Summarizing the pitching trade market

The Philadelphia Phillies' ongoing search for the proper trade partner in a deal involving Cole Hamels continues to dominate headlines. Just about everyone agrees that Hamels will eventually be traded, but when and for what type of return remain a mystery. And top-level starting pitchers are great to have around, but they can also break just like everyone else.

Dealing someone of Hamels' stature is always a tricky process, especially when the promise of contention is so far away. Yet there is also risk in waiting too long, something the Phillies have found out the hard way with Cliff Lee and his continued elbow problems.

Next offseason's free agent class is as pitching rich as any in recent memory, with a number of top starters in line for big paydays on the open market. This also means that many teams, who will still be in need of another starter (the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rangers, just to name a few), will be better served waiting until midseason when other hurlers might become available via trade.

Johnny Cueto is in the final year of his deal, and the Reds find themselves at a crossroads. Sure, they'd like to contend, and with Cueto, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Devin Mesoraco around, Cincinnati has enough talent to do so. Yet the Reds have grown old fast at some key positions, and they don't have much depth to cover for potential injuries, especially in the rotation.

To be sure, the Tigers fully expect to contend this season, and they won't trade David Price unless things have really gone wrong. But for the first time in years, Detroit isn't the prohibitive favorite in the American League Central Division, and their farm system is arguably the worst in baseball.

With all the money Detroit has committed to Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers aren't in a position to hand out another big contract for Price. After weighing the present over the future for several seasons, trading Price for a package of young talent could help ease the club's transition into a new era in the coming years.

Like the Tigers, the Red Sox aren't planning on trading their best pitcher this season. They weren't planning on finishing in last place a year ago, either. If Boston's question marks in the rotation turn into legitimate problems, they aren't guaranteed to do any better in 2015.

The Padres suddenly find themselves with plenty of depth in the rotation after signing James Shields this winter. Even with all their offseason moves and hopes for playoff contention, the Padres aren't likely to topple the Dodgers in the NL West, however. Sending Ian Kennedy elsewhere could be a good way for San Diego to add some much-need infield depth, bringing better balance to the club's roster before Kennedy heads to free agency.

Despite a talented, young core, a lack of depth means the Marlins likely won't be playing once October rolls around. After an injury-plagued campaign, Mat Latos will have to prove he is healthy before being dealt. Yet, he could bring back some more pieces for Miami to continue re-tooling its roster. Sure, the Marlins just traded for Latos this winter, but the club is rarely afraid to juggle moving parts on its roster while continuing to add players for the future.