MLB Trade Rumors: Jimmy Rollins Could End Up With NY Yankees; Ichiro Suzuki to Philadelphia Phillies

The New York Yankees are viewed as an ideal landing spot for Philadelphia Phillies veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who has been one of the hottest names on the trading block with a few days before Opening Day.

ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney reported that the Phillies front office is considering the option of trading Rollins. The 35-year-old slugger batted .252 with 6 homers and 39 RBIs in 160 games last season and continued to show signs of decline during spring training.

"Sources: There is strong sentiment within PHI organization right now that the team would be better off trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins ASAP," Olney posted on his Twitter account.

Rollins, the former 2007 NL MVP and three-time All-Star, hasn't been the same slugger he once was, as injuries continue to be problematic at this point of his career.

Yankees Destination
According to Bleacher Report writer Joe Giglio, the Yankees seem to be an ideal destination for Rollins because of their need of a reliable backup at the shortstop position. With Derek Jeter's health questionable heading into his final year in the MLB, New York will need an experienced backup shortstop ready to step in if needed.

The Yankees have a surplus of outfielders in their lineup following the acquisition of Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury, as well as re-signing of Brett Gardner to a new deal. However, their infield is where baseball analysts believe the Yankees need help.

One intriguing proposal being closely watched is the Yankees sending veteran hitter Ichiro Suzuki to the Phillies in exchange for Rollins, who will likely share the shortstop duties with Jeter.

Regardless of how it all plays out, trade rumors won't derail Rollins' focus to have a big year ahead with the Phillies. He stressed that his loyalty remains with the only team he has ever played for since his debut in 2000.

"I don't know," Rollins told CSN Philly Sports. "If we're in absolutely last place with nowhere to go and change is obviously on the horizon, then at that point I'd think about it. But anything short of a complete disaster, I'm wearing red and white pinstripes."