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MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Players Who Could Be On The Move

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MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Players Who Could Be On The Move

Cole Hamels Phillies
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With the winter meetings creeping closer, the season of MLB trade activity is upon us. There have already been a couple minor trades this offseason, but no blockbuster deals have come to fruition. With some big names available to be dealt, this could be an exciting winter for baseball fans. Here are the 10 biggest MLB trade rumors right now.

10. Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick Angels
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10. Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick Angels
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Kendrick has been a steady presence in the lineup and defensively at second base for the 2014 AL West Champs. With the Angels' payroll only climbing higher and higher and Kendrick coming off a good year, the time is ripe for the Angels to see what they can get in return for the second baseman. Kendrick will make $9.5 million in 2015 and Los Angeles has viable options to replace him in Gordon Beckham or Grant Green.

9. Jeff Samardzija

Jeff Samardzija Athletics
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9. Jeff Samardzija

Jeff Samardzija Athletics
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No player on the Oakland A’s is ever safe from being traded. After a late-season collapse and being eliminated in the Wild Card Game by the Royals, Billy Beane is sure to shake up a thing or two. Samardzija is a free agent following the 2015 season, making him a prime candidate to be dealt, since Oakland knows they are unlikely to re-sign him.

8. Starlin Castro To Mets

Starlin Castro Cubs
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8. Starlin Castro to Mets

Starlin Castro Cubs
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The Cubs are loaded with position player prospects but are in dire need of some front-line starting pitching. Should Chicago miss out on an ace like Jon Lester or Max Scherzer in free agency, dealing Castro should net them a hefty return. ESPN’s Buster Olney suggests a deal to the Mets for either of New York’s young stud pitchers, Jacob DeGrom or Zack Wheeler.

7. Alexei Ramirez to Yankees, Mets or Dodgers

Alexei Ramirez White Sox
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7. Alexei Ramirez to Yankees, Mets or Dodgers

Alexei Ramirez White Sox
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The White Sox shortstop has been awesome for the South-siders, so why would Chicago have Ramirez on the trading block? Much like the other Chicago team, the White Sox are desperate for starting pitching. CBS Chicago’s Bruce Levine reports the Mets, Dodgers and Yankees have shown interest.

6. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau Rockies
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6. Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau Rockies
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The Colorado Rockies’ decision to extend a qualifying offer to free agent Michael Cuddyer is what places Morneau on the trading block. Cuddyer plays first base and right field, where the Rockies are set with Morneau and Carlos Gonzalez respectively. Should Cuddyer accept the qualifying offer, the Rockies would have three players for two positions, essentially forcing them to trade one away.

5. Ben Zobrist to Dodgers or Nationals

Ben Zobrist Rays
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5. Ben Zobrist to Dodgers or Nationals

Ben Zobrist Rays
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The versatile Tampa Bay Rays player has had his name in the rumor mill since last offseason. A Zobrist trade would signal the Rays’ do not intend to contend in 2015. “Zobrilla” is 34 years old and would certainly bring back some good young prospects to help out the thin Rays farm system. The Dodgers and Nationals are two teams in need of a middle infielder.

4. Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd Phillies
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4. Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd Phillies
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The Phillies know they are not going to contend in 2015, so as they should, have made most players on their roster available for trade. Byrd had a great year hitting 25 home runs and playing above average defense even at the age of 37. Philadelphia would be wise to trade Byrd while his value is highest.

3. Miguel Montero

Miguel Montero Diamondbacks
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3. Miguel Montero

Miguel Montero Diamondbacks
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The only reason the All-Star catcher is on the trading block is because the low-budget Diamondbacks simply can’t afford his contract. Montero is owed $40 million over the next three seasons and in a weak free-agent market for catchers, the Diamondbacks would get some very tempting offers from catcher-needy teams.

2. Michael Saunders to Giants or Reds

Michael Saunders Mariners
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2. Michael Saunders to Giants or Reds

Michael Saunders Mariners
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Shortly after the end of the season, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik made some pointed comments regarding the outfielder. In short, Saunders was called out for his offseason work ethic, blaming that for his inability to perform over the course of the full 162-game season. Teams in need of an outfielder, like the Giants and Reds, should be interested in Saunders.

1. Cole Hamels to Cubs

Cole Hamels Phillies
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1. Cole Hamels to Cubs

Cole Hamels Phillies
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Coming off a 73-win season and a last place finish in the NL East, it is time for the Phillies to take a step back and rebuild at least for one season. Hamels had a dominant season in Philadelphia with a 2.46 ERA and the Phillies would be able to acquire a couple great players for the future if they deal him. The Cubs, loaded with prospects, have already shown interest in the lefty when they claimed him on waivers in August.

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