The 2013 MLB season is just getting started, but the trade rumors are already in full swing.
Most teams would like to wait until deeper into the year before making major changes to the roster. It seems only fair to evaluate the talent you have before attempting to acquire new players.
However, injuries and ineffectiveness cause an increased amount of urgency. As a result, there are a bunch of players who could be on the move in a hurry.
Here is the latest trade buzz from around the league on a few of them.
Aaron Harang, Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies acquired Aaron Harang from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, but he will not be with the organization for long.
Immediately after the trade, the Rockies designated the pitcher for assignment as they attempt to move him to yet another team.
Fortunately for Colorado, there is plenty of interest, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
The most interesting name on this list is the Boston Red Sox, who might need to replace John Lackey's spot in the rotation if his biceps injury keeps him out for an extended period of time.
Either way, the Rockies are almost certain to move Harang quickly after finding the best available deal.
Bud Norris, Houston Astros
In the first regular-season game of the year, Bud Norris had an impressive showing against a very good Texas Rangers lineup to get the win.
Of course, the next week went more to expectations for the Astros. There will be a lot of losses this year, and the team will eventually want to move its best players for young prospects.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Norris is likely to be one of the players after a strong showing:
Norris’s stock rose higher after he beat the Rangers in the opener last Sunday. He should bring the Astros a good haul between now and the trade deadline. One veteran NL adviser indicated the Rangers might be his landing point.
Rookie Nick Tepesch will get a chance to show what he can do at the end of the rotation, but if he struggles, Norris would be a good replacement.
Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers
If you have not heard the name Jurickson Profar yet, just wait, because you will eventually. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks the shortstop as the No. 1 prospect in baseball entering the season.
Unfortunately, Texas has little use for a middle infielder with Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler playing well for the big league club.
After the team signed Andrus to an eight-year extension, the front office fielded calls for a trade including Profar, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
While the Rangers maintain that they are not interested in trading away their best minor league player, things could change later in the year if they want to make a big move to help contend this season.
Profar would help bring in an impact player at any position, which could help the squad balance out the roster as the season progresses.
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