MLB Trade Rumors: Winter Meetings Rumblings on Matt Kemp, Cole Hamels and More

The San Francisco Giants currently have a target on their backs after winning the World Series. In the winter meetings, everyone has a chance to start building toward taking down the champions.

Part of that process starts with making huge moves, something that teams like the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox have already done. Neither might be ready to win the Fall Classic, but both are building for the future this offseason.

Some of the biggest stars have already been moved or signed, but several dominoes have yet to fall. Matt Kemp and Cole Hamels have been two of the players at the center of trade talks. Given their level of talent, both might come at huge costs.

With the winter meetings still in full force, here's a look at the latest rumblings from around the MLB.

Matt Kemp

After a down season in 2013, Kemp made it clear how talented he still was last season. The 2014 version of Kemp looked like one of the best players in the league, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers make a run to the playoffs.

That great play also made the slugger a valuable asset for teams in need. Though there were several teams looking at Kemp early, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports notes what the current market looks like:

One of the biggest needs for the San Diego Padres is power in the lineup. Kemp's big bat would instantly fill that hole. The 30-year-old had more homers last season (25) than the current San Diego outfield of Seth Smith, Will Venable and Carlos Quentin (24).

Over the last two years, the Dodgers have had a wealth of outfielders and can likely deal with the loss of Kemp. It also leaves a spot for Joc Pederson, who finished last season with 33 homers for Triple-A Albuquerque. This trade seems likely to go through with both sides coming away happy.

Cole Hamels

For years now, the Philadelphia Phillies have been reluctant to tear down the empire they built. The glory days are over for the franchise, and this offseason might see some big names finally move.

Cole Hamels is one of those who have stuck around despite adversity for the Phillies. But that might not last much longer with several teams looking to make a deal for the left-hander, via Jayson Stark of ESPN:

Despite winning the 2013 World Series, the Red Sox fell back to earth last season. One of the biggest needs just so happens to be in the starting rotation.

With assets like Mookie Betts, Henry Owens and Blake Swihart, the Red Sox have players of interest for the Phillies. Heading into a season where both are looking for redemption, the Phils can build toward the future while the Sox try to rebound.

However, Stark also noted that the Sox haven't reached out to Philly after losing the Jon Lester sweepstakes:

This is a deal that needs to be made for the Phillies with any of the above teams. Simply put, Boston and San Francisco need pitching, while Philly needs to bolster its farm system. The Dodgers don't necessarily need more pitching, but adding Hamels would strengthen an already great rotation.

At just 30 years old, Hamels will be at the top of the rotation, and Phils' fans...well, they'll finally have something to look forward to after several down seasons.

Reds Hurlers

Al Behrman/Associated Press

In the less-likely department, we have the Cincinnati Reds looking to move two of their best pitchers. One is a starter, while the other is considered in the top tier of closers in the MLB.

Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman have been bookends for the Reds in recent years but have come up in trade talks. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports notes the latest on the two impressive pitchers:

Before teams in need of a front-end starter or an elite closer, the Reds don't seem too eager to move either. General manager Walt Jocketty spoke about the potential of moving either, via C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"

I'll listen to anything that makes sense. It was not something we initiated. Listen, nobody's given us anything. They just want to know if the rumors are true. I tell them, whatever you want to think. I don't consider — unless we get proposals from clubs — that it's anything legitimate other than just inquiring.

"

Needless to say, it looks like Jocketty will need to be blown away to deal either this offseason. Given their value to the franchise and the potential for the Reds to still make a run next season, this doesn't look like a trade with legs.

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