MLB Rumors: Early Trade Buzz on Cole Hamels, Troy Tulowitzki and More

Free agency isn't the only way MLB teams can improve. Once again open for business, all 30 franchises will explore the trade market during what's shaping up to be an active offseason.

Last season produced a bevy of big swaps, as Jeff Samardzija, Jon Lester and Yoenis Cespedes changed locations during the year. Shortly after the World Series has concluded, a batch of big names have already surfaced on the rumor mill.

This is the time where general mangers will do their due diligence on the trade block, simply testing the waters to see if a tempting offer swims their way. All of these players could stay put before Opening Day, but the offseason gives fans of all teams a chance to dream big.

Philadelphia's Asking Price for Cole Hamels

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When the Philadelphia Phillies sunk to last place in 2014, most wanted them to clear house before the trade deadline. They instead stayed pat, most notably keeping ace Cole Hamels in town.

That doesn't mean they won't examine offers for the 30-year-old lefty this winter. CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury broke down exactly what the Phillies want for their top starting pitcher:

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So what will it take to get Hamels?

Industry sources say the Phils are looking for at least three top prospects, two that can play right now and another that isn’t far away. The Cubs and Red Sox are two known suitors and both have the farm systems to get a deal done — if they are willing to meet the Phillies’ rightfully high asking price.

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A year after registering a 2.47 ERA, the Phillies are right to expect a premium price in return for Hamels. One of the game's stablest arms, he has logged over 200 innings in each of the past five seasons, notching a 3.00 ERA over that timetable.

The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are both hungry for an ace and possess young offensive talent in bunches, but will they be willing to part with their top young position players?

Both those teams are expected to factor into the free-agent sweepstakes for Lester and Max Scherzer, so anything with Hamels would likely wait until after those available aces pick their future destinations.

Rockies Open to Moving Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez

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Following an ugly 66-96 season, the Colorado Rockies are entering the offseason with an open mind. According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, they're now willing to listen to offers for their two offensive stars:

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For the first time, the Colorado Rockies sound willing to trade shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and/or outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

The Rockies are telling clubs they are keeping their “eyes and ears open” for potential deals involving both players, according to major-league sources.

The mere willingness to discuss Tulowitzki and Gonzalez is a departure for Colorado, which previously refused to entertain deals for its two stars.

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Despite his injury past, moving Tulowitzki seems unlikely. In the 91 games he played last year, the shortstop was a runaway MVP candidate, hitting .340/.432/.603 with 21 home runs and a 5.1 fWAR, per FanGraphs. By far the best shortstop when healthy, the 30-year-old would command a colossal return.

Gonzalez, however, is a more realistic possibility after Colorado surprised everyone by extending Michael Cuddyer the $15.3 million qualifying offer. The willingness to retain the 35-year-old outfielder at such a high price is notable since the Rockies already have Gonzalez, Corey Dickerson and Charlie Blackmon roaming the outfield.

Also injury-prone, the 29-year-old has played 112 games per season in six seasons with the Rockies. He recorded a .292 on-base percentage in 2014, hitting .160/.224/.319 away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Those struggles may make him more expandable, but it also lessens his market value. The Rockies may be rightfully reticent to sell low on Gonzalez, but they could certainly use some pitching help.

Big-Market Teams Asking About Alexei Ramirez

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Options are slim at shortstop, with Hanley Ramirez representing the only above-average free agent on the market. That has teams lining up a Plan B.

Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago reported that three teams from prominent markets are interested in another Ramirez's services at short:

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The White Sox have heard from numerous major league clubs about the availability of shortstop Alexei Ramirez, the 33-year-old All-Star who has been high on the list of several big-market teams. The interested teams include the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers. All of these franchises are looking for a reliable shortstop to anchor their infields.

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While the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers also figure to woo Hanley Ramirez, the Mets are no longer big enough spenders to afford him. Alexei Ramirez, meanwhile, will earn $10 million next year with a $10 million club option for 2016, per Cot's Baseball Contracts.

His .273/.305/.408 slash line doesn't exactly jump off the page, and his 3.7 walk percentage leaves much to be desired. Yet only three shortstops have accumulated a higher fWAR over the past five years.

Rank	Player	WAR*
1	Troy Tulowitzki	23.2
2	Jose Reyes	17.8
3	Jhonny Peralta	17.5
4	Alexei Ramirez	16.7
5	Hanley Ramirez	16.4

He's affordable, plays solid defense and doesn't require a long-term investment. If the Chicago White Sox are willing to move him, they'll receive at least one promising young player in return.