MLB Trade Rumors: Recent Buzz Surrounding Justin Upton, Ian Desmond and More

It's already been a wild last few days in the winter meetings, but the action isn't slowing down.

Between huge free-agent signings like Jon Lester and trades for players such as Matt Kemp—who was dealt to the San Diego Padres Thursday morning, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today—the hot stove has been on fire. Quite a few big names are still reportedly on the market, and there are bound to be several more trades throughout the offseason.

One of the biggest names, of course, is Justin Upton. The Atlanta Braves power hitter has been one of the best players in the National League over the last few seasons, but he still has plenty of rumors swirling around his name.

With the winter meetings coming to an end, here's a look at the latest rumors around some of the biggest names on the market.

Justin Upton

In the MLB, no player is safe. Even with Upton hitting a combined 56 home runs and accumulating an average OPS of .826 in his two seasons with the Braves, his days in Atlanta appear to be numbered.

The latest potential landing spot for Upton might be in the Windy City. Even with a no-trade clause to the Chicago Cubs, Buster Olney of ESPN notes there is a possibility Upton could be dealt to the franchise:

Of all the locations for Upton to land, this one might make the most sense. Chicago has already made a lot of additions this offseason, notably landing Lester and Joe Maddon, and adding another power bat would be a perfect acquisition.

Not to get Cubs fans even more excited, but the lineup would include, Upton, Starlin Castro, Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo and maybe even Kris Bryant. Chicago already has a wealth of other prospects such as Albert Almora and C.J. Edwards that should be enticing to the Braves.

This trade seems doable, but it might be difficult with the no-trade clause. If talks heat up, this is a deal that seems like a win-win for both sides.

Ian Desmond

USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a sensational three-year stretch for Ian Desmond, the Washington Nationals are apparently looking to strike while the iron's hot. For Desmond, his iron is scorching after winning his third Silver Slugger award.

Jim Bowden of ESPN passed along the latest talks surrounding Desmond:

Last season, the Nationals slugger finished with a .255 average but still tallied 24 home runs and a career-high 91 RBI and 24 stolen bases. On top of those numbers, his 3.8 WAR, per Baseball-Reference.com, was a career high as well.

There might be a possibility he could be shipped to the Seattle Mariners, but Desmond apparently doesn't want out of Washington.

"Do I want to be a National [beyond 2015]? Yes. Do I think, at this particular moment, I will be? I don't know," Desmond said, via Bill Ladson of MLB.com. "I cannot give you an answer on that. We'll see. I know 2015 is coming fast. I'm excited to get back out there. I think we have a lot to prove. We have a hungry bunch coming in 2015."

Regardless of where he winds up, Desmond will come at a cost. His value is at an all-time high after three standout seasons, hitting at least 20 home runs each of those years. Washington will likely be looking to get a great crop of young talent in return.

Seattle already has a slew of sluggers in Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager, but adding another right-hander would fill a huge hole. After all, that's exactly what Cano told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that he wanted last season in Seattle.

Jay Bruce

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds have started the process of dealing their stars, but they still have several on the roster. Trading away Mat Latos to the Miami Marlins, via ESPN.com, helped clear up cap space, but more moves might be necessary.

Now Jay Bruce's name is coming up again, with the latest news involving an AL East contender. Joel Sherman of The New York Post offers up the most recent rumors about the Reds' power bat:

Dealing with the loss of both Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in the outfield, the Baltimore Orioles would be able to replace some of that production with Bruce. However, the asking price might be too high for a big asset like Bruce.

Scott Miller of Bleacher Report gives his take on a another team that should consider Bruce:

Whether it's the Orioles or the San Diego Padres, Bruce would make a perfect fit on either coast. The Padres have already added Kemp and would have a much more explosive lineup with Bruce. Equipped with that outfield, San Diego might emerge as a serious contender in the already deep NL West.

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