MLB Trade Speculation: The 15 Most Untouchable Assets in the Show

During the 2011 offseason, MLB trade speculations are going to start popping up, but there are teams that have players that are assets to the future of their franchise and won't be included in any sort of deal even if the deal is equal on both sides. They are, in other words, untouchable.

These are just 15 of the players who won't be traded on 15 different MLB (aka "The Show") teams in the 2011 offseason. Players included on my list are Craig Kimbrel, Eric Hosmer and even Matt Wieters.

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Craig Kimbrel won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 20111 and that was no fluke with 46 saves and an outstanding 1.84 ERA. This right-handed reliever is special and is crucial to the success of the Atlanta Braves bullpen in the future.

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox

Clay Buchholz would make a great No. 2 starter on any other team, but he has Jon Lester and Josh Beckett ahead of him to round out the top of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation.

There is no way that the Sox include him in any deals because he is the ace of the future if he can remain healthy.

Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters will not be heading to another team anytime soon. With a .268 batting average and 22 home runs, Wieters is one of the most valuable catchers on any team in the AL East.

Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds

Jay Bruce led the Cincinnati Reds with 32 homers and was second in RBI with 97. He only hit .256, so once this improves, he will be a legit stud in the NL Central.

Don't expect the Reds to deal Bruce anytime soon.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Ace Justin Verlander won 24 games with an impeccable 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts. There is no way that the Detroit Tigers will move a flamethrower like him.

Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals

Eric Hosmer did great as a rookie in the majors with a .293 average, 19 home runs and 78 RBI. He had some big hits for the Kansas City Royals down the stretch and that makes him the first baseman of the future for this franchise.

Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels

Mark Trumbo led the Los Angeles Angels with 29 homers and 89 RBI in his rookie campaign. He almost got the Angels into the postseason with a great September.

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

With 21 wins, a 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts, Clayton Kershaw should stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a very long time.

Mike Stanton, Miami Marlins

Mike Stanton is an absolute beast with 34 home runs and 87 RBI in his first full season with the now-Miami Marlins. He is a special talent and a building block for the Marlins.

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Ryan Braun is only 28 years young, and with 33 homers and 111 RBI in 2011, he is un-tradeable for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ivan Nova, New York Yankees

Ivan Nova had a great rookie campaign with 16 wins and a 3.70 ERA. The New York Yankees would be foolish to trade a great starter like him.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels went 14-9 with a 2.70 ERA and is one of the most effective left-handed starters in the MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies need a starter like him to solidify the middle of the rotation.

Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

Pablo Sandoval is a big part of the San Francisco offense with 23 homers and 70 RBI in 2011. The Giants should not deal someone of this caliber just yet.

David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals

David Freese may not have been a stud in the regular season with only 10 home runs and 55 RBI, but he was able to put all together in the playoffs. He hit .397 with five homers and 21 RBI and won the World Series MVP.

The St. Louis Cardinals need to lock him up and fast.

Mike Napolis, Texas Rangers

With only a part-time role in 2011 for the Texas Rangers, Mike Napoli hit .320 with 30 home runs and 75 RBI. Imagine if he got 500 or more at-bats in 2012. The Rangers need to keep a hold of Napoli, unlike the Angels who traded him away last offseason.