MLB Trade Rumors: Updating 20 Hottest Rumored Deals of the Winter Meetings

Yesterday, the Baseball Winter Meetings began in Dallas.  Save for the month of July when every team is scrambling to make a trade before August 1, this is easily the busiest week in the business.  Not only is this a week that will feature some of the top free agents finding new teams, but some blockbuster trades could take place as well.

For example, I remember at the 2009 Winter Meetings, Yankees GM Brian Cashman traded top prospects in Ian Kennedy and Austin Jackson in a three-team deal that involved the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers.  When the dust settled, the Yankees had All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson.

This year, there are tons of players who could find themselves on a new team.  One name that has been floating around quite a bit since last season is that of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder B.J. Upton (pictured), whose speed and defense has attracted many GMs in the hunt for outfield depth.

That being said, let's take a look at 20 trade rumors that have been discussed over the past month or so and see where they stand now that the winter meetings are underway.

No. 20: Ian Stewart

A couple of days ago, Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweeted that he expected both Ian Stewart and someone else on this list to be traded this offseason.  Considering how the lefty-hitting third baseman is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, that could prove to be hard.

In just 48 games last year, Stewart hit .156 with just six RBI.  Keep in mind, this is a guy who hit 25 home runs in 2009 and generally plays decent defense.

On top of that, Renck reported on Friday that the Rockies "think highly enough" of Stewart to keep him.  Yet, with teams like the Los Angeles Angels and the Baltimore Orioles interested in the third baseman, 2011 could be written off as a fluke and Stewart could find himself on a new team.

No. 19: Huston Street

The other player Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes will be traded this offseason, along with Stewart, is Rockies closer Huston Street.  While trading Stewart would be for the purpose of acquiring prospects, it appears that trading Street would be more of a salary dump.  In 2012, Street is due to make $7.5 million and has an option for 2013.

In three seasons in Colorado, Street has posted a 3.50 ERA with 84 saves and a remarkable 1.05 WHIP.  At this point, the odds of him being traded hinge upon what GM Dan O'Dowd hears from other GMs at the winter meetings.  Despite his heavy price tag, Street could easily be worth a prospect or two, and maybe even someone at the major league level.

No. 18: Alfonso Soriano

Yesterday morning, Sports Illusrated's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Chicago Cubs were receiving calls about outfielder Alfonso Soriano.  As much as new front-office tandem Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer would love to dump the three years and $54 million remaining on the 35-year-old outfielder's contract, I don't see this trade happening during the winter meetings nor during the regular season.

Besides the fact that Soriano has a full no-trade clause, the Cubs would be expected to pay a good portion of his remaining salary.  We're talking in the range of over $20 million.

That being said, with declining skills and a high price tag, I'm guessing that Soriano isn't going anywhere, though his potential availability will be a hot topic for most of the week.

No. 17: David Wright

Ever since last season, New York Mets third baseman David Wright has been the subject of trade rumors.  It makes sense, considering how team owner Fred Wilpon is currently mired in a lawsuit given how he may have profited from the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.  As a result, to cut costs, Wright could prove to be a valuable trade chip.

However, as reported by Jon Heyman last night, GM Sandy Alderson has been passionate in stating that the team will not trade Wright this winter despite receiving a couple of "bad" offers for him.

Thus, it seems a sure bet that David Wright will remain with the Mets for now despite being a potential free agent after this coming season.  Sure, Alderson said that he won't be traded this winter, but don't be surprised if he eats his words if he receives an offer that blows him away.  Given the teams that need help at third base, such an offer could be made this week.

No. 16: Gavin Floyd

Though the Chicago Cubs may be shopping a better pitcher, teams in need of starting pitching shouldn't rule out righty Gavin Floyd.  According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, GM Kenny Williams is "not messing around" and is listening to offers for Floyd.  However, he is asking for a big return.

Given Floyd's team-friendly contract, plus the fact that he's just 28, teams desperate enough for starting pitching could give up some prospects in exchange for the 6'6" right-hander.  The only red flag with Floyd is his 1.32 career WHIP, plus his ERA that usually hovers around the fours.

The certainty that he'll be traded is less than that of his teammate, who is also on the market, but this is a rumor that fans should keep an eye on just the same.

No. 15: Felix Hernandez

Pick a pitcher that every team dreams of having at the front of their rotation, and you have Felix Hernandez.  The man has been simply unbelievable for the Seattle Mariners these past three seasons, going 46-31 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.  Naturally, teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are rumored to be interested in the righty hurler.

Still, as ESPN's Andrew Marchand reported yesterday, Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik is "steadfast" in keeping his ace in Seattle, stating a plan to build the team around him.  Seeing as how Hernandez has just three years left on his contract and the odds of the Mariners becoming a contender in that short amount a time seems unlikely, I have a feeling that he will be traded soon.

Yet, when it comes to being traded this winter, chances are that Zduriencik will keep to his word and not deal Hernandez, even if the offer is a king's ransom and then some.

No. 14: Daniel Murphy

According to Joel Sherman, the New York Mets have received inquiries about infielder/outfielder Daniel Murphy from the San Diego Padres, the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres.  Given how Murphy can play three infield positions as well as some outfield, his versatility could prove attractive to teams looking to fill a void at any of those positions.

On top of that, in 109 games last year, Murphy hit .320 with six home runs and 49 RBI before going down with a knee injury.  Considering his home stadium was Citifield, notorious for being a pitcher's park, those numbers are pretty impressive.  Just imagine what his lefty bat could do in a standard-sized ballpark.

As of now, it looks like the the Tigers are the team that the Mets feel has the most attractive offer.  GM Sandy Alderson likes outfielder Andy Dirks as an alternative to Angel Pagan, who may be non-tendered.

Keep an eye on this story as the week progresses, especially since Dirks hit .325 in 41 games at Triple-A Toledo last year.

No. 13: Wandy Rodriguez

For most of the second half last year, Wandy Rodriguez and his heavy contract were being shopped by the last-place Houston Astros.  Nothing has changed this offseason, as the team's new ownership is looking to deal him once a new GM is hired.

Yet, a red flag in trading Rodriguez is his salary.  Over the next two seasons, he is due $22.6 million and, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Astros will not pay any of his remaining salary.  Given how Rodriguez is very hit-or-miss and is not an ace by any means, don't expect many teams to bite at that.

Still, with all of the teams that need starting pitching, don't be shocked if one agrees to take on the remainder of the lefty's contract.  Unfortunately, the Astros can't make any trades without a GM.  Barring an immediate hire, look for the team to use the winter meetings as a means of seeing which teams are interested.

No. 12: Yonder Alonso

Last night, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker told Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio that the team would consider shopping outfielder Yonder Alonso in exchange for starting pitching.  Given Alonso's 47-game stint in the majors last year, he could easily bring in a quality pitcher.  Over that stretch, Alonso hit .330 with five home runs and 15 RBI.

At this rate, it appears that the Reds are simply dangling Alonso and seeing who they could get in return.  If the right offer is made, GM Walt Jocketty will pull the trigger and the team could be all the better.

Until then, with three days of meetings remaining, all we can do with this rumor is wait and see.

No. 11: Joakim Soria

At this point, it looks as though the Kansas City Royals will do one of two things with closer Joakim Soria.  He will either be inserted into the starting rotation or, as Joel Sherman reported yesterday, attempted to trade.

According to Sherman, team management has been "downplaying" such rumors, but would definitely move Soria for a starting pitcher.  Doing so could prove to be tough seeing as how the man once known as the "Mexicutioner" is coming off of the worst season of his career.  In 2011, Soria registered 28 saves (seven blown ones) with a career-worst 4.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.

Yet, the man owns a career 1.04 WHIP and will turn 28 in May, not to mention that he could be kept under team control through 2014 under his current contract.  This rumor is definitely one where we just have to wait and see, but could prove to turn into a blockbuster deal should some suitors be named.

No. 10: Jesus Montero

In terms of prospects available, one of the most attractive names out there belongs to New York Yankees catcher/designated hitter Jesus Montero.  Scouts love him for his powerful bat, and as a September call-up last year, he lived up to the hype.  In just 18 games, Montero hit .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI along with a very impressive .406 OBP as he showed great power to the opposite field.

Sure enough, in all trade talks the Yankees have engaged in the past couple of years, the teams on the other side of the table have asked about Montero.  According to NBC Sports, one particular team demanded both Montero and pitching prospect Manny Banuelos in exchange for a pitcher Yankees GM Brian Cashman liked.

Yet, although trade rumors will surround him all winter long, don't expect Montero to be traded this offseason.  Cashman has had opportunities to trade him before and hasn't thus far.  He clearly likes the kid and will keep him around as long as he keeps producing.

No. 9: John Danks

Remember how I just mentioned that the Yankees were interested in a particular pitcher, but the other team wanted both Montero and Banuelos?  Well, that pitcher is John Danks of the Chicago White Sox.  The lefty from Round Rock, Texas is arbitration-eligible this offseason and will be a free agent following the 2012 campaign.

Given how he could be due a raise from the $6 million he made last year, White Sox GM Kenny Williams is listening to trade offers on both Danks and the aforementioned Gavin Floyd and, as Joel Sherman reported, is "not messing around."

Given how Danks is coming off an 8-12 season that also featured a 4.33 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, his worst season since his rookie year in 2007, teams in the hunt for starting pitching could find Williams' asking price a bit high.  Thus, barring a complete 180 from Williams, expect Danks to stay in Chicago for now.

No. 8: Placido Polanco

For the past two years, Placido Polanco has been a loyal soldier at third base for the Philadelphia Phillies.  On a team full of star pitchers and some incredible power hitters, he has come to work and done his job despite not being a superstar.  Even though he has missed good portions of the past two seasons with injuries, it's hard to find anything bad to say about Polanco.

Yet, injury history may be what soon puts Polanco on a new team.  According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Phillies are very high on free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez, and would trade Polanco to open up third base for him.

Here, we have a rumor that might hold some water.  Not only is Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. a front-office wiz, but Rosenthal heard that rumor from a rival GM.  Moving the 36-year-old Polanco and his $7.25 million salary could prove hard, but still doable given his defense.

No. 7: Martin Prado

Though he had an off 2011 that was marred by injury, Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Martin Prado has still been a target for some teams.  According to Jon Heyman, the Colorado Rockies have talked to Atlanta GM Frank Wren about swapping Prado for outfielder Seth Smith, but not without prospects.  Thus, there's still work to be done on that front.

As of now, given how Ken Rosenthal has reported the Braves to want a left field "thumper," it seems certain that Prado will be dealt given how so many teams have a surplus of outfielders.  It's unclear as to which teams will make a play for Prado, but he is a name to watch closely this week.

No. 6: Matt Thornton

In 2011, Chicago White Sox reliever Matt Thornton had his worst season since 2007.  In 62 games, the normally lights-out lefty posted a 3.32 ERA and below-average 1.35 WHIP.

ESPN's Buster Olney has reported that the team is looking to trade Thornton, as they have been since last July.  Yet, it could be viewed as a salary dump since the big lefty is due $12 million over the next two years and thus teams interested in his services could be hesitant to give up prospects for a middle reliever/setup man.

That being said, as I have mentioned with all of the other White Sox players on this list, don't expect Thornton to be moved this week or this offseason unless Kenny Williams does a complete 180 regarding his demands, or if a team is completely desperate for bullpen help.

No. 5: B.J. Upton

Since July, there have been trade rumors surrounding Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J Upton.  The MLB Winter Meetings have been no exception, as he has just one more year before hitting free agency and has some positive skills to bring to any team.  Despite a career batting average of just .257, Upton has tremendous speed and plays good defense, not to mention some home run power.  In 2011, he hit just .243 but hit 23 home runs and drove in 81 runs while stealing 36 bases.

As reported by Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi yesterday, interest in Upton has been "mild."  However, Buster Olney has reported Rays management as willing to listen to offers for the outfielder, but will only move him if they get an "overwhelming" offer.

From a money standpoint, it's easy to see why the Rays would trade Upton for prospects.  He's only 27 and the team could get some top young talent in return.  Yet, given his value to the Rays while he wears that uniform, the odds of him staying in St. Petersburg seem greater than none.

No. 4: Gio Gonzalez

At long last, we have come to the Oakland A's and their Moneyball approach.  For those who are unaware of it, Moneyball is the process of building up inexpensive young talent and then trading it for more of the same once they reach their peak.  In this case, the lucky man on the trading block in Oakland seems to be lefty starter Gio Gonzalez, who has gone 31-21 with a 3.17 ERA over the past two seasons.

Seeing as how Oakland GM Billy Beane will trade with any team as long as said team has players who fit his approach, those in need of starting pitching could be chomping at the bit just to get Gonzalez.  However, according to Jon Heyman, Beane has told teams that he is "not anxious" to unload his pitcher.

At this point, even though Gonzalez will be surrounded by rumors for the entire offseason, I'm not anticipating that he will be traded.  He is just one arm in what is a great core group of young pitchers in Oakland—unless a king's ransom is offered, he'll be staying right where he is.

No. 3: Andrew Bailey

While it seems unlikely that Billy Beane will trade Gio Gonzalez, it's a certainty that he will find a way to deal closer Andrew Bailey.  The 2009 AL Rookie of the Year has posted 75 career saves in three seasons to go with a 2.07 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.  Throw in the fact that he won't hit free agency until 2015, and his value is sky high.

According to Buster Olney, the San Diego Padres have interest in Bailey—and so do the Los Angeles Angels, reported Ken Rosenthal.  During the winter meetings, expect talks about trades involving Bailey to reach a boiling point.  A deal may not be made in Dallas, but Oakland and whichever team posts the highest bid will make great strides in getting it done sooner rather than later.

No. 2: Matt Garza

As one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball, it's surprising that more teams don't seem interested in Matt Garza.  He has ace potential, but has posted average numbers simply because he has played on teams that don't score a lot of runs.  In six seasons, he has posted a career ERA of 3.83.

Garza is currently under contract with the Chicago Cubs and will not become a free agent until 2014.  Teams have shown interest in him, but Jon Heyman reported over the weekend that the Cubs would have to be overwhelmed to deal the hard-throwing righty.

Still, given how there are many teams looking to add starting pitching this offseason, keep an eye on Garza this week as front-office wizards Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer could end up dealing him for the right price.

No. 1: Jair Jurrjens

If there's one thing that the Atlanta Braves have too many of, it's young pitchers.  Save for Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens, here are the hurlers who could compete for a spot in the rotation: Brandon Beachy, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino.

That being said, let's talk about Jurrjens.  He will be 26 at the start of next season, and in four seasons in Atlanta, he has gone 47-32 with a 3.34 ERA.  Seeing as how his trade value is high now, the Braves have dangled him to see what teams would offer.

Yet, this winter, the team seems to be taking a different approach.  Joel Sherman reported last night that Atlanta's front office would wait and see where free agents C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle ended up signing to see if the interest in the righty from Curacao would pick up.

Yet, Jon Heyman has already reported 10 teams to be interested in Jurrjens' services.  Should Wilson and Buehrle sign with new teams in the next day or so, don't be shocked if Atlanta GM Frank Wren makes some moves, because out of all of the Braves' young arms, Jurrjens is the one most likely to be traded.

The only question is, of course, where?