2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Orioles, Braves Discussing Martin Prado, Jair Jurrjens

Several teams have players they are expected to move this winter.  The A’s and Braves have been shopping top young talent and the White Sox have flat-out said that they are rebuilding this offseason.  While several teams have been tied to each of these clubs, Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports is reporting that the Braves and Orioles have discussed a trade that involves both infielder Martin Prado and starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens.

Sources are telling Rosenthol that the Orioles have checked in with the Braves about potentially acquiring both Prado and Jurrjens in the same trade.  No names have been discussed, but we can assume that the Birds would have to give up quite the haul to bring in both players.

However, Rosenthol says it’s “unlikely that the Athletics or Braves will package both of their chips in the same trade”.

When referring to the A’s, Rosenthol means starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey.  The Rangers, Red Sox and Reds have all shown interest in acquiring both Gonzalez and Bailey.

While he says a deal involving both is unlikely, Rosenthol does say that, with the A’s and Braves each having two pieces that are highly coveted, there is “potential for a bigger deal”.

Rosenthol expects the A’s to move Bailey before they deal Gonzalez, as Oakland would reportedly prefer to hold off on a Gonzalez trade “until after the winning bidder for the rights to Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish is identified”.

Though either is unlikely, Rosenthol finds a package deal of Bailey and Gonzalez has a greater chance of happening than one including Prado and Jurrjens.  He thinks that teams would be more willing to give up the young talent required to bring in Bailey and Gonzalez because they are under team control for more years than Prado and Jurrjens.

For more on the Orioles and Braves, be sure to check out Birds Watcher and Tomahawk Take.