MLB Trade Rumors: Updating the Status of 40 Hottest Rumored Deals

While the weather may be cold this winter, MLB trade rumors will be hot. This year's Hot Stove League should feature a number of trade rumors and actual deals to go along with all of the free agent signings.

A number of teams will be linked to big name players this winter, and there will be rumors of both deals big and small that could possibly go down.

Even early in the offseason, there have been a number of trade rumors already. Some of these rumors stem from deals that didn't happen at the trade deadline, while others are just coming about now.

Gio Gonzalez May Need to Pack His Bags

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, there is a lot of uncertainty about what might go on in Oakland this winter. The team is hoping to move to San Jose and waiting to hear a decision from the MLB. If the move is shot down, the team could be selling.

Amongst the available players could be Gio Gonzalez. Since he would be one of the best pitchers available, there would be a lot of interest in Gonzalez.

Trevor Cahill Could Be on the Move as Well

Gio Gonzalez might not be the only player who finds his way out of Oakland this winter if the team is not given permission to move to San Jose. As a result of their poor revenues in Oakland, the Athletics may also look to deal Trevor Cahill.

Cahill is not as good as Gonzalez, but he is under team control until 2017. This also makes him a strong trade target if the Athletics choose to put him on the market this winter.

Jonathan Sanchez Is Another Bay Area Pitcher That Could Be Traded

The San Francisco Giants are looking to make a big splash in the free agent market this winter. Their one problem is that they have a high payroll and one of the most expensive rotations in baseball.

John Paul Morosi of Fox Sports has reported that the team is willing to trade Jonathan Sanchez this winter in an attempt to free up some salary.

Wade Davis Doesn't Have a Spot in Tampa Bay

In the days leading up to the MLB trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays were willing to discuss trading a starting pitcher. One of the names that was mentioned by CBS Sports' Danny Knobler was Wade Davis.

The Rays have a number of starters in the minors that are ready to step into a full time role this year. However, there are seemingly no positions available in the rotation unless the team makes a trade. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe believes that Davis will be traded for either an outfielder or a catcher.

The New York Mets Are Willing to Trade David Wright

It appears that it could be a long offseason for New York Mets fans. The team may not bring back Jose Reyes, and they also may be interested in dealing star third baseman David Wright.

If the Mets do trade Wright, it appears that they want a defense oriented centerfielder, as well as a pitcher or two, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. 

Jair Jurrjens Could Be Traded This Winter

The Atlanta Braves have a number of arbitration-eligible players, and according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the Braves are willing to move some of them.

One of the names that was mentioned by Bowman was Jair Jurrjens. He has already been linked to the Kansas City Royals, but that deal fell through. Look for these to teams to keep talking, as well as a few other teams getting into the mix for Jurrjens.

The Atlanta Braves Might Also Consider Moving Martin Prado

In the same article that mentions that Jair Jurrjens will be available this winter, Mark Bowman also mentions that the Atlanta Braves could also be open to trading Martin Prado.

Prado is coming off a bit of a disappointing season and might not have that much value. If the Braves cannot get a decent prospect or two for him, then they will not trade him.

The New York Yankees May Get a Starting Pitcher for Jesus Montero

It is interesting to see what the New York Yankees will do this winter. They have been talking to a number of big name free agents, but they will also be big players in the trade market.

Jesus Montero is one of the best trade chips in baseball, and the Yankees may use him to bring in a starting pitcher. According to Will Brinson of NBC, the Yankees have a number of pitchers they can go after if they are willing to move Montero.

James Shields Is Staying in Florida

This summer, James Shields was one of the most popular names on the trade market. Now it seems as if the Tampa Bay Rays have reversed their stance on moving Shields.

According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Rays are now very likely to keep Shields in a Rays uniform for the 2012 season. This is a smart move, as he is a key part of their rotation.

But That Does Not Mean That It Will Be Tampa Bay

The Miami Marlins are looking to make a big move as the franchise attempts to re-brand itself with its new stadium, logo and uniforms. They could bring in a starting pitcher to help them out.

David Hill of NBC Miami has suggested that James Shields could be traded to the Marlins. While this seems very unlikely, it is an option.

B.J. Upton Will Be Talked About Often

It seemed like B.J. Upton would be going to the Washington Nationals this July, but a deal never occurred. Instead, Upton remained a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and his name will come up in many trade rumors this winter.

Stan McNeal of The Sporting News believes that Upton could be traded this winter. The Nationals could once again be targeting Upton, but many other teams will have interest as well.

Tim Lincecum Could Hit the Trade Market

Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports mentions that Tim Lincecum could become available on the trade market this winter. The reasons for this would be so that they could free up enough salary space to go after someone like Albert Pujols or Jose Reyes.

However, there seems to be no indication that Lincecum is on the market just yet. This could all change based on the San Francisco Giants' free agency plans.

Joey Votto Is Not Going Anywhere

Joey Votto would be one of the biggest names on the trade market this winter if he were available. However, despite earlier rumors, there seems to be no indication that the Cincinnati Reds will trade him.

Reds general manager Wlat Jocketty denies that the team is listening to offers for the former MVP. Votto has too much value for the Reds to move him.

Kevin Youkilis Likely Staying in Boston

There has been some speculation that Kevin Youkilis could be on the trade market this winter. However, Alex Speier of WEEI does not believe that he will be moving anywhere.

Trading Youkilis would only make sense if it meant that the Red Sox would then go and spend the money on a big name free agent such as Jose Reyes. The truth of the matter is that they can afford a player like Reyes without trading away Youkilis.

Wandy Rodriguez Could Be Part of a Houston Astros Fire Sale

One of the players that was almost moved at the trade deadline this winter was Wandy Rodriguez. The problem was that teams were hoping that the Houston Astros would eat some of his salary.

Now, the Wandy Rodriguez rumors have started once again. Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes that the Colorado Rockies could make a strong push for Rodriguez.

As Could Carlos Lee

The Houston Astros were trying to convince Carlos Lee to waive his no-trade clause prior to the 2011 MLB trade deadline. In the end, Lee did not end up going anywhere.

While there have not been many new rumors about Lee this winter, he is certainly a candidate to be moved. The Astros would love to get out from under his massive salary.

In Additon to Brett Myers

Another one of the players that the Houston Astros tried to trade this winter was Brett Myers. He has a big contract, and the Astros would like to trade him to bring in prospects.

While it has been all quiet on the trade front regarding Myers, this could all change once Jim Crane officially takes over ownership of the Astros.

Jed Lowrie Could Be Trade Bait

The Boston Red Sox may make a run at Jose Reyes this winter, and if they sign him, Jed Lowrie will be left without a position. It should come as no surprise that the team would be interested in trading him.

Bill Chuck of NECN has noted that Lowrie could certainly be trade bait this winter. The Red Sox would have to accept a minimal return for him.

Carlos Zambrano May Be Moved

Theo Epstein will have a number of big decisions to make as President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs. One of the first decisions that he will have to make is in regards to Carlos Zambrano.

It has been said that Epstein will take his time to evaluate the situation surrounding Zambrano. Once he has done this, he will take action. This likely means that Zambrano will be traded.

The New York Yankees Make a Play for Matt Cain

The New York Yankees are always a threat to bring in some of the top talents of the offseason. They could swing a big deal and acquire Matt Cain.

John Harper of the New York Daily News notes that the Yankees could dangle Jesus Montero in front of the San Francisco Giants in an effort to acquire Matt Cain.

Huston Street Is on the Block

The Colorado Rockies are lucky enough to have two pitchers who are bona fide closers. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies are going to give the 2012 closers job to Rafael Betancourt.

This means that the will be looking to shop Huston Street. There are a number of teams in need of a closer, so they should not struggle to find a trade partner.

Theo Epstein Has Trust in Alfonso Soriano

The Chicago Cubs were trying to trade away Alfonso Soriano during the 2011 MLB trade deadline. They were unsuccessful when they were unwilling to pay a large chuck on his salary.

With Theo Epstein now aboard, there seems to be a bit of a change in thinking about Soriano. It appears that the team will hold on to him and give him another chance next year.

Andre Ethier Is Staying Put

There was a little bit of discussion prior to the 2011 trade deadline that Andre Ethier could be moved. That does no seem like an option, according to Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti.

Colletti has stated that he does not want to trade any key players. This stance could change when the Dodgers are under new ownership.

Melky Cabrera Will Not Get a Multi-Year Deal and He Could Be Dealt

After coming off of a great season, Melky Cabrera is looking for a multi-year deal. The only problem that he has is that the Kansas City Royals don't appear to want to give him one.

Dick Kaegel of MLB.com notes that this could make Cabrera a commodity on the trade market this winter.

No News on a Denard Span Deal

The Washington Nationals were trying to make a strong push for Denard Span at the 2011 MLB trade deadline, but the teams ran into a dead end, and no deal occurred.

Since then, there has been little talk of Span being on the move. He should be a member of the Minnesota Twins when the 2012 season begins.

Pitching Will Be a Priority for the Miami Marlins

It was already mentioned earlier in this slideshow that the Miami Marlins are interested in James Shields, but it is not likely that a deal occurs between the Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Marlins will be going after pitchers this winter. They will look to both the free agent and trade markets to help fill their rotation.

A.J. Burnett Is Still in the New York Yankees' Plans

A.J. Burnett went through a rough season for the New York Yankees in 2011. He struggled a lot, and it was often claimed that he was overpaid.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made a statement in which he mentioned the team's plans for Burnett if he is with the team next year. Cashman has gone and stated that it is not an if, but rather a fact, that Burnett will be a Yankee next year.

Lorenzo Cain Could Be Used as Trade Bait for a Pitcher

When the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves were discussing a trade involving Braves starter Jair Jurrjens, one of the players whose name came up was Lorenzo Cain.

Cain has been mentioned as one of the top outfield trade targets available this winter by Stan McNeal of Sporting News.

Domonic Brown Could Be Traded

ESPN's Jayson Stark mentioned that the Philadelphia Phillies could be interested in David Wright. One of the players that could go back in a deal to the New York Mets is Domonic Brown.

While this deal looks unlikely, the Phillies may move Brown this winter. They already have Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence and are said to be making a strong effort to sign Michael Cuddyer. If the sign him, Brown could be on his way out of town.

Chris Coghlan Is an Option to Be Traded

The Miami Marlins have a number of young players, and it appears that they will have no problem dealing some of the youngsters if the right deal comes along. Players that can help the Marlins have a fresh start will be brought in for these players.

One player who could be on his way out of Miami is Chris Coghlan. He seemingly disappeared after his Rookie of the Year campaign.

Bud Selig Will Get Involved in the Theo Epstein Compenstation Negtiations

While this is not technically a trade per se, this is still deserving of inclusion on this list. The Boston Red Sox has still not been compensated for their loss of Theo Epstein.

There has already been an extension given to the two teams to work out a deal. However, there seemingly has been no progress towards a deal, and Selig will likely need to step in.

Angel Pagan's Status Remains Uncertain

There is still a lot of uncertainty about what the New York Mets will do with Angel Pagan. He could be part of the team's future plans or the team could cut ties with him.

Another possibility, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, is that the Mets could try to trade Pagan before they make any decisions. If they cannot find a taker, the Mets have a choice to make.

Adam LaRoche Could Be in a New Uniform Next Year

The Washington Nationals have not made any promises to Adam LaRoche. Bill Lasden of MLB.com had reported that the Nationals have let LaRoche know that he may not be the team's starting first baseman next year.

If this is the case, the Nationals could look to trade LaRoche this winter. The Nationals may make a big splash on the free agent market, which would lead them to take a much closer look at a possible LaRoche deal.

Carlos Quentin's Name Has Not Come Up That Much

During the regular season, there were a number of teams that were linked to Carlos Quentin right around the trade deadline. The Chicago White Sox decided to keep him.

As the 2012 MLB offseason has rolled around, talks involving Quentin have been much quieter. However, that does not mean that some teams' interest won't be rekindled.

Chris Iannetta Is Staying Put

Any speculation about who will be the Colorado Rockies starting catcher in 2012 was answered by Baseball American columnist Tracy Ringolsby. He stated that there is little chance that they Rockies trade Chris Iannetta this winter.

This does bring into question what the team will do with Willin Rosario this winter. It is entirely possible that he is connected to a few deals.

John Danks May Find a New Home

The Chicago White Sox may be planning to cut their payroll this winter, and one of the casualties of this could be John Danks. He could be traded away from the White Sox this winter.

According to Scott Merklin of MLB.com, Danks is the best trade chip that the White Sox have. He also may be one of the biggest names on the block this winter.

Luke Scott Could Be Traded

Luke Scott is a potential non-tender candidate, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN. Before the Baltimore Orioles non-tender Scott, they will certainly look to try to trade him.

Scott is a solid outfielder that would draw some interested on the trade market. The Orioles know that they would not get much of a return for him.

The Twins Will Have to Make a Decision with Kevin Slowey

After three good years as a back-of-the-rotation starter, Kevin Slowey struggled in 2011. His miserable 2011 season has gotten the Minnesota Twins thinking about non-tendering him.

According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, there is also a chance that the Twins try to trade Slowey this winter. There are teams that were interested in him this summer, so they could make a move.

There Have Been No New Talks About Brandon League

In the days leading up to the MLB trade deadline, Brandon League was one of the more popular names. While there were a number of teams that were expressing an interest in him, the Seattle Mariners did not want to move him.

They have seemingly stuck to that stance, as there have not been any Brandon League rumors that have surfaced at this point of the offseason.

Minnesota Twins May Still Be Listening on Francisco Liriano

The Minnesota Twins were willing to listen to offers for Francisco Liriano this summer, and nothing seems to have changed at this point in the year. It will cost a lot for a team to acquire him.

Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune believes that the Minnesota Twins could possibly rekindle some of the trade talks that they had this summer in regards to Liriano.