2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Eight Teams Have Discussed Cubs Alfonso Soriano

Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com is reporting that the Chicago Cubs have talked to as many as eight teams regarding veteran outfielder Alfonso Soriano.  Chicago has said that it would be willing to take on a significant portion of Soriano’s salary to facilitate a trade, but, at this point, no team has shown serious interest in the 36-year-old.

Yesterday, Levine spoke with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts who said he’d be open to “eating some salary” if there is a player that the front office thinks “doesn’t fit”.  While no names were used, most of this talk figured to involve Soriano.

The Cubs have already shown a willingness to pick up the remaining tab on veteran players if it helps make a deal possible.  Chicago sent mercurial starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano and cash to the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason.

Soriano is another player owed a significant amount of money over the remaining life of his contract; $18 million per year over the next three seasons to be exact.

Beyond the Cubs willingness to take on salary, Soriano has said that he’d waive his no trade clause if Chicago could send him to a contender.  Soriano told reporters Friday that the Cubs “can do whatever they want” as long as it’s good for the outfielder and his family.  Soriano added that he “won’t go to just any team”, and that he wants to “be with a contender” and “in the playoffs again”.

As far as the Cubs go, everything appears to be in place for a trade that would send Soriano elsewhere.  However, Chicago has not received serious interest in Soriano this offseason.

Though he’s listed as an outfielder, Soriano’s best position would probably be designated hitter.  This would limit the Cubs to talking trade with American League clubs, though Levine indicated that not all of the teams that have checked in on Soriano reside in the AL.

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