The MLB trade market could see some big names this year and rumors have already started, as names like Troy Tulowitzki, Cole Hamels, Jordan Zimmermann, Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir could be targets for teams at the trading deadline, including the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, NY Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, LA Angels, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Hamels has been mentioned the most among players that could be traded heading into the season, while Zimmermann and Cueto have made lists since they are coming into the final years of their deals. Tulowitzki now joins the club and it comes after reports that he could ask the Rockies for a trade. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Tulowitzki is meeting with his agent this week and they will considering asking for a trade from the franchise.
Tulowitzki has come up in trade rumors over the past couple years due to the fact that the Rockies have not been contenders and with the team rebuilding, he could ask out. The team is in last place in the NL West and after being injured last season, Tulowitzki is off to solid start and may want to get on a winning team. Tulowitzki helped bring the team to a World Series a number of years ago, but since then they have been scuffing. The team appears to be in rebuilding mode and depending on what happens with the meeting, Tulowitzki could ask out. Tulowitzki is hitting over .300 to start the season and he is one of the best offensive shortstops in the majors.
Sherman writes that teams like the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates could be fits along with the San Diego Padres. Sherman added that while the Yankees could use an upgrade over Didi Gregorius, they likely will not go after the big contract of Tulowitzki. The team also likely does not want to rid their farm system of top prospects for an oft-injured shortstop. Tulowitzki made some comments last year that made it seem like he wanted out and now he could follow through on that.
Hamels has gotten plenty of attention in trade talk since last year and this season it looks like he will finally be moved by the Phillies. According to Hardball Talk, the Boston Red Sox are the favorites" to land Hamels, as they showed the most interest in the offseason. The Boston Globe reported that the team made a "serous offer" and with their pitching rotation looking weak right now, a deal could end up happening at the deadline. Zimmermann and Cueto also could be options for the Red Sox, as they have Justin Masterson banged up and Wade Miley struggling.
The Cardinals came up as a potential option for Tulowitzki last year, but now that they have Jhonny Peralta, they likely will not look into that deal. The Cardinals could look into other players though, as they have Adam Wainwright out for the season with an Achilles injury. The team has John Lackey and Michael Wacha has stepped up with Wainwright out, but the Cards could consider dealing for Hamels or another pitcher that ends up on the market.
Check here for more on the pitchers that could move at the trade deadline.
