Which eight teams would be on your no-trade list?

All MLB contracts are guaranteed which, as football players can tell you, is a nice thing. However, unless otherwise negotiated, owners can trade players whenever they want without having to run it past the individual first. And as Wilmer Flores can tell you, the idea of being traded is a pretty upsetting thing. A free agent star like Yoenis Cespedes can easily get a full no-trade clause in his deal. But for the majority of players, they don’t have that blanket coverage.

Like we saw recently with Jonathan Lucroy, some players have a limited no-trade clause. Lucroy’s contract gave him the right to reject trades to eight teams. One of those teams was Cleveland, which reached a tentative deal with the Brewers to acquire the All-Star catcher. When Lucroy signed the deal, putting Cleveland on the list was almost a no-brainer. But with LeBron James breaking the “God hates Cleveland” stigma and the Indians in first place, it’s not the worst place to be these days.

Still, Lucroy had some leverage and he attempted to use it. In return for waiving his no-trade rights, he wanted his 2017 option removed, which would allow him a bigger payday. The Indians refused and Lucroy rejected the deal. Eventually he was dealt to the Texas Rangers, who were not on his no-trade list. The Rangers are also in first place, so Lucroy made out all right, even if his 2017 team option is still in place.

So, if you were an MLB player and had a limited no-trade clause in your contract, which eight teams would be on your list? Here’s mine in alphabetical order:

Chicago White Sox – This may seem like a weird team to block. But it seems like there is underrated dysfunction here. Also, this will be the eighth year in a row that the team has missed the playoffs. Plus, there’s always the worry about what uniform the club might make you wear on those throwback days.

Cincinnati Reds – This team is going nowhere anytime soon and while the Brewers might be in the same boat right now, they appear to have better footing. The fanbase appears not to properly appreciate Joey Votto. Plus, it would seem unusually cruel to subject my family and friends to listen to a Brennaman on a regular basis from the broadcast booth.

Miami Marlins – This one almost has to be on here, right? The cheapness of the owner is well known and the team has never had an extended run of success. Still, they have a nice young core and there are worse things than living in Miami. But now that Zika’s in play, any thoughts of removing them from the list went out the window.

Minnesota Twins – Maybe they’re going to turn things around now with the change in the GM chair. Still, it’s a team where several of the heralded youngsters haven’t performed like expected and that pitching staff seems to need a major overhaul. And even though I’m a Vikings fan, the chance of me spending the winters in Minnesota are zero.

New York Yankees – Not for all of the Steinbrenner family fortune.

Oakland A’s – Maybe I’m still holding a grudge from 1973. It hasn’t been that long since they were in the playoffs yet somehow the vibe appears bad. And the stadium is hardly a plus.

Seattle Mariners – The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since 2001. That year they won 116 games and didn’t even reach the World Series. It seems there’s a cosmic payback for that and I’m thinking they’re going to wander in the desert another 20 years. Sorry, don’t want any part of that.

Tampa Bay Rays – They lost the best thing they had going for them when Joe Maddon skipped town. And now they’ve got a long climb ahead of them to get back to being a playoff contender. And even when they were good from 2008-2013, their highest attendance was 1.875 million. Maybe when my grandkid makes the majors this will be a baseball city. But it’s not now.

Honorable Mention – San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays. San Diego should really be on the list but the weather saves them. And while it wouldn’t be any fun to have to deal with customs and exchange rates on a regular basis, the Blue Jays are a win-now type of team.