inquiry on Byrd.

With the contract extensions and acquisitions the Nationals are making leading up to this season, there's no reason to think they won't strike again this summer.

Travis Hafner

During Travis Hafner's best days, he was one of the most dangerous hitters in the AL Central and was consistently in AL MVP consideration.

He has slowed of late, and with only 12 HR per year over the last four seasons, it's possible the 34-year old designated hitter may be shipped out of Cleveland so the team can avoid the prospect of picking up his $13 million team option for 2013.

Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is entering the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros in 2012. With the team in a mode where they need to take in all the talent they can get, they'll definitely be looking for a suitor for Lee come this summer.

Carl Pavano

The Minnesota Twins will be doing everything in their power to contend once again in the AL Central, but if that doesn't come to fruition, there could be some household Minnesota names leaving town.

One that you'd have to give consideration to would be Carl Pavano. In the final year of his contract, Pavano is a veteran starter who has pitched in pressure situations and could be valuable to some team's postseason push.

Delmon Young

After fizzling out as a former top pick of the Tampa Bay Rays, Delmon Young seems to have found some life in this league.

His performance in last year's postseason will likely help him out heading into 2012, but with the team poised to contend for a World Series title this season, a player like Young could very well be one that would be included in a trade to acquire that last piece to a championship puzzle.

Gavin Floyd

During parts of this offseason, it almost seemed like a forgone conclusion that the White Sox were working their way towards trading ace John Danks to a contending team.

The opposite ended up happening, as the team signed Danks to an extension, ensuring that he'll be in the rotation for years to come, and possibly indicating that Gavin Floyd could be the one on his way out of Chicago.

Wandy Rodriguez

Having been a part of trade talks since last summer, and even though he won't be a free agent until 2013, it's almost surprising that Houston Astros ace Wandy Rodriguez has yet to find a new home.

With free-agent options getting the most attention this offseason, Rodriguez's best chance at moving is likely closer to the trade deadline—a real possibility, given the Astros' willingness to eat half of the $36 million left on his contract.

Brandon League

With 2012 being Brandon League's final season before entering the free-agent market, the Seattle Mariners could work to trade him to a team in need of the late-inning help in order to inject the farm system with additional depth.

Teams like the Reds, Angels and Red Sox have been noted as potential suitors for League, and as the season shakes itself out and needs are better defined, a move may well take place.

Andre Ethier

The Los Angeles Dodgers at least temporarily dodged a bullet in signing Andre Ethier to a one-year deal worth more than $10 million, avoiding arbitration.

They'll need to make a decision this summer, however, as Ethier will be entering free agency and may not be an economically feasible option for the Dodgers moving forward.

You'd have to think the Dodgers would want to explore an extension for Ethier, but it appears the two sides have yet to get together for discussions.

Kyle Lohse

With a no-trade clause in tow, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see Kyle Lohse stay in St. Louis throughout 2012.

The team did, however, make it known this winter that they'd like to either move him or Jake Westbrook, and if Lohse could warm up to the idea of some new scenery, there would likely be some takers for his services.

Michael Bourn

Speedy outfielder Michael Bourn has led the league in stolen bases a few times already during his young career, twice swiping more than 60 bags.

With a couple of Gold Gloves and a solid batting average to his name, the Scott Boras client will surely test the market next offseason.

The Braves haven't approached Bourn about a long-term extension, and if they don't appear intent on giving him a serious look at a deal, they may opt to get something in return at the deadline rather than letting him walk.

Bobby Abreu

The Los Angeles Angels will no doubt be one of the most looked-at teams this season after their active offseason included signings of both C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols to huge contracts.

One player who hopes to be in on the action is Bobby Abreu. In the final year of a three-year, $27 million deal, he even took his case so far as to tell ESPN Deportes he wants to be traded if he's not given an everyday role.