The offseason is hardly young, but MLB trade rumors continue to fly. The latest signings have only added fuel to the fire, with stars like Michael Morse getting serious buzz.
Let's take a look at the latest rumors to gain some steam.
Tigers, Cubs and Orioles Three-Way Deal
Roch Kubatko of masnsports.com reports that there is a potential three-way deal between the Tigers, Cubs and Orioles brewing. The trade would send the Tigers' right-handed pitcher Rick Porcello to Chicago, the Orioles' J.J. Hardy to Detroit and an unnamed Cub to the O's.
Kubatko rightfully recognizes how silly this trade is. The Orioles are interested in Porcello themselves: There is no reason to include the Cubs in this deal. Ultimately, this deal seems unlikely, since the O's like Hardy and have no major incentive to move him.
The Cubs' activity started this rumor, but it will be the O's who end it.
National's Michael Morse on the Trade Block
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweets that Michael Morse is available to be had:
Source: #Nationals speaking to 5-6 teams about Morse. Earning $7M this season, then eligible for free agency.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 8, 2013
The rumor comes on the heels of the Nationals' latest move, which saw them re-sign Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $24 million deal.
With LaRoche back in Washington, Morse becomes available to the best bidder.
Unfortunately, Rosenthal updates this report with the news the Morse is not keen on becoming a DH, as per foxsports.com. Morse would be a good fit at DH due to his mediocre fielding and lack of durability, so his unwillingness to fill that role could be key.
Regardless of those issues, Morse would be an upgrade for many teams with his excellent bat. The career .295 hitter has developed some power in the past three years, making him a big piece on the trade block.
Keep an eye on Morse, who will be moved one way or the other. Where he goes will likely hinge on what role he will play in 2013.
Latest in Justin Upton Trade Talks
Rosenthal offers a great recap of the latest in the rumors swirling around the Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton on foxsports.com.
The key teams to look for are the Rangers, the Padres and the Mariners.
The Padres might offer Chase Headley, who had a career year in 2012 with a .286 average and 31 home runs. Headley offers comparable power to Upton but is in no way an upgrade.
The Rangers have a longer list of players they don't want to give up for Upton, including Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar. Until the Rangers start picking pieces to give up, don't count on them.
Finally, the Mariners are on Upton's no-trade list. Good luck with that.
Upton will eventually get moved, but there has been little progress here. Keep an eye out for new news.
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