MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Hottest Names on the Block

Baseball is back and with it comes trade rumors. No sport has players move around as much as baseball.

Throughout the long MLB season, teams are always looking at what deals they can make to improve their team. That includes the month of April.

With the season just getting underway, here is a look at the latest trade rumors and the hottest names on the block. 

John Lannan

The Washington Nationals Opening Day starter in 2009 and 2010 was John Lannan. This year, Lannan didn't make the 25-man roster.

He was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. According to ESPN.com, Lannan asked to be traded after being demoted. In response to the demotion, Lannan told general manager Mike Rizzo "a trade would be the best solution for everyone in both the short and long term."

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Nationals have no interest in trading him. Rizzo told CBSSports.com, "we haven't changed one bit. We're not looking to trade him. We haven't solicited any trades, but we have fielded some calls." 

The Nationals seem to have faith that Lannan can turn things around, but the fact that they are hearing offers could mean Lannan is on his way out.

Cole Hamels

The Phillies are in an interesting situation with Cole Hamels. They avoided arbitration this past offseason and signed him to a one-year, $15 million contract. However, Hamels is looking for a long-term contract.

The Phillies already have a significant amount of money invested in both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. They may want to use the money they would have to spend on a Hamels extension to boost their offense.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Phillies have not contacted Hamels recently. This could mean several different things, including them looking to trade Hamels.

This will be an interesting thing to watch as the season continues.

Bobby Abreu

The Angels had a big offseason and their expectations for the season went through the roof. They have gotten off to a slower start than they wanted and if they struggle early on, they may push the panic button.

One player they could look to deal is Bobby Abreu. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the Angels have been looking to deal Abreu for quite some time now.

Abreu is not the same player he once was in his prime but he could still help a team fill a hole in the middle of their lineup. Abreu still has some power and some speed.

John Danks

John Danks signed a five-year, $65 million extension with the Chicago White Sox this past December. That still has not taken him off the trade block.

According to the Boston Globe, Danks is still being shopped by the White Sox around the league. GM Kenny Williams is open to dealing anyone on the White Sox roster, as they go into a rebuilding phase.

If the White Sox fall out of contention in the AL Central early, we could see Danks get traded to a contending team for prospects.