MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Go Hard After R.A. Dickey

R.A. Dickey put together a great season for the New York Mets last season and he earned the National League Cy Young award for his performance.

Even after his award-winning campaign, the Mets are considering trading Dickey because they are not sure that they can work out a contract extension with him (h/t Jon Heyman of CBS Sports).

It is very rare that a Cy Young award winner is traded, but that could happen this winter. With Dickey on the market, there should be a number of teams that are chasing after him.

Texas Rangers

While the Texas Rangers are still trying to figure out a contract with Josh Hamilton, they also need to find an ace for their starting rotation. They have expressed an interest in Zack Greinke, but there is a strong chance that he signs elsewhere (h/t Jim Bowden of ESPN).

It appears as if the Rangers have begun to look at other options. T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com has noted that the team has an interest in R.A. Dickey.

The Rangers may need to trade away either Mike Olt or Martin Perez to acquire Dickey. Another prospect might be shipped to the Mets in such as deal as well.

While the cost is high, Dickey could be the piece that helps lead the Rangers to their first World Series title, and if that is the case he will certainly be worth it.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have already made major improvements this offseason thanks to deal with the Miami Marlins. They have already added Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle to their starting rotation and Jose Reyes to their lineup in that deal.

Toronto is said to still be looking for pitching help according to Joel Sherman of the New York Daily News.  Dickey could be the top-of-the-rotation starter that the Blue Jays are looking for.

It is clear that Toronto is going all-in this year, so they will be willing to give up some top prospects to make a deal. Given the Mets needs at catcher and in the outfield, J.P. Arencibia and Anthony Gose would be players that interest them greatly.

Kansas City Royals

It has been noted by Joel Sherman of the New York Daily News that if the Kansas City Royals are going to have a chance to contend in the American League Central that they are going to need a frontline starter.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has mentioned that the Royals have an interest in R.A. Dickey but that they won't deal Salvador Perez or Wil Meyers.

The Royals have a very strong farm system, and the Mets could ask for either Bubba Starling or Jake Odorizzi. While Starling is still far from the majors, he is a player who could certainly intrigue the Mets.

Pittsburgh Pirates

If the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to turn the corner and become a winning team, they need to pick up a true ace. A.J. Burnett performed really well last year, but he is far from a sure thing to repeat his performance in 2013.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has noted that the Pirates are interested in acquiring a starting pitcher. It is possible that R.A. Dickey is an option for them.

Tony Sanchez has seen his value drop in recent years, but the catcher is close to the major leagues and could be included in a deal with the Mets. Travis Snider could also come to the Mets in a trade. Another piece would need to be sent to the Mets, and Josh Bell or Gregor Polanco could be the piece that seals the deal as long as the Pirates are given a window to negotiate an extension with Dickey.

Los Angeles Angels

Zack Greinke spent part of last season with the Los Angeles Angels, and while the team would like to retain him, they need to have a backup plan. R.A. Dickey could be the top-of-the-rotation starter that they are looking for.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Angels are in the market to add a starting pitcher. The former Cy Young winner would help the Angels reach the postseason in 2013.

While Los Angeles doesn't have one prospect that would really stand out to the Mets, they could put a decent deal together. Kole Calhoun appears to nearly be MLB-ready and he could be a trade option. If Calhoun isn't in the deal, the Angels could include Peter Bourjos in a deal.

In addition to an outfielder, the Angels could include second base prospect Taylor Lindsay and catcher Hank Conger.