MLB Trade Rumors: The Most Outlandish Rumor Surrounding Every Team

During the MLB offseason, free agency often gets all of the attention from the fans.  As a result, some of the trade rumors that could turn into big news are put on the back burner.  Why, just this past week, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded for pitcher Trevor Cahill (formerly of the Oakland Athletics), but that deal was overshadowed by Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Still, there are trade rumors running rampant around both leagues.  However, as much as I hate to say it, most of these trade rumors are so out there that the idea that they could even happen is hard to believe. 

Take New York Yankees prospect Jesus Montero (pictured), for example.  Here's a man who lived up to the hype in just 18 games last season and is seen as the future of the franchise.  Sure, he's been brought up in various trade talks before, but team management would have traded him already if they truly wanted to dump him.

That being said, let's take a look at every MLB team and pick out its most outlandish trade rumor.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trading Joe Saunders

When he was acquired from the Angels in 2010, Joe Saunders was in a funk.  Here was a kid just two seasons removed from a year in which he went 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA, and he had lost his spark, giving up lots of hits and his ERA was going up by more than a run.

Still, in 2011, Saunders appeared to be turning things around.  His record was an average 12-13, his WHIP was 1.307, but his ERA was a decent 3.69 and he was an important member of the pitching rotation that got the Diamondbacks back to the playoffs.  Going forward, he could play an even more important role in the team's future, especially since Trevor Cahill is now aboard.

However, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, Cahill's arrival could mean Saunders' departure.  That won't happen, and here is why.

With Cahill on board, the team's rotation looks something like this: Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill, Daniel Hudson, Josh Collmenter and Joe Saunders.  Those are five guys who are more than capable of being an effective group of starters.

On top of that, Saunders isn't the type of pitcher that teams will give up top prospects or major league players to have, given his performance in recent years and in the playoffs this year (0-1, 9.00 ERA, 2.33 WHIP in three innings).  Thus, come 2012, he will remain in the desert.

Atlanta Braves: Trading Jair Jurrjens

It's no secret that the Braves have too many pitchers.  Their rotation is full and they have great young arms in Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino waiting in the wings.  Yet, for some reason or another, righty Jair Jurrjens seems to be the odd man out despite being effective for the team.

According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, eight to ten teams are interested in Jurrjens.

Simply put, Jurrjens isn't going anywhere for now.  He was great for the team last year, despite injuries.  In 23 starts, he went 13-6 with a 2.96 ERA.

That being said, while I'll admit that his injury history makes him the player most likely to be traded by the Braves, it just isn't going to happen.  His ceiling is way too high.  On top of that, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that concern over teammate Tommy Hanson's shoulder could mean Jurrjens stays in Atlanta.

That being said, given his 3.34 career ERA with the Braves and his team-friendly contract, Jurrjens will not be going anywhere any time soon.

Baltimore Orioles: None

In terms of trades, the Baltimore Orioles have been fairly quiet.  They have made one deal, acquiring lefty Dana Eveland from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for two minor leaguers.  Besides that, team GM Dan Duquette (pictured) has been quiet as he looks to get the team out of rebuilding mode and into contention.

Boston Red Sox: Trading Kevin Youkilis

Once again, we have a rumor/something to consider courtesy of Nick Cafardo.  About a week ago, Cafardo wrote that he was wondering if the Red Sox would part ways with third baseman Kevin Youkilis in a "bigger deal."

I'm sorry, but there is just no way that the team will trade Youkilis.  He is one of the most popular players with the fans and is just great in general, having hit .292 since becoming a starter and .308 from 2008-2010.  He was off in 2011, hitting a career low .258, but his OBP was an impeccable .373 and it should be noted that he played much of the season with a sports hernia.

That being said, though he is due $12.2 million this coming season and he will be a free agent next offseason, the Sawx will not trade Youkilis.  He is just too important to the team.

Chicago Cubs: Trading Matt Garza

Last week, Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago tweeted that the Cubs were talking with the Texas Rangers about acquiring prospects in exchange for pitcher Matt Garza.  Yet, just a few hours later, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported that the Rangers "weren't confident" about getting a deal done as the asking price was too steep.

Given that, I'm speculating that front office wizards Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are taking the approach used by their crosstown rival GM, Kenny Williams, who asked the Yankees for prospects Jesus Montero and Manny Banuelos in exchange for pitcher Jon Danks.  Epstein and Hoyer asking for a steep price could be their way of saying Garza is not for sale, or their way of saying what kind of offer they would need to get to trade him.

Simply put, I don't see him going anywhere.  He was 10-10 on a team that featured an anemic offense, but he still posted a career best 3.32 ERA and 197 strikeouts.  He will be the solid No. 2 or perhaps even the ace this coming season, his performance vital to the Cubs getting back in contention.

Chicago White Sox: Trading Carlos Quentin

Alright, so maybe Carlos Quentin's production has declined since his breakout season of 2008, when he hit .288 with 36 home runs and 100 RBI in just 130 games.  Injuries have always been an issue for the 29-year-old and since that breakout year, he has only averaged 116 games a season and has hit 71 home runs while batting just .245.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, team GM Kenny Williams, in full rebuilding mode after a disappointing 2011, spoke to the Toronto Blue Jays regarding Quentin but that negotiations had "cooled."

Though Quentin's bat makes him a valuable asset, the fact that Williams is even considering trading him is absurd.  Quentin's low batting average and questionable durability won't bring in the prospects necessary for a rebuilding phase and on top of that, first baseman Paul Konerko has no protection in the heart of that batting order without Quentin, barring a major turnaround from Adam Dunn.

Thus, though his name may be popping up in talks, Carlos Quentin should be staying on the South Side for now.

Cincinnati Reds: Trading Yonder Alonso for Any Pitcher

How quickly we forget that the Cincinnati Reds won the NL Central in 2010.  That was a young team that had lots of spunk and truly earned its spot in the postseason.  The team finished third in 2011, 17 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, but still but up a decent record of 79-83.

This offseason, manager Dusty Baker told ESPN's Jim Bowden that the team would use outfielder/first baseman Yonder Alonso as a piece to acquire starting pitching.  Alonso was impressive last season, hitting .330 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 47 games.

OK, so let me get this straight.  The Reds are in a prime position to contend for a playoff spot now that Albert Pujols is out of their division, and their manager is saying that one of their top young lefty bats could be used as a trade chip?  What are they thinking????

The fact is that Alonso is the type of player who could be the key to giving some protection to big hitters like 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto and outfielder Jay Bruce.  To trade him when the team could literally be staring the playoffs in the face is an idea that's just plain ridiculous.  On top of all that, his replacement in left field would be Chris Heisey, a man who has pop but hit just .254 last year and is a righty bat.

Putting Alonso after Votto and Bruce in the lineup gives the Reds three lefty hitters in a row, something that could make them extremely dangerous.  Thus, I'm predicting Alonso to stay in Cincy.

Cleveland Indians: Shopping Chris Perez

Last year, the Cleveland Indians showed signs of life for much of the first half.  The team ultimately collapsed, but still finished 80-82 and second in the AL Central.  A young core group of players led by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera made it seem that this squad could be back in the playoffs sooner rather than later.

That being said, a report by MLB.com's Jordan Bastian stating that the team's "deep bullpen" could let them trade closer Chris Perez is just ridiculous.  Even crazier, team management would actually listen to offers for him.

Here's a player who is just 26, has an extremely team-friendly contract and had a great season as a whole.  In 2011, Perez saved 36 games and posted a 3.32 ERA.  He could well become one of the league's top closers, so trading him away when the team is primed to make a playoff run in an easy division is the worst thing the team could do.

Sure, they'll listen to offers for him.  Will they trade him?  Not by a long shot.

Colorado Rockies: Acquiring Marco Scutaro

Just yesterday, Ken Rosenthal wrote a piece that stated the Rockies were interested in acquiring infielder Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox.  Looking at the team's infield, there's no reason why acquiring Scutaro would be a good idea.

First of all, Scutaro is 36 and the Rockies are a team whose success depends on youth.  Second, let's not forget that Scutaro has made 33 errors the past two years.  Finally, with a $5.6 million price tag, the man just isn't worth the price to be a utility infielder.

The Rockies already have a crowded infield with Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and utility infielder Jonathan Herrera, not to mention minor league-signee Brandon Wood.  Given how there are other infield options on the market who could be more effective than Scutaro, this rumor just doesn't hold much water.

Detroit Tigers: None

While the team may be looking to make deals, having inquired on Padres outfielder/third baseman Chase Headley according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, there is no rumor surrounding the Detroit Tigers that could be considered outlandish.

This is a team that defied the odds and made it to the ALCS last year and went toe-to-toe with the Texas Rangers before losing, so much of last year's roster should remain intact.  Until another rumor comes out, we can only speculate what tricks GM Dave Dombrowski (pictured) has up his sleeve.

Houston Astros: The Idea That Carlos Lee Will Be Traded

From 2006-2009, Carlos Lee hit .304 and smacked 123 home runs while driving in 437 RBI.  Then, in 2010, the man known as "El Caballo" went on the decline.  The past two years, Lee has hit just .261 and hit just 42 home runs.

Given how he is due $16.6 million next year and the Astros have just hired a new GM in Jeff Luhnow, Lee could be traded soon.  I hate to say it, but finding a buyer for Lee will be like trying to hit a home run at Citifield.  It'll be damn near impossible.

Jon Heyman suggested that Lee would need to wait for Prince Fielder to be "off the board" before he was traded, while Jon Paul Morosi reported the Cleveland Indians to be interested but "wary of cost."

I know that Lee had 94 RBI for the last-place Astros last year and that the team would be willing to cover most of his salary in a trade, but there's no way that any team will trade for him.  He turns 36 next season and while his skills are still there, they are declining and he just won't demand the prospects the Astros need to restock their depleted minor league system.

Sorry, 'Stros fans.  For now, it seems you're stuck with the 6'2", 265 pound Lee.

Kansas City Royals: Listening to Offers for Joakim Soria

Since debuting in 2007, Joakim Soria has done a phenomenal job as closer for the Kansas City Royals.  From 2007-2010, he logged 132 saves with a 2.01 ERA and remarkable 0.98 WHIP.  He had 28 saves in 2011, but his ERA was a career worst 4.03 and his WHIP at 1.27, also a career worst.

In a report by ESPN's Jayson Stark, the team is apparently "listening" on Soria but wants a top starting pitcher in return.  Is it just me, or does it seem that the Royals are willing to trade Soria after one bad season?  They've already signed former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton to a one-year deal, so it's certainly possible.

I hate to say it, but this is a trade that will never happen.  Soria is just too good and KC's asking price will be too high.  Even though the rumor has already been confirmed, the idea that team management would even consider trading such an important piece of the roster is just absurd.

Los Angeles Angels: Trading Mark Trumbo

In 2011, Mark Trumbo was the luckiest player in baseball.  Thanks to Kendrys Morales' multiple setbacks in recovering from a broken leg, he was penciled in at first base and did quite well, batting .254 with 29 home runs and 87 RBI.  Now that Albert Pujols is at first base and Morales is attempting to come back yet again, Trumbo's role with the team is unclear.

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, there was a rumor circulating at the Winter Meetings that Trumbo would be traded to the Oakland Athletics for closer Andrew Bailey.  This report was deemed to be "total fiction."

The fact that the Angels would even entertain dealing Trumbo is absurd, seeing as how the plan is to split him between DH and third base.  You don't just trade 29 homers and 87 RBI at the drop of a hat.  Trumbo will be with the Angels in 2012 and for many years to come.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Dealing James Loney

Last week, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick spoke to Dodgers GM Ned Colletti and guessed that first baseman James Loney could be dealt as Colletti looks for "an upgrade, a position player."  No offense to the baseball genius of either Gurnick or Colletti, but trading Loney is the worst thing the Dodgers could do right now.

Loney is at the back end of a deadly 3-4-5 crew in the team's lineup, the two people ahead of him being outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp.  The lefty-hitting first baseman isn't as dangerous as them, but he is still good for 10-15 home runs and owns a .288 career average to go with a .346 career OBP.

The Dodgers already have what it takes to contend for an NL West crown, so breaking up the band in the middle of an ownership change would be a terrible blow to team chemistry.  Thus, Loney won't be going anywhere.

Miami Marlins: Unloading Hanley Ramirez

Now that Jose Reyes is penciled in at shortstop, it appears that Hanley Ramirez will be moved to third base.  However, ESPN's Buster Olney has reported teams to be calling the Miami Marlins about acquiring Ramirez following his voicing his displeasure about changing positions.

Put as much stock as you want in these rumors, but I'm here to tell you that none of them are true.  The fact remains that Ramirez is a .306 career hitter with tremendous power and speed who also has three years and $15.6 million remaining on his contract.

As good as Ramirez is, teams aren't going to give up prospects and take on that much salary for a player who is proving to be a complete head case.  Thus, though he may be throwing a bit of a hissy fit now, Ramirez will gradually accept the fact that he has to change positions and be in a Marlins uniform come Opening Day.

Milwaukee Brewers: None

Not to sound overly blunt, but I think that the Milwaukee Brewers have bigger things to worry about than quashing any trade rumors surrounding the team.  Just saying...

Minnesota Twins: None

2011 was a year to forget for the Minnesota Twins, as injuries to Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau proved to be devastating as the team underachieved its way to a last place finish in the AL Central.  This offseason, Terry Ryan has already been reinstalled as GM and given the task of getting the team back on its feet.

Unfortunately, that means using the free-agent market to replace eventual losses in outfielder Michael Cuddyer and DH Jason Kubel.  The Twins just don't have the necessary assets to make a significant trade.  At this point, they can just focus on regrouping and staying healthy going into 2012.

New York Mets: Trading Ike Davis

A complete and utter mess, the New York Mets are in full-on rebuilding mode heading into 2012.  According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, GM Sandy Alderson is willing to listen to offers for any player on the roster, save for David Wright.  By any player, he of course means first baseman Ike Davis could be dealt.

An ankle injury limited Davis to 36 games last season, but he hit .302 with seven home runs and 25 RBI before getting hurt.  He is very popular amongst the fans and if he were to be traded, then there may be some riots outside of Citifield.  Thus, there's no way the team will trade its soon-to-be 25-year-old first baseman.

New York Yankees: Any Rumor Involving Jesus Montero

Jesus Montero has been involved in so many trade rumors in recent years, most notably one involving Cliff Lee, that it's a wonder he wasn't a nervous wreck upon being called up to the majors in September last season.  The Yankees' top offensive prospect was impressive in 18 games, batting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI to go with an impressive .406 OBP.

Desperately in need of pitching, the Yankees have had the opportunity to pursue that need this offseason with players like Gio Gonzalez and Jair Jurrjens being available on the trade market.  Yet, GM Brian Cashman hasn't inquired on them because it would surely mean losing Montero.

Look at it this way.  If the Yankees wanted to deal Montero, they would have done so already.  That being said, unless Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik does a complete 180 and chooses to make Felix Hernandez available, Montero isn't going anywhere for the time being.

Oakland Athletics: Dealing Andrew Bailey

Last week, Buster Olney reported that the Oakland Athletics were in talks with the Boston Red Sox about trading talented closer Andrew Bailey in exchange for prospects, once again showcasing the approach known as "Moneyball."  Talks took place, but no deal was made.

Given how much talent the A's have on their squad right now and how much potential the team has as a whole, there is no way that Bailey will be traded any time soon.  He has registered 75 saves and a 2.07 ERA in three seasons and is just too important to the team at this point.  If anything, GM Billy Beane is just listening to offers for Bailey to get an idea of what teams are willing to give up to obtain his services.

Philadelphia Phillies: None

The Phillies had the best record in all of baseball last year, going 102-60.  They may have been eliminated by the eventual-champion St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS, but the fact remains that this team has what it takes to go far.

That being said, last year's postseason can be written off as bad luck and GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. can enjoy a quiet offseason without having to worry about making any big trades.

Pittsburgh Pirates: None

They may have finished the year with a 72-90 record, but 2011 marked what could be the beginning of the Pittsburgh Pirates getting back into contention.  Don't let the final record fool you.  This team was actually in first place for a short period of time!

More importantly, the Pirates didn't finish in last place for the first time since 2007.  Manager Clint Hurdle will have this squad improving even further in 2012 and GM Neal Huntington (pictured) will be bringing in more free agents to help the team climb higher up the ladder.

San Diego Padres: Shopping Mat Latos

For the past two seasons, Mat Latos has been a valuable member of the Padres' starting rotation.  If anything, he has been the ace, going 23-24 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over that stretch.  Thus, why would the team want to trade the 24-year-old?

Well, apparently there was such a rumor and Tom Krasovic of Inside the Padres quickly put it to rest.  Don't let last year's last-place finish fool you.  The Padres are a very good young team who only underachieved last year due to being without Adrian Gonzalez in the lineup.  Thus, why would they trade the ace of their staff?

Next season, look for the team to do better and contend on the back of Latos.

San Francisco Giants: Trade Already Made

At this point, there are no major trade rumors surrounding the San Francisco Giants.  GM Brian Sabean (pictured) already made a significant deal in sending outfielder Andres Torres and pitcher Ramon Ramirez to the New York Mets for outfielder Angel Pagan.

Thus, it appears as though the 2010 World Series champs are taking a step back in terms of offseason moves.

Seattle Mariners: Trading Felix Hernandez

It's no secret that the Seattle Mariners are just plain bad, having a borderline nonexistent offense that caused them to finish last in the AL West last year.  Yet, that doesn't mean GM Jack Zduriencik will cave and trade his best player just to receive some MLB-ready prospects.

That's right, folks.  I'm talking about what is, quite possibly, the most popular discussion among fans and experts today: Will Seattle trade Felix Hernandez?

At this point, the answer is a flat and firm no.  Since 2009, Hernandez has gone 46-31 with a remarkable 2.73 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.  He is a great pitcher who consistently works deep into games and on a team that goes to the bullpen as much as the Mariners do, that skill is highly valuable.

He's locked up long term and Seattle probably wouldn't cover much of his pay if he was traded, so King Felix won't be leaving the Pacific Northwest any time soon.

St. Louis Cardinals: Trading Jake Westbrook And/or Kyle Lohse

Fresh off of a World Series championship, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to improve the team going into 2012.  According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, GM John Mozeliak is open to trading pitchers Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook.

I can understand wanting to move Westbrook, who went 12-9 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in the first year of a two-year contract worth $16.5 million.  Yet, the man is 34 years old and has always been something of an average pitcher.  Trading him would bring in low-level prospects at best.

Lohse had a better season, going 14-8 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, but he has a full no-trade clause and said in a text message to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he would take full advantage of it.

Mozeliak didn't anticipate a deal, but the fact that he would even consider trading either is ridiculous.  I mean, come on.  His team just won a World Series!  Why break up the band?

Tampa Bay Rays: Shopping James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson

Are we seriously talking about this?  The Tampa Bay Rays, who went on a miracle run to take home the AL Wild Card, are listening to offers for James Shields and/or Jeremy Hellickson?  Well, according to Jon Heyman, that seems to be the case, though team management would want a large return for either.

I'm sorry, but there's no reason that the Rays should even consider trading "Big Game" James Shields as well as Hellickson, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year.  Shields went 16-12 last season, but had an impressive 2.82 ERA and an incredible 1.04 WHIP.  He also led the majors with 11 complete games.

Hellickson went 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, so the fact that the team would even consider trading either of these players is just plain stupid.  Here is a team that has proven that it can win, so to trade two of the best pitchers on the roster would just set them back five years.

Texas Rangers: Trading Mitch Moreland for Wade Davis

Being a New Yorker, one sportswriter I read regularly is George A. King III of the New York Post.  Just a couple of days ago, King reported that the Texas Rangers were interested in trading first baseman/outfielder Mitch Moreland to the Tampa Bay Rays for right-hander Wade Davis so that they could pursue first baseman Prince Fielder.  I'm sorry, but this has got to be one of the stupidest trade rumors I've ever read about in all of my years of following baseball.

Sure, Fielder is good, but look at what the Rangers would be giving up.  Moreland isn't the dangerous power hitter that Fielder is, but he has some pop and plays a decent first base.  In 2011, he hit .259 with 16 home runs and 59 RBI while posting a .320 OBP. 

In exchange for Moreland, the Rangers would receive Davis, who went 11-10 with a 4.45 ERA in 2011 and gave up 23 home runs.

OK, so let me get this straight.  The Rangers would entertain the idea of giving up a valuable lineup presence in Moreland and welcome, into their hitter-friendly stadium, a pitcher prone to giving up home runs just for the sake of signing Prince Fielder?

I understand that owner Nolan Ryan wants to win, but this trade is just a bad idea considering how C.J. Wilson is now on the division-rival Los Angeles Angels.

Toronto Blue Jays: Possibly Acquiring Carlos Quentin

We've already discussed why trading Carlos Quentin would be an outlandish move on the part of the White Sox, so now let's take a look at the other team they spoke to about him, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Quentin would not be a bad fit in Toronto, as the team's tendency to rely on the long ball for offense would suit him well.  Yet, the team just has too many outfielders.  Jose Bautista is over in right field, Colby Rasmus and Rajai Davis have center shored up, and left field has a multitude of talented youngsters including Travis Snider and Eric Thames.

Sure, any one of those outfielders save for Bautista could be used in a trade package for Quentin, but it's just not the right move for the Blue Jays at this time.  Not only is Quentin an injury risk, but his struggles to hit well for average could hurt the Jays more than help them.

Washington Nationals: None

This offseason, the Washington Nationals were in anything but sell mode.  They made a hard push for C.J. Wilson and could make a bid for Prince Fielder.  Yet, given how Michael Morse hit .303 with 31 home runs and 95 RBI last year, first base seems to be taken care of in DC.

Thus, GM Mike Rizzo (in red polo shirt) has had a relatively quiet offseason, not looking to unload any players (yet).  At this point, he should just focus on next year's team, which could prove to be talented with Stephen Strasburg now in the rotation full-time.