MLB Trade Rumors: Teams That Must Pursue Padres' Anthony Rizzo

Big moves within the MLB really slowed down since the Albert Pujols signing a week ago, but that quickly changed when the San Diego Padres traded away big-time starter Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds today.

As a part of San Diego’s huge haul, they received a young, talented first baseman in Yonder Alonso. However, that creates a logjam as the Padres already have Anthony Rizzo.

Well, according to Jerry Crasnick, it’s not much of a problem at all as San Diego will start Rizzo in Triple-A. That makes Rizzo big-time trade bait.

Here’s a look at three teams that should make a run at the now suddenly available 22-year-old.

Seattle Mariners

David Cameron of USS Mariner thinks Seattle should go after Anthony Rizzo, so I’m inclined to agree. That’s a smart man, right there.

The M’s already have Justin Smoak and Mike Carp likely locked into the 1B and DH positions, but Rizzo would give Seattle an immediate power boost.

Prince Fielder is obviously a target, but Rizzo would come at a much cheaper price.

Rizzo, a lefty, has good pull power and could easily hit 30 homers if he played half his games in Safeco Field. This would be a win-win for both parties involved.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals, as you might have heard, suddenly have an open hole at first base for the first time in a long time.

Lance Berkman might move there, but he seemed pretty content in right field last year. The Cardinals could very possibly go after a free agent like Prince Fielder or Carlos Pena with their extra money, but Rizzo would serve as a nice option as well.

Rizzo struggled with San Diego in his first stint, but you have to think he might be better with all of St. Louis’ weapons around him.

Better surrounding talent means Rizzo will see better pitches.

Tampa Bay Rays

Casey Kotchman quietly had a good year at 1B for Tampa Bay, but they would like to see some more power from the corner position. He hit .306, but only slugged .422.

The Rays have some pieces in Hak-Ju Lee, Chris Archer or maybe Alex Colome that could help bring in Rizzo via trade, so they should make a play for the big man.

He would give them an immediate upgrade in the middle of a lineup that was just eighth in the AL in slugging percentage last year.