MLB Trade Rumors: Updating All 30 Teams' Potential Trade Chips

We're barely a month into the season, and yet already we're starting to see some contenders separate themselves from the pack, and other teams fall by the wayside.

A number of relatively high-profile players have already gone down with injuries, leaving holes that will no doubt need to be filled through trades—sooner rather than later.

It's still too early to tell where each team's most likely trade targets will head, but as spring transitions to summer, things should start to shake themselves out, giving us a much clearer picture of what to expect during the second half of the season.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Gerardo Parra

A player that was at one point catching the eye of the Washington Nationals is Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra.

Batting a career-high .292 in 2011, Parra has batted .282 over his first three seasons in the league.

With the Nationals losing out on Marlon Byrd, who went to Boston, the D-Backs may have enough leverage to get a deal done if the Nationals want to add further depth to the roster.

Atlanta Braves: Mike Minor

With a great young rotation poised to take aim at a division championship this season, there appear to be more bodies than there are spots, and Mike Minor clearly doesn't want to be on the outside looking in.

It doesn't appear that any trade talks have taken place yet, but Minor was vocal on his status with the team, stating that he'd like to be traded if he isn't put in the rotation, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Starting pitching is always a hot commodity for teams in this league, so you'd think he could find his way into a situation that would also benefit the Braves.

Baltimore Orioles: Endy Chavez

The Baltimore Orioles will utilize outfielder Endy Chavez this season after agreeing to a one-year deal that could pay him up to $2 million, including performance incentives.

While he opted to sign with the Orioles during the offseason, the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers were all linked to Chavez and, by virtue of that, could be considered as potential suitors if he performs well in 2012.

He's seen somewhat limited action so far this year, but as mentioned, a good start could make him a hot commodity as things move along.

Boston Red Sox: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Dice-K has made only 44 starts in the past three seasons, and he's expected to miss more time early this season as he awaits a return from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last July.

The Red Sox will have a big decision to make when they determine whether or not to continue using Matsuzaka after the season, as he's expected to return in early June, with the rest of the season likely acting as a bit of an audition for his future.

They may not be able to sell "high" on him, but after a lackluster past few seasons, moving him out of the organization would probably be best for both parties.

Chicago Cubs: 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 could still have a trade in place by the deadline.

Chicago White Sox: Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy has gotten off to a strong start in 2012, winning two of his first three starts.

As a whole, however, his tenure in Chicago certainly hasn't gone as planned, as injury issues have kept him from putting up the numbers we all know he's capable of.

With a $22 million option for 2013, it's hard to believe Peavy will stick around beyond this season, meaning the White Sox should start shopping him now in hopes of eventually finding a front-of-the-rotation starter to complement John Danks.

Cincinnati Reds: Scott Rolen

Playing in only 65 games this past season, Scott Rolen struggled offensively, batting his lowest average since 2005 and seeing his power averages drop along with it.

With the possibility of the Cincinnati Reds going in a different direction at third base, the soon-to-be 37-year-old Rolen could find himself in a new home this summer as the Reds look to bring in young, cheap talent in an effort to offset the hefty commitment they just made to franchise players Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips.

It's hard to say just how high they could sell on Rolen, as he's an aging asset, but if he can produce this spring, they should be able to do something.

Cleveland Indians: Travis Hafner

On the topic of aging assets, the Cleveland Indians have an interesting situation on their hands regarding Travis Hafner.

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

He's run into issues staying on the field since then, but if healthy, he can still definitely be a home run threat in the Indians' lineup. Either way, you would think a trade may be more likely to occur, as it's looking more and more like this will be Hafner's last season in Cleveland.

Colorado Rockies: Esmil Rogers

During his two seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Esmil Rogers has failed to produce as expected, posting a 6.13 ERA in 2010 and 7.05 ERA in 2011, walking more than four batters per nine innings.

Since he's out of options, the Rockies may look to move him, and apparently they already have suitors inquiring.

Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner

Jacob Turner was the ninth overall selection by the Detroit Tigers in the 2009 MLB draft and quickly worked his way through the team's system after that point, playing in two levels of Single-A in 2010 and Double-A and Triple-A in 2011 before a late-season call-up.

The Tigers are looking for additional help in their starting rotation, and if they deem it necessary to look outside the organization, Turner could represent a great trade chip.

Houston Astros: Wandy Rodriguez

Having been a part of trade talks since last summer, 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.

Kansas City Royals: Jonathan Sanchez

In acquiring Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants to take a place in their rotation, the Kansas City Royals gave up Melky Cabrera, who represented one of their more consistent offensive pieces in 2011.

They have a number of talented prospects poised to see significant time in 2012, and while they'll no doubt see their share of growing pains, the future is certainly bright.

If they don't see a possibility of keeping Sanchez around long-term, then it might be best to ship him off to a team in need of a solid starter for a postseason push in order to secure one or two pitching prospects to help with the rotation and/or bullpen.

Los Angeles Angels: Peter Bourjos

The Washington Nationals may be poised to make a move at some point this season, and they've been in the market for a center fielder for quite some time now, with a long-term option still not in place.

They've been interested in Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos, according to Boston.com, although it appears they'd need to give up a great deal in return for the talented defensive outfielder.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

Andre Ethier no doubt has a lot to prove in 2012, and if he remains healthy, he should produce enough to warrant a large enough deal from another franchise if the Dodgers aren't able to work out a contract extension.

With the ownership situation in Los Angeles finally being settled, it would seem that Ethier would feel more comfortable with staying in a Dodgers uniform, but he's indicated it's just too early to say.

The team has made great strides in securing their future, between locking in Matt Kemp for the foreseeable future and keeping Clayton Kershaw around for the next two seasons, but with Kershaw soon needing a much longer deal, Ethier may be on the outside looking in.

Miami Marlins: Hanley Ramirez

The Miami Marlins are embarking on one of the more exciting seasons in their franchise's history, with a number of new players, a new manager and, of course, a new stadium that all debuted this spring.

One Marlin who was the topic of much conversation was Hanley Ramirez, as his displeasure at moving to third base left many wondering whether or not he'd be traded.

He seems to be easing into his role in South Beach, but Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is just one of many who believed he could eventually wear down and demand a trade.

Milwaukee Brewers: Shaun Marcum

The Milwaukee Brewers will have their hands full this offseason, with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum heading into free agency after this season.

It's hard to believe the Brewers won't make a very strong push to keep Greinke in a Brewers uniform, but the team has already stated, according to Adam McCalvy, that they're very willing to let Marcum test the open market in free agency.

If that's their plan, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see them ship him out at the deadline, assuming only that they aren't in contention for the division, in which case they could very well be forced to hold onto him.

Minnesota Twins: 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.

He's gotten off to a rough start, and while his name hasn't been brought up in trade talks for quite some time, 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.

New York Mets: D.J. Carrasco

Playing for his fifth team in seven years last year, D.J. Carrasco appeared in 42 games for the New York Mets, posting a 1-3 record and 6.02 ERA.

With Bobby Parnell and Miguel Batista possibly taking up the final spots in the Mets bullpen, the team's hand may be forced, with the team potentially dealing Carrasco.

The market for relievers isn't as high as it will be later in the season, so the team will likely mull over their options and wait until they see what Carrasco has to offer once he takes the mound after recently being activated from the disabled list.

New York Yankees: Nick Swisher

After a superb 2010 season in which he batted .288 and drove in 89 RBI while going deep 29 times, Swisher regressed a bit in 2011, seeing his average and OPS drop a bit.

He's been a consistent offensive producer since he's been in the league, however, and with Swisher expecting to enter free agency, the Yankees may just opt to trade him rather than let him walk as they pursue other options.

Oakland Athletics: Brandon McCarthy

With a breakout season in 2011, Brandon McCarthy posted his first sub-4.00 ERA and won a career-high nine games in 25 starts.

He's quickly emerging as a hot name that will be entering next offseason's free-agent market, and if the Athletics don't find themselves contending in the suddenly tough AL West, they could very well just opt to sell high on the solid starter.

Philadelphia Phillies: Joe Blanton

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best rotations in the game toeing the rubber on a nightly basis, with pitchers like Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee holding down the front of the rotation.

Joe Blanton started in only eight games in 2011 for the Phillies, and the Boston Globe has reported that the team is willing to eat some of Blanton's contract in order to work a trade, indicating that even though he may not be the biggest target out there, he certainly is movable.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Kevin Correia

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a great starting pitcher in their system in the highly-touted Gerrit Cole and a somewhat established presence in A.J. Burnett already in the starting rotation.

Kevin Correia is currently listed as the fourth starting pitcher on the Pirates depth chart. The team is apparently willing to entertain deals surrounding the free-agent-to-be.

San Diego Padres: Carlos Quentin

The San Diego Padres made a great move this offseason in acquiring slugger Carlos Quentin from the Chicago White Sox.

He has yet to play a game with the Padres, as he continues a rehab assignment after surgery to repair a meniscus injury, but having displayed a great deal of power when he's been healthy, Quentin still represents a dangerous bat that could be of value to a suitor.

There's no doubt that the team would love to keep Quentin around long term, but as the Chicago Tribune has reported, the team's ownership situation could certainly diminish his chances of returning in 2013.

Tim Lincecum

The San Francisco Giants will clearly do everything within their power to keep Tim Lincecum around for the long term after they already locked in Matt Cain.

They'll need to play their chips right, however, as Lincecum will no doubt be looking for a gigantic deal. The Giants and Lincecum were able to work out a short-term solution, but it's worth noting that the two are reportedly more than $75 million apart regarding the terms of a long-term deal.

I'm not saying the Giants will (or should) move Lincecum, but if you're selling on someone, it doesn't get much higher than Tim Lincecum.

Seattle Mariners: 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 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.

St. Louis Cardinals: 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 past winter that it'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.

The biggest roadblock in avoiding a potential move would be the fact that he has been pitching very well this spring, and if the Cardinals are looking like contenders once again this fall, it'll be hard to move him.

Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields

As was reported earlier this offseason by CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Tampa Bay Rays were willing to listen to offers on trades for their star pitchers, namely James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson.

There doesn't appear to be enough interest in parting with the amount of talent that the Rays would demand for Shields. As the season progresses and needs for contenders are better defined, a move may become more likely, but only at a hefty, hefty price.

Texas Rangers: David Murphy

The Texas Rangers will have a big decision to make this season and upcoming offseason as they determine how to address the contract situation with star outfielder Josh Hamilton.

They're also being posed with another outfield shift, as the team has been asked by multiple teams about the availability of David Murphy.

Toronto Blue Jays: Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion is one of many Toronto Blue Jays contributing to the team's ascent towards the top of the tough AL East.

He's only played over 100 games four times during his career that has spanned both the Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds, but he'll certainly be in line for a raise from the two-year, $6 million deal he's playing with right now.

As the Blue Jays will likely look to focus on improving their pitching staff, a player like Encarnacion could be an attractive bargaining chip along the way.

Washington Nationals: John Lannan

After making a number of moves to improve their team this offseason, the Washington Nationals have the look of a team that will certainly be contending as the fall rolls around.

These acquisitions of Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson no doubt bolstered their rotation, but at the same time created a bit of a logjam. Now it seems the team may find itself parting ways with John Lannan after the lefty requested a trade following his demotion to Triple-A.