A league source on Wednesday confirmed the Angels and Dodgers are the front-runners to acquire the 24-year-old Marlins slugger. Of the two, the source added that the Angels have been the most aggressive in trying to consummate a deal.

Trade talks for Cabrera have picked up in recent days, and there is growing speculation that a deal could be completed before Thanksgiving.

The Angels are eager to pair the power-hitting Cabrera in the middle of their lineup with Vladimir Guerrero.

In return, the Marlins are seeking a package of players that definitely would include second baseman Howie Kendrick. Other names that have been discussed are pitching prospect Nick Adenhart, along with either Brandon Wood or Maicer Izturis, both of whom play third base.

Cabrera, a 24-year-old Venezuela native, is coming off a season in which he posted career highs for home runs (34) and RBIs (119). He batted .320, marking his third straight season of hitting at least .320.

After making $7.4 million this past season, Cabrera is in line to receive more than $10 million in arbitration for 2008. The four-time All-Star is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have had interest in Cabrera since the middle of the 2007 season. Pitcher Chad Billingsley, along with outfielder Matt Kemp, first baseman James Loney and third baseman Andy LaRoche also have been mentioned in various reports.

Increased trade talks for Cabrera come at a time in which free-agent third baseman Alex Rodriguez is believed to be close to re-signing with the Yankees. The Dodgers and Angels had been mentioned as possible destinations for A-Rod.

Both Los Angeles teams are in need of an offensive boost, which Cabrera would immediately provide.

Cabrera broke in with the Marlins at age 20 in June 2003. In his first four full big league seasons, he was voted into the All-Star Game all four times by his peers. He has a .313 career batting average along with 138 home runs and 523 RBIs. Cabrera is the third-youngest player in MLB history to reach the 500-RBI plateau.

With Cabrera inevitably leaving Florida, shortstop Hanley Ramirez becomes a prime candidate to drop from leadoff to third in the batting order.