MLB Trade Rumors: Will Hanley Ramirez Leave If Jose Reyes Takes Shortstop?

So far this offseason one team has been rumored to be chasing down free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, and surprisingly that team is the Miami Marlins. With the Marlins being a lower revenue team this is a surprising move, but looking at Reyes despite the presence of All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez really takes most people by surprise.

This article takes a look at five scenarios the Marlins could visit with Hanley Ramirez if the Fish can reel in Jose Reyes. Remember that just a few months ago, Hanley Ramirez was one of the game's elite players and a candidate for the top fantasy player in the game.

Move Hanley to Center Field

If Hanley Ramirez recovers from an injury-plagued 2011 season, he's one of the best hitters in the game capable of winning batting titles and having 30/30 seasons. For that reason, Ramirez bat profiles well at positions other than just shortstop.

Since the Marlins have a hole in center field and they don't have any great internal options, Ramirez could make sense if he agrees with the move. His defense will likely be below the league average, but he would be an impact hitter if healthy. If we get the old Hanley back, he's immediately one of the best center field bats in the game just behind the likes of Matt Kemp and Jacoby Ellsbury.

If the Marlins are serious about keeping him, second and third are also options. Third base is a bigger need for the team, but Ramirez may have more difficulty transitioning into that position, especially with the throws, and his bat would no longer be as special. A move to second base is more likely, and it would allow the team to move Omar Infante into the super-utility role he excels in.

No matter where he'd be moved to, he would have to agree with the move since he has been known to publicly criticize the team. Even if he was okay with a move, the team would have to accept his defensive struggles.

Trade Hanley to Boston

The Red Sox are in desperate need of a shortstop and it seems as if the team regrets sending him to the Marlins in the deal that brought them Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. The Sox are looking to make a major move this winter and seem to be realizing that Jose Iglesias may not hit enough to be an everyday player.

The Red Sox have the talent to offer the Marlins in a deal for Ramirez. Top starter Anthony Ranaudo would be the first piece of what could end up being a big package of talent. Ranaudo is a potential No. 2 starter, but still needs to show he can turn his potential into production in the minors.

Josh Reddick and or Ryan Kalish could be involved as both are Major League ready and the Marlins have a need in center, where both players could play. Reddick has been solid in the Majors in an extended trial, while Kalish missed most of last year due to injury.

Xander Bogaerts, a shortstop likely to be moved to third base with great power potential, is another guy the Marlins would ask for in return. Talented power and speed combo outfielder Brandon Jacobs, slugging catcher Ryan Lavarnway, and well-rounded third baseman Will Middlebrooks could also interest the team.

The Marlins could potentially load up with promising youngsters and immediately replenish their weak farm system. A pitcher like Ranaudo along with a catcher like Lavarnway and high-celing prospect in Bogaerts is a very nice starting offer for both teams.

Trade Hanley to the Phillies

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has shown a willingness to make a major move during his tenure, and this would certainly qualify as a major move. With the Phillies set to make major changes after a disappointing end to the 2011 season and starting shortstop Jimmy Rollins a free agent, the Phillies have a hole at the position.

The Phillies have the talent to get a deal done led by star outfielder Domonic Brown, a player that is yet to get a full-time job in the Majors. Brown is a potential All-Star that needs a bit more developmental time at the big league level to eventually flourish, and the Phillies seem like they can't afford to give Brown the everyday at-bats he needs.

The Marlins would also ask for one of the Phillies top pitching prospects back as well, so one or two of Trevor May, Jesse Biddle and Brody Colvin could be moved. Catcher Sebastian Valle is another very talented player the Phillies have that the Marlins may be interested in.

Hanley Ramirez would quickly make the Phillies a little younger, something that it appears they are looking for this offseason. A deal would be an upgrade over the aging Rollins, and Ramirez could thrive in Citizens Bank Park.

Trade Ramirez to the Angels

The Angels are potentially in the market to add an impact player, and Ramirez is the Latin player than Angels owner Arte Moreno likes to bring in. The Angels lineup isn't what it used to be with an aging Torii Hunter and injured Kendry Morales, so Ramirez could help bring them back.

The Angels current shortstop Erick Aybar would be a nice player to start a package with. He could move to second base and allow the Marlins to move Infante to a utility role. Aybar is a potential .280 hitter who could hit 10 homers and steal 30 bases.

Middle infield prospect Jean Segura is a dynamic speedster and outfielder Jeremy Moore could be ready to handle center in 2012 if given the chance. The Angels also have other players to offer up like pitchers Garrett Richards and Tyler Chatwood plus hard-throwing John Hellweg.

This trade also makes sense for both teams, although it would leave the Angels farm system pretty barren if they were to make a deal like this. The Angels could also offer Mike Trout, but that's not very likely to happen.

Trade Hanley to the Braves

The Braves are another NL East rival, but the two teams have a recent history after the Dan Uggla deal last year. With a huge hole at shortstop, the Braves are looking for some help—and Ramirez could do more than just help.

The Braves have more than enough talent to make them a potential suitor for the Marlins. With an excess of young pitching, the Braves could easily start by including two of Julio Teheran, Mike Minor, Randall Delgado or Arodys Vizcaino to start the package off. Catcher  Christian Bethancourt, shortstop Andrelton Simmons, third baseman Brandon Drury and first baseman Joey Terdoslavich are all potential targets as well.

The needs of both teams as well as the excess depth of both teams make them a nice match as trading partners. Ramirez could slide right into the Atlanta lineup and give the Braves their best shortstop in a very long time.