MLB Trade Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Offseason Buzz Around the Majors

Major League Baseball's offseason is in full swing as clubs target free agents and weigh the pros and cons of pulling the trigger on a blockbuster trade.

Several big names have been linked to trade rumors this November, including a past World Series MVP.  

Here, we'll break down some of the latest buzz from around the majors.  

Will Toronto Deal Jose Bautista for Pitching Depth?

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports that the Toronto Blue Jays are "desperate" to land a pair of starting pitchers this offseason and that ongoing rumors have mentioned slugger Jose Bautista as the big trade chip that could potentially bring them two quality starters.

One potential destination that's been discussed is the Boston Red Sox, per a National League source, via Cafardo:

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"It’s a name we’re hearing through backchannels right now, but wouldn’t be surprised if he’s available," said an NL general manager. Bautista was one of Farrell’s personal favorites in Toronto, however it’s doubtful the Blue Jays would deal within the division — even though the Red Sox have extra pitching.

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The 33-year-old veteran has played the past five-and-a-half seasons with the Blue Jays, batting .259 with 73 RBI and 28 home runs in 2013.

It remains to be seen how interested a team like Boston would be in Bautista, though, considering the Red Sox led the majors in runs scored last season with 853. But there are still plenty of other teams that would be interested in the right-field star.

Padres Planning to Move Chase Headley?

The San Diego Padres are looking to build themselves into a contender this offseason, and trading third baseman Chase Headley is one possible way for the NL West club to bring in additional talent.

According to Cafardo, there's a belief around the majors that Headley will be moved before next season:

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There’s growing sentiment that Headley will be traded this offseason. There’s been talk about an extension, but the Padres, who are now willing to increase payroll under CEO Mike Dee’s leadership, are thinking that they can improve a couple of different areas long-term by dealing their third baseman.

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The 29-year-old infielder fell off somewhat this past season following a career year in 2012, in which he batted .286 with a career-best 115 RBI and 31 homers.

ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney added last week that there have been no talks between player and club about a potential extension:

Last January, Headley and the Padres agreed to a one-year deal worth nearly $8.6 million.

Are Pablo Sandoval and Matt Wieters Available?

Two other high-profile players who could potentially be moved this offseason include 2012 World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval and Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters 

Cafardo points out that Sandoval is "available" but a bit of a risky acquisition given his struggles to maintain a solid playing weight. Despite his troublesome size, Kung Fu Panda does offer a bit of versatility in the field, as the San Francisco Giants slugger can play both first and third base. 

As for Wieters, Cafardo reports that the Orioles will likely only trade the 27-year-old if it's part of a blockbuster deal that would land them pitching talent in return. 

Wieters has recorded at least 68 RBI and 22 home runs in each of the past three seasons but has to be considered expendable for a club that ranked 24th in the majors in quality starts last season. Baltimore was also the only team in the majors to give up more than 200 home runs in 2013.

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