The New Year is underway, and the baseball hot stove is still going strong. There are plenty of rumors going around to quench your hot-stove thirst.

With all the rumors out there, it can be hard to identify which ones are legit and which ones have no chance of happening.

We simplify things for you and tell you which of the latest trade rumors you should buy and which ones you shouldn’t. 

 

Jason Kubel for Alexei Ramirez

Will the D-Backs look to trade some of their outfield surplus for infield help? The idea has been bandied about. Danny Knobler of CBS reported the following:

 

Now that Cody Ross is in the fold, the Diamondbacks have a bunch of outfielders. Getting rid of one of them, whether it’s Kubel or Upton, would make sense, especially if it’s going to upgrade their infield.

Ramirez batted .265 last season, with nine home runs and 73 RBI. He would present a major upgrade at either shortstop or third base and trading for him would be a wise move.

Kubel had a terrific year last season, batting .253 but knocking 30 home runs and 93 RBI, and would fit in nicely with Alex Rios and Dayan Viciedo. 

You should buy this rumor. It makes too much sense, especially now that the Diamondbacks are overflowing with outfielders.

This deal could get done relatively soon.

 

Rick Porcello to Baltimore or Seattle

Tigers starter Rick Porcello is on the trading block, and there are a bunch of teams interested.

In particular, the Orioles and Mariners (per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports):

 

The Tigers have a surplus of pitching and recently signed Anibal Sanchez to a five-year, $80 million deal, and it may be difficult to keep Porcello long term.

The Mariners have seemingly kicked the tires on everybody, and Porcello, despite his 4.59 ERA, would represent an upgrade.

The Orioles, on the other hand, have J.J. Hardy to dangle in return, according to MLive.com, especially with the emergence of Manny Machado. The Tigers could trade Porcello and Jhonny Peralta for Hardy (via Lynn G. Henning of The Detroit News):

 

Again, nothing is imminent, but this rumor has legs. It makes sense, especially if the deal is with the Orioles.

 

Vernon Wells to Yankees?

The Yankees need outfield bats, and they could look to the Angels for help. Vernon Wells is redundant, now that Josh Hamilton is in the fold.

Thus, he’s on the block.

The Angels and Yankees talked about a deal for Wells at the winter meetings, according to Fox Sports.

Wells is due to make $21 million this year and next, so the Angels would likely have to take on a major part of the contract.

Wells is a righty bat, which is needed in New York to balance the all-lefty outfield the Yanks currently employ. Wells has been a disappointment for the Angels, and last season he batted .230 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI. 

Should you buy this rumor?

No.

The Yankees signed Matt Diaz to a minor league deal yesterday. The right-handed outfielder batted .222 with two home runs and 11 RBI in part-time duty for the Braves.

Unless the Angels take on all of Wells’ burdensome contract, then the Yankees will most likely stick with Diaz off the bench. 

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