Theo Epstein has come to realize that Alfonso Soriano is a tremendous teammate and is willing to help younger players, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The veteran left fielder is still owed $36 million over the final two years of his contract. If the Cubs were to eat the majority of the money owed in a trade, they expect a player of note in return.

Soriano, 37, hit .262/.322/.499 with 32 home runs in 615 plate appearances last season. For his career he is hitting .273/.323/.505 with 372 home runs over 14 seasons spent with the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals and the Cubs.

Cafardo states that Soriano will only accept a deal to an east coast team and lists the Phillies, Rays, Orioles, Yankees and Marlins as potential suitors for him.

Soriano is still able to play left field, but a switch to the American League could benefit him. He could then spend most of his time in the designated hitter role.