MLB Trade Rumors: Power Ranking Every Team's Biggest Trade Target
'Tis the season for MLB trade rumors, and every team out there has needs to fill.
The idea, as always, is not so much to go out and get just any player, but to go out and get the right player. And as always, that's easier said than done.
But we're going to go ahead and speculate on the behalf of each general manager in baseball and try to pinpoint one specific player they should go after in a trade.
Naturally, some scenarios are more likely than others. As such, this list progresses from the most outlandish trades to the most likely ones.
Start the slideshow for some mad baseball knowledge.
30. Atlanta Braves
1 of 30
Biggest Need: Bullpen
Dan Uggla fills one need, and now the Braves will turn to others. Now that Billy Wagner is gone, they have a huge hole in their bullpen. And while they have plenty of quality arms that can take over Wagner's closer role, they would probably still prefer to add another able body.
The Fix: Jonathan Papelbon
The market for Papelbon is pretty weak at the moment, and he's not likely to be traded at all unless the Red Sox decide to pick up part of his big salary. But SI.com's Jon Heyman says they are willing to do that, so it's certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
The Braves took both Wagner and Takashi Saito off the Red Sox trash heap last season, so seeing them going after another Sox reliever isn't all that outlandish.
29. Toronto Blue Jays
2 of 30
Biggest Need: Outfield
The Jays got a nice bounce-back year from Vernon Wells last season, and we all know about Joe Bautista's freakish season out of the right field spot. But the speculation these days is the the Jays could try and capitalize on Bautista's career year by trading him.
The Fix: Justin Upton
Ken Rosenthal tweeted on Thursday that the Jays are showing strong interest in Upton, who can only be had for a pretty big package. Putting up a player coming off a 50-home-run season would be a good start.
28. Chicago Cubs
3 of 30
Biggest Needs: Name one
The Cubs have pieces to deal in Carlos Zambrano and Kosuke Fukodome, but they seem more interested in landing free agents such as Adam Dunn and maybe even Carl Crawford.
The Fix: Prince Fielder
Adam Dunn and Lyle Overbay are both better and more sensible options for the Cubs at this point, and it seems pretty unlikely that the Brewers would trade Fielder to a division rival.
But this is yet another interesting "what if" scenario, especially if the Cubs miss out on players like Dunn and Overbay and maybe even Crawford and Cliff Lee.
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27. Florida Marlins
4 of 30
Biggest Needs: Outfield
The Marlins got rid of Dan Uggla and have said they are going to be active in pursuing starting pitching. As far as more trades are concerned, there isn't much going on at the moment.
The Fix: Justin Upton
The Marlins haven't been mentioned as potential suitors for Upton in some of the more serious talks, but MLB Trade Rumors says there's at least one baseball exec who thinks they might be in on him.
But since it's hard to imagine the Diamondbacks asking for anything less than Mike Stanton, this seems unlikely.
26. Seattle Mariners
5 of 30
Biggest Needs: Power
We all know how bad Seattle's offense was last year, and they still desperately need a power hitter that can drive in Ichiro and Chone Figgins.
The Fix: Justin Upton
The Mariners are a dark horse to land Upton but not necessarily a long shot. Ken Rosenthal says they could structure a deal around pitching prospect Michael Pineda.
25. Milwaukee Brewers
6 of 30
Biggest Needs: Starting Pitching
The Brewers are reportedly leaning towards keeping Prince Fielder, and Ken Rosenthal says they're going to instead be active in adding some pitching via the trade route.
The Fix: Zack Greinke
A lot of teams will be in on Greinke, and CBS Sportsline says the Brewers are one of them. The first question would naturally be whether or not Greinke put them on his no-trade list.
After that, who would they trade for him? Good question. Maybe Rickie Weeks if the two sides can't agree on a long-term deal.
24. New York Yankees
7 of 30
Biggest Need: Pitching
The Yankees are probably going to sign Cliff Lee...but if they don't, they're not going to stop trying to acquire a front-of-the-rotation starter. Pickings are pretty slim in free agency, but they've shown in the past that they will do what it takes to land a player from another team.
The Fix: Zack Greinke
If they do miss out on Lee, it's almost a foregone conclusion at this point they would go after Greinke instead. Whether or not the Yanks are on Greinke's no-trade list will be the deciding factor, of course, but the Yankees could offer Nick Swisher if they can get in on things.
On balance, if the Yanks can't get Lee, it's hard to imagine Greinke landing anywhere else.
23. Texas Rangers
8 of 30
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
The Rangers are not going to have Cliff Lee back for next season, so they're naturally going to have to go out and find a replacement if they expect to contend at the level they did last season.
The Fix: Zack Greinke
The word from CBS Sportsline is that the Rangers are definitely interested in Greinke. And of all the teams chasing Greinke, the Rangers are one of the more sensible options. Texas is probably not a market that would freak him out, and the Rangers have depth to deal.
22. Houston Astros
9 of 30
Biggest Need: Outfield depth
The Astros went out and fixed one need by grabbing Clint Barmes from the Rockies, and it doesn't seem likely that any more big moves are imminent now that the club is up for sale. They might make a move for Jeff Francis in free agency, but the trade mill is pretty dead in Houston right now.
The Fix: Milton Bradley
Carlos Lee basically can't play the outfield any more, and moving him to first base seems to be next logical step. To fill his spot in left field, the Astros might say the hell with it and try to become Milton Bradley's next team.
Not likely though.
21. New York Mets
10 of 30
Biggest Need: Pitching
The Mets are tied up in looking for a manager right now, and they could get in on Cliff Lee, but the fact of the matter is they still have a couple bad contracts they need to get rid of. Chief among these is Carlos Beltran's.
The Fix: Zack Greinke
While we know who the Mets can trade, it's mysterious as to who they could get back in return. And worse, there really haven't been many names bandied about.
But they, of all teams, should be in on Zack Greinke. They share the same New York risk as the Yankees, but they also might be able to offer more than the Yankees as well.
For example, how about a one-for-one trade involving Greinke and David Wright? Just throwing it out there.
20. Cleveland Indians
11 of 30
Biggest Needs: Just about everything
The Indians are a mess right now, and there doesn't seem to be much hope for them improving. Grady Sizemore is one piece they could definitely deal in order to help the rebuilding process.
The Fix: Gordon Beckham
This idea was first posed by Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer, and there are certainly worse ideas for both teams. Beckham did not live up to lofty expectations in 2010. And despite the fact, it seems unlikely that Kenny Williams would trade him at this point, you have to wonder how he would react if the Indians waved Sizemore in his face.
19. Washington Nationals
12 of 30
Biggest Needs: Pitching
The Nationals are probably going to trade Josh Willingham, and a pitcher seems like a reasonable return.
The Fix: Aaron Cook
Because the Rockies are apparently one of the teams interested in Willingham, and because they're insisting that Jhoulys Chacin is untouchable, and because they're looking at players like Scott Kazmir and Gavin Floyd, it's not entirely unlikely that Cook could become expendable in the near future.
His innings have decreased dramatically each of the least three years, but the Nats could figure he would be a good fit for their cavernous park.
18. Philadelphia Phillies
13 of 30
Biggest Need: Outfield
The Phillies are going to lose Jayson Werth and replacing his production is obviously going to be an issue. Exactly how they go about doing that is mysterious at this point.
The Fix: Carlos Quentin
A rightfielder with pull power? Why on earth not?
But at this point, the Phillies have merely kicked the tires on Quentin, and the Sox have also insisted that he's not available. But once Werth signs, and maybe if the White Sox have made a few moves of their own, Kenny Williams might think again.
17. Cincinnati Reds
14 of 30
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
It was painfully obvious during the NLDS that the Reds really need a true number one pitcher. They have guys who can get them through the season, but not so much through a short series.
The Fix: Derek Lowe
Other than maybe getting rid of his bloated contract, I'm not too sure why the Braves would get rid of Lowe. But they did try to move him last offseason, and maybe they will consider it again if the Reds can come up with a nice package, perhaps one including Francisco Cordero.
16. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
15 of 30
Biggest Need: Third Base
The Angels are going to expend much of their efforts trying to sign Carl Crawford and perhaps one or two other pricey free agents, and they have a dicey catching situation to consider. But the word on the street is that the Rockies have contacted the Angels about Scott Kazmir, and you have to imagine the Angels wouldn't be too hesitant to deal him.
The Fix: Ian Stewart
The Rockies have listened to interest in Stewart from the Chicago White Sox. And although they don't have a replacement for him in the system, they are interested in players like Oakland's Kevin Kouzmanoff and players like Jorge Cantu.
In short, this is a trade that might make sense for both teams.
15. Detroit Tigers
16 of 30
Biggest Need: Catcher, bullpen, rotation depth
The Tigers have already signed Joaquin Benoit and are reportedly going hard after Adam Dunn and Victor Martinez.
If they will make a trade, it will probably be for bullpen help.
The Fix: Mitchell Boggs
There are precious few relievers on the market—and for good reason. There's been a lot of talk about Jonathan Papelbon and Francisco Cordero maybe being moved, but I'm going to go ahead and take another name from Adam Lazarus' list in Mitchell Boggs.
We all know how the Tigers like power arms in the bullpen, so Boggs would definitely be a good fit.
14. Pittsburgh Pirates
17 of 30
Biggest Need: Pitching
The Pirates are looking at cheap pitchers with high reward capabilities (see Jeremy Bonderman, Brandon Webb), and they do have pieces to deal. Chief among these would be Ryan Doumit.
The Fix: Gavin Floyd
Gavin Floyd's name has popped up quite a bit in recent days, mostly in conjunction with the Rockies. But if the Pirates wave Ryan Doumit in Kenny Williams' face, maybe they can land him instead.
13. St. Louis Cardinals
18 of 30
Biggest Needs: Third Base and Bullpen
The Cardinals seemed to have backed off their desire to trade Colby Rasmus, as they wouldn't even give him up for Dan Uggla when the Marlins came calling.
They're also looking for a shortstop, but their primary options are Miguel Tejada and Juan Uribe.
The Fix: Kevin Kouzmanoff
This is pure speculation on my part, as there hasn't been any indication of a deal other than the fact that Kouzmanoff is clearly on the block. But if the Cards can't land Tejada and/or Uribe, then they might be forced to widen their gaze to Oakland.
But I say again, pure speculation.
12. Oakland A's
19 of 30
Biggest Need: Infield
The A's have already been very active in acquiring Edwin Encarnacion, trading Rajai Davis and reportedly offering Adrian Beltre a five-year deal.
Their biggest trade chip is undoubtedly Kevin Kouzmanoff, whose job is expendable, given the presence of Ecarnacion and maybe even Beltre.
The Fix: Marco Scutaro
The Red Sox are willing to move Scutaro for the right pieces, and bullpen help would seem to be a good place to start. Might the A's part with somebody like Brad Zeigler or Michael Wuertz?
11. Los Angeles Dodgers
20 of 30
Biggest Needs: Starting Pitching
They say they're not going to trade Matt Kemp, but they definitely seem willing to part with James Loney for the right player(s). They definitely need to shore up their rotation, and an innings guy should be a priority.
The Fix: Edwin Jackson
The White Sox look like they're going to be a hotbed for movement as we progress further into the winter, with bodies moving both in and out. While it's pretty likely that Paul Konerko will return to the Sox, making a Jackson-for-Loney swap gives them some breathing room. Loney and Konerko could both play first and DH, and it would leave them with outfielders to deal.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
21 of 30
Biggest Needs: Prospects
Depending on who you ask, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds and Brandon Webb could all be dealt by the D-Backs this offseason. The biggest chip is obviously Upton, who could bring in all sorts of talent if Arizona decides that several young players are better than one really good young player.
The Fix: Raid the Boston Red Sox
While trading Upton to the Blue Jays for Jose Bautista and others is one option, the Red Sox have much better players to offer if they do indeed decide to make something of their interest in Upton. Any combination of Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Bard and Casey Kelly is just one of many possibilities.
9. Boston Red Sox
22 of 30
Biggest Need: Catcher, corner infield, bullpen
The Sox have a lot of holes to fill at the moment, and it doesn't seem very likely that they're going to fill them with Adrian Beltre and/or Victor Martinez. They also definitely need to add another arm to the bullpen.
The Fix: Mike Napoli
The Sox are talking to Arizona about Justin Upton, but it's hard to see them parting with Jacoby Ellsbury and Daniel Bard, among other players. They say they're comfortable with Jarrod Saltalamacchia at catcher, but you have to wonder just how comfortable they are.
As such, maybe they'll reopen talks with the Angels about Mike Napoli. The Sox claimed him on waivers over the summer but could not make a deal.
8. San Francisco Giants
23 of 30
Biggest Needs: Corner infield
The Giants will be just fine at corner infield if they can bring back Aubrey Huff and Juan Uribe, who helped them win a World Series. They're solid just about everywhere else, as they can get by with any lineup thanks to their pitching.
The Fix: Kevin Kouzmanoff
There really isn't much action on the Giants front at the moment, as they really are solely focused on bringing back Huff and Uribe. But if that fails, they probably won't be willing to stand pat with Pablo Sandoval and Travis Ishikawa.
Kouzmanoff would come from right across the Bay, and he is just the kind of player that Brian Sabean would be interested in if he needed to fill a hole.
But right now, this is pure speculation.
7. San Diego Padres
24 of 30
Biggest Need: Even more depth
The Padres are not going to trade Adrian Gonzalez, so get over it. It makes much more sense for them to keep him and try for the NL West title in 2011.
To do that, they just need to add more pieces.
The Fix: Brett Lawrie
The Padres have had discussions with the Brewers for minor league outfielder Brett Lawrie, and they have the young pitching to obtain him.
6. Baltimore Orioles
25 of 30
Biggest Need: Shortstop
The Orioles have holes all over their starting lineup, particularly in the infield, but their biggest need is undoubtedly at shortstop. Robert Andino is currently penciled in as the starter, and he had only 61 at bats in 16 games last season.
The Fix: J.J. Hardy
The O's have already expressed their interest in Hardy to the Twins, as well as for Tampa Bay's Jason Bartlett. Between the two players, Hardy is probably more gettable because of the injury troubles he had last season.
5. Minnesota Twins
26 of 30
Biggest Need: Middle infield depth
If the Twins end up trading J.J. Hardy, they're going to find themselves without their two starters up the middle of the infield from opening day last year. Alexi Casilla can definitely slide in at second base, but the Twins are going to have to find a middle infielder to fill out the bench.
The Fix: Wilson Valdez
The Phillies could end up shopping Wilson Valdez, who performed pretty well in limited time in 2010. The Twins could offer the Phillies some minor league pitching prospects in return.
4. Kansas City Royals
27 of 30
Biggest Need: Just about everything
It's still iffy at this point whether or not Greinke will be traded, but the even bigger issue is what the Royals would look for in return if they were to shop him.
The Fix: As much as they can get for Greinke
There's really not much out there at the moment to hang your hat on in terms of Greinke rumors. The Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rangers, Brewers and several other teams are all potential suitors, but discussing who the Royals could get in return is nothing more than sports talk radio chatter right now.
That being said, I'd say the Royals should try and land Jose Bautista from the Jays and try and sell him to their horribly disinterested fan base.
3. Tampa Bay Rays
28 of 30
Biggest Need: Outfield, bullpen
The Rays are going to lose both Carl Crawford and Rafael Soriano, so they definitely have spots to fill. They're reportedly also listening to offers for Jason Bartlett as well, but they have Reid Brignac to take his spot.
The Fix: Jake Arrieta
Bleacher Report's own Adam Lazarus posed the idea that Arrieta could be made available, and the Rays have had talks with the O's about Jason Bartlett. The Rays have plenty of starting pitching, but more of that never hurt anybody.
2. Chicago White Sox
29 of 30
Biggest Need: Corner infield
With Paul Konerko currently a free agent and Gordon Beckham may be on the trading block, the White Sox could have to fill some holes at either corner of the infield in the near future.
The Fix: Ian Stewart
The Rockies have inquired about Gavin Floyd, and Kenny Williams reportedly asked about Ian Stewart in return. That certainly seems like a fair trade, as the White Sox don't seem very interested in loading up on prospects.
1. Colorado Rockies
30 of 30
Biggest Need: Pitching
The Rockies asked about Justin Upton, but their primary interest this offseason is going to be replacing Jorge De La Rosa, who is not likely to return.
The Fix: Gavin Floyd
In other words, I like the trade mentioned above.
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