The MLB hot stove season is already off to an active start, with some big signings and trades made before Thanksgiving. Free agency has plenty of options for teams seeking starting pitching or relievers, but those without money to spend might find better options on the trade market. Clubs looking for offensive help will almost certainly have to make a deal to get what they need.
The Cardinals and Braves kicked off what could be a busy trade season, with Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden going to St. Louis in exchange for Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins. (That deal probably means Atlanta won’t trade Evan Gattis, a player that was on a previous version of the following list.) But there are several other names that will be moved around this offseason, as teams look to retool or upgrade their rosters.
Here are the 10 most likely to be traded this winter.
Cole Hamels, Phillies
With the Phillies now acknowledging reality and a necessary rebuilding project, it’s time for general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to trade his best asset. Hamels has at least $96 million remaining on the final four years of his contract ($110 million if a team decides to pick up his 2019 option, instead of paying a $6 million buyout). That amount of team control will appeal to any club looking to add an ace starting pitcher and allow Amaro to ask for a load of prospects in return. The Cubs and Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest, and the Dodgers are always seeking pitching.
Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Yoenis Cespedes seems like the most likely Boston outfielder to be traded this winter, with free agency looming after the 2015 season. There’s also reported friction with the coaches and front office about his willingness to change positions or work on his defensive skills. But Betts made himself extremely marketable, showing he can play center field — and more importantly, hit at that position. Batting .291 with an .812 OPS is production any team would love in center, which should draw plenty of interest.
Elvis Andrus, Rangers
Shortstops are in demand throughout MLB, and Andrus is a proven commodity at the position. Texas has depth to cover the position with Jurickson Profar, Luis Sardinas and possibly Rougned Odor, making the six-year veteran expendable. Andrus’ eight-year, $120 million extension kicks in next season, a financial burden the Rangers might want to shed. That could give other teams’ pause, especially considering Andrus’ lack of offensive production. But a 26-year-old shortstop under multiple years of club control would solve a big problem for big market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets.
Andre Ethier, Dodgers
While Matt Kemp might yield the best return among Dodgers outfielders, his contract will be difficult to trade. Plus, does trading their best right-handed power hitter make the lineup better? The Dodgers’ new front office isn’t dealing from a position of strength with Ethier batting .249 with a .691 OPS last season, but he also got only 380 plate appearances. With more playing time, he could be a more productive player for a team in need of a left-handed bat, such as the White Sox or Blue Jays. If the Dodgers ate some of the $56 million left on his contract, the Brewers or Pirates could be a good fit too.
Ian Kennedy, Padres
Teams looking for a top-three starter, but either don’t want to pay big free agent dollars or part with multiple top prospects may find their man in Kennedy. San Diego is reportedly listening to offers for Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, but Kennedy makes the most sense to trade, as he’s two years older and will be a free agent after next season. The right-hander had a bounceback season with the Padres, compiling a 3.63 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 201 innings. A strikeout arm with the durability to throw 200 innings is a welcome addition to any club, especially for the middle or back end of a rotation.
Chris Carter, Astros
It’s a bit surprising that Carter hasn’t already been traded, given the need for right-handed power throughout MLB. Of course, Houston needs Carter’s bat too. And he’s inexpensive for a building team, under club control for four more seasons. Catcher Jason Castro is another trade candidate after the Astros acquired Hank Conger, and that may be the way GM Jeff Luhnow goes. But the DH spot could be used for whoever doesn’t play behind the plate on a particular day. Houston can also sell high on Carter, 27, coming off a season during which he hit a career-high 37 home runs.
Howie Kendrick, Angels
The 31-year-old second baseman is due $9.5 million next season and set to become a free agent. If GM Jerry Dipoto wants to free up payroll, dealing Kendrick would be a place to start. He’s been remarkably consistent, with a .292 batting average and .756 OPS in nine major league seasons. The Blue Jays have expressed interest, though Toronto is on Kendrick’s limited no-trade clause. The Yankees, Nationals and White Sox also look like possible fits (though only the Yanks might be all right with taking on that salary).
Zack Wheeler, Mets
I’m sure most Mets fans would prefer Bartolo Colon be traded. (The Mets front office might prefer that too.) But at 41 years old, one year left on his contract and a 4.09 ERA last season, Colon likely wouldn’t yield much in return. With Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero also on hand to step up into the Mets’ young rotation, that could make Wheeler the best piece to trade for the shortstop or reliever(s) that the team needs. He’s 24 years old and a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. More importantly, he’s under team control for five more seasons and isn’t arbitration eligible until 2017.
Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
With Carlos Sanchez presumably ready to take over at shortstop and Ramirez due at least $11 million in the last year of his contract (that goes up to $20 million if his 2016 option is picked up), a trade would open up some payroll that could be used on a designated hitter or corner outfielder. Plenty of teams (big-market contenders) among them could use a shortstop, and Ramirez is more appealing because he has some pop in his bat, smacking 35 doubles and 15 homers last season. (He also stole 21 bases in 25 attempts.)
Mat Latos, Reds
What? Not Johnny Cueto. The NL Cy Young Award runner-up would yield more in a deal and is the starting pitcher GM Walt Jocketty should trade. But if the Reds still have eyes on making one last run in 2015, they’ll need their No. 1 starter to have a chance at contending. Cincinnati does have three other starters set to become free agents after the season. Mike Leake or Alfredo Simon could also be trade bait. But Latos could get more in return, since he’s younger and has had more success during his career. The 26-year-old was shut down in September due to a bone bruise in his elbow, so he may have to show he’s healthy during the spring before a team is willing to deal for him.
