MLB Trade Rumors: Top Trade Targets at Each Position
As the 2011 is not even a week old, there are already talks of who may be around come the trading deadline or who may be on the move before then. Names like Fielder, Carpenter and even Pujols have been tossed around either because of the inability to resign them or they teams have the depth at that position to make a trade to happen.
In this installment, we will look at each individual position and see who is most likely to be dealt this season. I am going to base my predictions on the fact that the player's team may or will be out of contention at the trade deadline (which in itself is an argument that can be made on here as well). I am also going to give a team in which it would make sense for that player to go. I'm sure there will be spirited debate which is always the goal so let your voice be heard!
Catcher: Rod Barajas (Los Angeles Dodgers)
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The Dodgers seem to like the 35 year old catcher but even that is not going to stop him from being traded. The Dodgers have two unproven catchers behind Barajas but they also could trade him if they fall out of the race and keep going with the youth movement in LA. Barajas could be a back up catcher for a contending team like the Yankees if they don't think Montero is ready and Martin get injured. Another team that may need some help is Boston if Veritek doesn't have anything left in the tank.
First Base: Prince Fielder
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This was a tough one but I see Prince being traded at the deadline. The problem for me is I think they'll win the division this year, if not, he's gone. As a fan of a small market team, I certainly hope the Brewers can pony up the money to keep him in Milwaukee but I don't know if that's the case.
The million dollar question is where will Prince end up? Could he be traded out to Oakland as a rental player knowing Oakland won't resign him or does he go to the Mets as part of their rebuilding project? I don't think he ends up in Boston, the Yankees, or another large market team, at least not yet.
Second Base: Brandon Phillips
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This is another case of a team potentially being out of the playoffs but if Opening Day is any indication of what's to come, it could be a two team race in the NL Central. However, if the Reds begin to fall back, look for Phillips to be traded. The Reds have money locked up in Scott Rolen and now Joey Votto. I'm not sure how they can afford Phillips and his 2012 salary of $12 million as well.
Teams could use a good number two, or even lead off, hitter like Phillips, especially in the stretch run. Again, the Dodgers could be a player in the game if Phillips is available.
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Third Base: Wilson Betemit
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The Royals traded Albert Callapso last year to get Betemit in the line-up. This year they will do the same to get Mike Moustakas into the everyday lineup. Betemit isn't an all-start but can handle the bat and will serve as a good bench player for a contending team.
Shortstop: Jose Reyes
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Reyes will be the first of two Mets gone at the trading deadline. The only way the Mets keep Reyes is if they feel he, along with David Wright, are the building blocks of the "New Mets". He is a free agent and some team will pay for a shortstop of Reyes' calibur.
Outfield: Carlos Beltran
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Met number two to go will be Carlos Beltran. In my opinion, Beltran has not lived up to the huge contract he signed in 2005 for $119 million. He has had some solid years but nothing that would live up to the huge dollars the Mets shelled out for him. That being said, he could serve as a solid outfielder for a contending team and maybe he can recapture the magic he had in 2004 with the Astros. Still, with the Mets financial troubles and Beltran being a free agent, he's as good as gone.
Starting Pitcher: Chris Carpenter
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If I'm the Cardinals, this is a tough situation to have to deal with. I think they trade Carpenter if Wainwright is healthy but since that isn't the case, it will take a lot more to pry him from the Cards. Still, the Cardinals will not be in contention this year and I think they want to make some moves to keep Albert happy as they try to resign him. Getting rid of "Carp" probably isn't the best thing in the now but it will pay off for them down the road. The Yankees and Red Sox will be on the front door step as early as June if their staffs begin to show what most people think they'll show.
Relief Pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon
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Papelbon is the closer: for now. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Sox went out Bobby Jenks and have Daniel Bard as closer in waiting. Still, Papelbon had a down year in 2010 and the Red Sox are deep in relief pitching but not so much in starting pitching. I think it's possible they trade Papelbon and try to get an upgrade in the starting staff especially if Dice-K, Beckett or Lackey begin to falter. Chris Carpenter is definitely a possibility for the Sox if he's available.
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