MLB Trade Rumors: Top 20 Players Potentially Available This Winter

The 2011 MLB season has certainly seen its share of big-name players already change teams. Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Beltran, Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Jim Thome are just a few of the names that were moved before the trade deadline to help their new teams in trying to reach the postseason.

As the MLB season comes to an end after the World Series, many players will be moving on to new teams. While a large majority of players will be doing so via free agency, a smaller minority of players will also find themselves donning new uniforms over the winter. The hot stove season will no doubt be alive with quite a few trades as well.

I will also throw this caveat out there. Just because these players may become available doesn’t mean they’re going anywhere—in several cases, overblown salaries will prevent a deal from happening.

So, just who are the players that could impact new teams in the 2012 season?

Here is a list of the top 20 that could potentially be available this winter for all teams to consider.

20. Brian Fuentes: Oakland Athletics

In the one year that reliever Brian Fuentes has spent with the Oakland Athletics, he has seen time as the closer while Andrew Bailey was recovering from an early season injury and got into a very public spat with former manager Bob Geren regarding Geren’s use of the bullpen.

Fuentes has also been a tale of two different pitchers this season—a 4.82 ERA and a 1-8 record in the first half of the season, and a sparkling 1.82 ERA in 24 appearances since the All-Star break.

Fuentes could be an intriguing left-handed bullpen option for several teams, and while he won’t fetch a huge return, the return could be good enough for GM Billy Beane to consider.

Top teams after Fuentes: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals

Odds on where Fuentes will land in 2012: Oakland. Just because he will be available doesn’t mean that other teams will actually deal for him. Fuentes hurt himself with his very public debate with Geren, and at a salary of $6.5 million for a middle reliever/setup man, no one really wants that kind of trouble.

19. Bobby Abreu: Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins recently said he had no regrets in adding an option year for designated hitter Bobby Abreu. The option automatically kicked in when Abreu surpassed 1,110 plates appearances between the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Abreu surpassed that mark on July 31.

"At the time of the deal, it made sense for us," Reagins said. "And when you get into long-term deals—although this was only three years, not five or six—obviously there is a possibility that there might be some dead money at the end.

"And I am not saying Bobby Abreu is dead money because we know he is still a good ballplayer. …The numbers speak for themselves. But just his presence in the lineup has helped us."

Well, Reagins might find quite a few fans that would disagree with that statement. Abreu’s numbers in 2011 are all career lows, with the exception of his on-base percentage, which hit a career low last season.

Reagins would do well to find a willing buyer for Abreu’s services next season, even if that includes eating some of that option year money.

Top teams after Abreu: Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays

Odds on where Abreu will land in 2012: Abreu will be with the Angels next season. His $9 million salary at the age of 38 will be a tough pill for any team to swallow considering his diminished production over the past two seasons.

18. Barry Zito: San Francisco Giants

Aside from the Yankees signing of Carl Pavano to a four-year, $40 million contract in 2004, has there any other free-agent signing that was worse than Barry Zito over the past decade, perhaps more?

Zito signed a seven-year, $136 million contract with the San Francisco Giants in December 2006, and in the first five years of that deal, Zito is 43-61 with a 4.52 ERA, has had no season with an ERA under 4.00 and was left off the Giants’ postseason roster last season during the World Series championship run.

Zito is still owed $39 million in the remaining two years of his contract, and GM Brian Sabean would be considered a miracle worker if he could somehow dump…er…trade Zito to someone who might show any interest.

Top teams after Zito: I haven’t even found one who is sniffing, let alone interested.

Odds on where Zito will land in 2012: More than likely on the DL, with some “phantom injury,” much like Scott Kazmir.

17. Carlos Quentin: Chicago White Sox

There has been increased chatter lately about the possibility of the Chicago White Sox trading right fielder Carlos Quentin.  According to Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com, there is a high likelihood of that happening.

In a recent chat with local fans, Padilla said:

"

“I think the odds of Quentin being moved are very high. He still has a ton of trade value and (Dayan) Viciedo can slide in and take his spot.”

"

Quentin spent almost a month on the DL with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, but still hit 24 HR and 77 RBI in what was a horrible year for the rest of the White Sox hitters, Paul Konerko excluded.

Top teams after Quentin: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs

Odds on where Quentin will land in 2012: Boston Red Sox. The Sox went hard after Quentin before this year’s trade deadline, and with J.D. Drew’s expiring contract and the uncertainty with rookie Josh Reddick, Quentin could very well be targeted by the Red Sox this offseason as well.

16. Marlon Byrd: Chicago Cubs

Change is going to be in the air this offseason on the North Side of Chicago.

With a new general manager who has yet been named, the Chicago Cubs will be looking to revamp a roster that has been rife with disappointment over the past two seasons. Center fielder Marlon Byrd could be one of the first changes.

At a salary of $6.5 million in 2012, Byrd could be a very attractive option for teams looking for a solid bat and steady defense.

Top teams after Byrd: Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians

Odds on where Byrd will land in 2012: The Rangers seem like the most likely destination for Byrd. An outfield of Josh Hamilton, Byrd and Nelson Cruz would certainly be formidable.

15. Jake Peavy: Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy, who was recently shut down for the rest of the season, actually had a pretty remarkable season, considering the rare type of injury he suffered— a detached latissimus dorsi muscle in his right shoulder.

Peavy finished the season with an unremarkable 7-7 record and 4.92 ERA in 18 starts, but at times, showed the old Peavy who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2007.

Peavy is just 30 years old, so age is certainly not a factor. What will be a factor in dealing him is his $17 million owed to him in 2012. However, if GM Kenny Williams is able to find a willing buyer, money could be thrown into the deal as well.

Top teams after Peavy: Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers

Odds on where Peavy will land in 2012: The Los Angeles Angels could very well look hard at Peavy but only if Williams throws a good bit of money into the deal to offset Peavy’s salary.

14. Carl Pavano: Minnesota Twins

After posting a solid 2010 season for the Minnesota Twins, Carl Pavano got off to a horrible start, along with the rest of his team, in the 2011 season, posting a 2-5 record and 5.19 ERA in the first two months.

Pavano has righted the ship somewhat since, posting a 6-8 record and 4.00 ERA since June 1. With one season and $8.5 million left on his contract, Pavano could find himself with another team looking for a reliable No. 4 starter who will eat up some innings.

Top teams after Pavano: Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees

Odds on where Pavano will land in 2012: Colorado Rockies. Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported that the Rockies could indeed be looking to bring in quality pitching, and Pavano is on that list.

13. Adam LaRoche: Washington Nationals

When Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche opted for surgery to repair a torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff, he ended his season having played in just 47 games with three HR and 15 RBI.

In LaRoche’s absence, Michael Morse emerged for the Nationals, and as of Monday night, was hitting .302 with 27 HR and 86 RBI.

The Nationals have money to spend in 2012, and there appears to be indications they could possibly go after either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, with Morse sliding to a corner outfield position, making LaRoche expendable.

Top teams after LaRoche: Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers

Odds on where LaRoche will land in 2012: Milwaukee Brewers. If the Brewers fail to sign Fielder, they could go after free-agent Carlos Pena or try to land LaRoche in a trade. At $8 million for 2012, LaRoche would certainly be cheaper than Fielder, and likely, less expensive than Pena.

12. Grant Balfour: Oakland Athletics

During offseason last year, Oakland Athletics general manager struck out on several position player free agents, so he bulked up his bullpen, signing both Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour.

While Fuentes didn’t work out as planned, Balfour certainly did, posting a 2.25 ERA in appearances for the A’s through Monday night’s games.

Beane could absolutely use Balfour as a chip to bring in some offense this offseason, and Balfour’s $4 million salary for next season certainly won’t be a hindrance.

Top teams after Balfour: St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels

Odds on where Balfour will land in 2012: Boston Red Sox. Balfour’s value as a setup man will be a huge draw for Boston, especially if current closer Jonathan Papelbon leaves via free agency and current setup man Daniel Bard takes over as closer.

11. Brett Myers: Houston Astros

Along with fellow pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers may be the last compelling trade chip that the Houston Astros can use to stock up on prospects during this offseason.

Myers suffered through a miserable 2011 season along with the rest of the Astros, with a 6-13 record and 4.39 ERA. However, Myers is an innings-eater, and no doubt would have fared much better with a better cast of characters surrounding. Myers is owed $11 million for the 2012 season, so the Astros might be better off trying to pony up a little cash to entice a deal.

Top teams after Myers: Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies

Odds on where Myers will land in 2012: Colorado Rockies. The Rockies seem very serious about upgrading their pitching staff next season, and Myers could be targeted, especially if the Astros throw some extra cash into the mix.

10. Andre Ethier: Los Angeles Dodgers

When Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier was shut down for the season on Sept. 8 due to chronic pain in his right knee, it came after Ethier told T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times that the Dodgers told him to play through the pain.

Ethier attempted to amend his comments the following day, but the damage was already done. Both manager Don Mattingly and GM Ned Colletti were angered by the comments, and while everyone is attempting to make nice, it was nonetheless a tense situation.

Ethier did undergo surgery last Wednesday, and will be ready for spring training. However, given that particular incident, and the fact that the Dodgers are a mess financially, there may be no doubt that Colletti will at least listen to offers this offseason.

Top teams after Ethier: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs

Odds on where Ethier will land in 2012: Philadelphia Phillies. If Phillies’ GM Ruben Amaro elects not to re-sign free-agent Raul Ibanez, Ethier could be dealt to Philly, with the Dodgers getting either John Mayberry Jr. or Domonic Brown in return.

9. Carlos Zambrano: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs certainly appear to be done with bad-tempered starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano, electing to shut him down for the rest of the 2011 season ever after his period of disqualification ended on Sept. 11.

Owed $18 million in 2012, Zambrano will be extremely difficult to unload on any team who would even consider dealing with a player who clearly walked out on his team in early August.

Top teams after Zambrano: No one

Odds on where Zambrano will land in 2012: Zambrano will likely be in Chicago—no matter who takes over as Chicago’s GM, they just won’t be able to entice ANY team to take on Zambrano.

8. Logan Morrison: Florida Marlins

When Florida Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison opted to file a grievance against the Florida Marlins last week for what he believed was an unjust demotion to the minors, he effectively ended any semblance of a relationship that he may have had with anyone in the front office.

Can there really be any doubt that owner Jeffrey Loria and president David Sampson will be instructing GM Larry Beinfest to unload Morrison this offseason?

Top teams after Morrison: Um, anyone who calls?

Odds on where Morrison will land in 2012: My guess is the Los Angeles Dodgers, or at least that’s where the Marlins will try to send Morrison. What the heck, why not send him to a REALLY dysfunctional front office?

7. Matt Kemp: Los Angeles Dodgers

It’s pretty safe to say that Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp really came into his own this season.

With a .320 batting average, 34 HR, 113 RBI, 40 stolen bases and a .963 OPS, Kemp is the leading candidate to take the National League MVP honors.

However, with the Dodgers in complete financial disarray, Kemp could very well find himself on the chopping block. While GM Ned Colletti has indicated that the team will look to sign both Kemp and Andre Ethier to long-term contracts, current bankruptcy proceedings and ownership flux may prevent that from happening. It’s not inconceivable that Kemp could be traded now in order to save money and risk losing him to free agency at the end of next season.

Top teams after Kemp: No one currently rumored to be talking to the Dodgers concerning Kemp’s status.

Odds on where Kemp will land in 2012: Considering Kemp still has an arbitration year left, it will likely be with the Dodgers. However, that could all change if the team is sold.

6. Joey Votto: Cincinnati Reds

I know, I know—you’re thinking to yourselves, why the heck would Votto even belong to this list?

Well, in a recent broadcast of a game between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, Cubs’ television analyst Bob Brenley mentioned that the Reds could consider moving Votto because of his escalating salary (due to make $17 million in 2013), and that Yonder Alonso could slide into the first base position.

On its face, the idea seems ridiculous, especially considering Votto backed up his MVP season in 2010 with another solid season in 2011, hitting .318 with 28 HR and 98 RBI through Monday’s games.

But, stranger things have happened. Could GM Walt Jocketty be enticed by a deal? Sure, anyone can be dealt, however, it would have to absolutely blow him away in order for it to happen.

Top teams after Votto: Well, if you listen to Brenley, the Chicago Cubs.

Odds on where Votto will land in 2012: Votto is staying right where he is; Brenley was talking out of the side of his mouth.

5. Jesus Montero: New York Yankees

In just 12 games with the New York Yankees, prospect Jesus Montero is hitting .286 with three HR and six RBI, a pretty good showing for a September call-up thus far.

Montero has been the subject of trade rumors almost all season long, with many pundits saying that Montero could fetch a nice pitcher for the starting rotation in return.

Montero’s future with New York is certainly in question, especially considering he is not a stellar defensive catcher. However, neither was Jorge Posada when he first came up with the Yankees.

At this point, the only way the Yankees move Montero is in a deal involving an excellent front-line starter.

Top teams after Montero: No one at this time.

Odds on where Montero will land for 2012: New York Yankees. GM Brian Cashman has repeatedly stated that Montero is not on the market, and they are clearly invested in seeing exactly how good Montero can be offensively.

4. Alfonso Soriano: Chicago Cubs

It’s hard to call Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano a complete bust. When Soriano signed an eight-year, $136 million contract in November 2006, it was expected that he would match the numbers put up in Washington in 2006.

While Soriano never approached those numbers, he has put up five consecutive 20-plus home run seasons in Chicago, and with 338 total he now ranks 92nd all time.

However, Soriano’s contract clearly hasn’t matched the expected production, and the new Cubs’ GM will be tasked with seeing whatever he can do to unload Soriano and his contract. It will probably, if not definitely, require a boatload of money to be included in the deal as well. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman even tweeted as such late last month.

Top teams after Soriano: Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees

Odds on where Soriano will land in 2012: Something tells me the New York Yankees. Soriano’s defense is pretty suspect, but he could fit in as DH in the Yankees lineup for sure.

3. B.J. Upton: Tampa Bay Rays

Earlier this season, Tampa Bay Rays center fielder was heavily rumored to be headed to Washington, where officials said that they would “overpay” for his services.

Upton, who is hitting .234 with 21 HR and 74 RBI, could still be headed there, if a deal can be worked out.

Top teams after Soriano: Washington Nationals

Odds on where Soriano will land in 2012: Washington. GM Mike Rizzo is looking for outfield production, and it certainly seem like interest in Upton hasn’t waned.

2. Wandy Rodriguez: Houston Astros

Houston Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez could be the most highly sought-after southpaw during the offseason.

The subject of trade rumors for several months, Rodriguez is 11-10 with a 3.55 ERA in 28 starts for the hapless Astros, pretty impressive numbers for a team that has already lost 100 games.

Top teams after Rodriguez: Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees

Odds on where Rodriguez will land in 2012: Colorado Rockies. The Rockies were unable to complete a deal for Rodriguez after claiming him on waivers in late August, but that doesn’t mean a deal can’t be worked out over the offseason.

1. David Wright: New York Mets

There have been rumors swirling about the status of David Wright and his future with the New York Mets for several months. With the ongoing financial problems of owner Fred Wilpon, it would seem unlikely that the Mets would keep both Wright and Jose Reyes, if they are able to sign Reyes during the offseason.

Wright’s injuries clearly slowed him down this season, however, when healthy is one of the most productive third baseman in the majors.

Top teams after Wright: Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies

Odds on where Wright will land in 2012: Colorado Rockies. The Rockies appear poised to make major upgrades in 2012, and Wright would appear to be the biggest fish they intend to go after. Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported that the Rockies are clearly looking for a quality third baseman, considering the dearth of production they got from that position this year.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.