The MLB trade market is moving along this offseason and names like Justin Upton, Josh Hamilton, Jordan Zimmermann, Ian Desmond and Cole Hamels could be moved, as teams like the NY Yankees, Seattle Mariners, NY Mets, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers could be interested in acquiring more talent into 2015.
Upton has been a trade target all offseason and the Braves have not been shy about the fact that they would like to move him. Upton is set to be a free agent after next season and the Braves want to get something in return if he ends up leaving. Hamilton's name came up in a Fox Sports report by Ken Rosenthal saying that while the Angels are not looking to trade him now, they likely will at some point in the future with the contract he has. Jordan Zimmermann and Ian Desmond have also been mentioned in reports this winter. UDPATE: reports say Upton has been traded to the Padres.
The Mariners have been central to some of these talks, but now that Matt Kamp has moved and they have traded for Justin Ruggiano, it's unlikely they end up making a major trade. Fox Sports reported that the
Mariners and Nationals had some contact on a blockbuster trade with Zimmermann and Desmond, but that never came close to happening. The Nats wanted Taijuan Walker and Brad Miller in the move and it would have taken away the $27.5 million that Zim and Desmond would be making this season.
The Nationals were part of the Wil Myers trade with the Padres and the Rays, so any move with the Mariners is likely not happening. Jeff Passan reported that the Braves and Padres could be talking about Upton in the coming weeks and this comes after San Diego already added Justin Upton and now Derek Norris. The Padres are being aggressive this offseason and they have also acquired Wil Myers in a deal with the Rays.
Passan reports that the Braves are "finishing up" a Justin Upton trade and many speculate that it will be with the Padres. Norris is now on his way to San Diego as well and if they get Upton in a deal they could be a sleeper team in the NL West. The Padres have been bad for a number of years and they now are looking to contend now. The Kemp deal was held up for some physical issues, but it now is going through with the Dodgers, who also pick up Jimmy Rollins. The Yankees have been mostly quiet this offseason and the Mariners may not make any more major moves after signing Nelson Cruz and adding Justin Ruggiano in a trade with the Cubs.
