On Sunday, Foxsports' Ken Rosenthal reported that Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla rejected a 4 year, $48 million contract offer. Uggla is entering his last year of arbitration eligibility before he becomes a free agent after the 2011 season.
Yesterday, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported that the Marlins were stunned about the rejection. He went on to say:
MLB.com has learned that the Marlins may seriously consider trading the 30-year-old if a multiyear contract isn't worked out. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Florida has been led to believe that Uggla would rather play for another club.
A second source added that both sides are still talking and that negotiations are ongoing, so it is premature to suggest that a long-term deal won't eventually be reached.
This is not surprising as the Marlins dangled Uggla before the trade deadline last season. So, what teams would have interest in Uggla? Well, according to Frisaro, Uggla would like to play for the Phillies, Red Sox, or Yankees, and would be willing to play third base or the outfield should he be dealt to one of these teams.
Here are a few teams who could be interested in trading for Uggla should the Marlins decide to deal him:
1. Mets-the Mets are looking for an upgrade at second base, and could offer Florida a package of prospects headed by Wilmer Flores or Fernando Martinez, who could benefit from a trade to another team.
2. Rockies-the Rockies are also looking for an upgrade at 2b, and could offer a package of prospects headed by Christian Friedrich.
3. Dodgers-the Dodgers need another power bat in their lineup, and also need an everyday second baseman, and Uggla meets both of those needs. A package headed by shortstop prospect Dee Gordon or pitching prospect Chris Withrow could get a deal done.
4. Twins-the Twins need a second baseman with Orlando Hudson leaving via free agency. A package headed by outfield prospect Ben Revere could interest the Marlins.
5. Cardinals-the Cardinals are looking for an upgrade at second base this offseason, but am not sure if they have enough quality prospects to make a deal for him.
Should Uggla be traded, the Marlins will more than likely move Chris Coghlan to his natural position of second base, keep Logan Morrison in left field, Gaby Sanchez at first base, and possibly give third base prospect Matt Dominguez a shot to win the 3b job in spring training. If Dominguez is not ready, the Marlins could move Sanchez back to third base, Morrison to first base, and sign a free agent outfielder, if they don't get one in the Uggla deal.