MLB Rumors: Most Logical Options for Players on the Block

There are a number of MLB trade rumors flying around the league right now thanks to the fast-approaching MLB trade deadline.

A variety of teams are shopping players from their roster for different reasons. Some teams believe they are close to contending while others are looking to acquire a number of young prospects to build for the future. Others simply want to unload massive contracts.

Whatever the reason, this is one of the most interesting periods of the MLB season. Teams are making it publicly known which players are available and what they are looking for in return.

This makes it easy to predict which landing spots would be best for the players currently on the trading block. While these are some of the most logical options, they typically don’t come to fruition because of the rigid nature of MLB trade negotiations.

Here are the most logical options for MLB players on the trading block.

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are struggling right now, so it would make sense to attempt to make some moves in order to revitalize the roster. To begin, moving the injured Kevin Youkilis would be a smart play.

He’s making a ridiculous $12 million this year and $13 million in 2013.

Youkilis has been on the decline for the past two seasons, and for his money and age (33), he may not be worth keeping around. However, there will be a few teams that are willing to take the risk.

The Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies are two teams that have been keeping a close eye on Youkilis, but the latter makes the most sense. In Philadelphia, Youkilis could jump-start the batting order and play for a contender. 

Michael Bourn, Atlanta Braves

Michael Bourn is a talented center fielder for the Atlanta Braves who suddenly finds himself in trade talks. The Washington Nationals appear to have Bourn on their radar, and the move between the two teams makes too much sense.

Bourn is playing great baseball right now with a .305 averaged and 15 RBI. He’s talented and has great range defensively.

The Braves could really use some pitching, and the Nationals aren’t short in that department.

It obviously will be a difficult deal to consummate for the two NL East rivals, but for Bourn, going to Washington with such a talented roster would be an amazing landing spot.

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

Justin Morneau was the 2006 MLB MVP with the Minnesota Twins, but now he appears to be on the trade block. This makes sense as Morneau has battled back injuries and concussions for the past three seasons.

Outside of injuries, Morneau has a ridiculous contract working against his odds of staying in Minnesota. He’s making $14 million this year alone.

The most logical landing spot for Morneau is with the Philadelphia Phillies.

As mentioned earlier, they have a clear interest in Kevin Youkilis, so if they were smart they would be looking Morneau’s way as well.

He has stepped up his game of late once again, and he’ll have a clear chance to compete for a championship in Philadelphia. 

Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros

If the Houston Astros begin to plummet in the divisional rankings as they have the past few years, they’ll be major sellers on the open market as they look for young prospects to build around.

Wandy Rodriguez is a logical option for the Astros. He’s making a lot of money this year at $10.5 million, but his contract escalates to $13.5 million in 2013. That’s too much money for a pitcher that isn’t consistent enough to be a true No. 2 in a rotation.

The Astros are reportedly interested in moving Rodriguez. The Atlanta Braves are reportedly looking for pitching help. This marriage makes all too much sense.

Rodriguez will have a chance to prove himself in a big market and possibly compete for a World Series, while the Astros will get some young prospects to begin rebuilding. 

Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs

2012 will mark Ryan Dempster’s ninth year as a member of the Chicago Cubs, but it could also be his last. Dempster believes he is being used as trade bait by Theo Epstein and the club, which makes a lot of sense.

Dempster is 35 years old on an organization that is experiencing a youth movement. He’s tallied only a 0-3 record through eight starts, but has pitched at a tremendous 2.14 ERA clip. Still, he is scheduled to make $15 million this season, and he doesn’t quite fit the direction the Cubs are going right now.

As mentioned earlier, the Atlanta Braves will be looking for pitching help, and Dempster could be a nice addition if the price isn’t too high. Dempster isn’t going to compete for a championship in Chicago, but Atlanta could afford him that opportunity. 

John Lannan, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals appear to be looking for a veteran reliever at this juncture. That need has resulted in them willing to part with starting pitcher John Lannan.

Lannan has looked unimpressive in Triple-A this year and is set to make $5 million. These factors likely make him a very unattractive trade commodity, but the Nationals sure are trying to unload him.

There are a few teams interested in Lannan, but the front-runners have to be the Boston Red Sox.

The club could use some starting pitching depth, and Lannan is just that. The two sides haven’t been able to reach a deal yet, but Boston is the most logical destination at this point for the 27-year-old southpaw. 

Follow @Chris_Roling