Free agency, free agency, free agency. That’s all anyone is talking about these days, and for good reason. The winter meetings are right around the corner, which means a flurry of signings will start happening in the coming days. It’s enough to make a baseball fan stop staring out the window waiting for spring.
But what about the trade market? People seem to put trades on the back burner this time of year, but there are a number of intriguing names out there who could be on the move; in fact, this could be one of the busiest offseasons for trades in recent memory. Let’s take a look at ten players who might find themselves looking for new apartments this winter:
Carlos Gonzalez
It seems like CarGo’s name always pops up whenever trade season comes around. This could be the year the Rockies finally pull the trigger though, considering they’ve already moved Troy Tulowitzki and look to be in full rebuild mode. Gonzalez would offer a more affordable alternative for outfield-needy teams not looking to spend big on the free agent market, and he’d bring back a nice haul of prospects the Rockies could build around. Trading him makes too much sense.
Carlos Carrasco
Carrasco, under team control at a very affordable rate for the next five years, could be the piece the Indians dangle to fix their struggling offense. For teams that are hesitant to pay through the nose for mid-range pitchers on the free agent market, Carrasco would be a tempting target. He’s capable of strengthening the middle of a rotation and would likely net the Indians a young hitter or two to rebuild their lineup.
Brandon Belt
Young, talented, and two years away from free agency. Belt is a valuable piece of the Giants’ lineup, but if they strike out on strengthening their rotation in free agency Belt would likely fetch the most in a trade. Moving Belt would also allow the Giants to push up Buster Posey’s eventual transition to first base should they choose to go that route, and it would get them a rotation upgrade they definitely need.
Aroldis Chapman
The Reds are finally admitting they’re in need of a major rebuild, which means they’re going to listen to offers for Chapman. He’ll be worth a ton on the trade market and could jump start the Cincy rebuild all by himself. A team with no hope of contention doesn’t need an all-world closer, anyway, and Chapman would get the Reds a haul pf prospects unrivaled by most of the names on this list. It’s not a matter of if he’s traded at this point, but when.
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 25: Jay Bruce #32 of the Cincinnati Reds flips his bat in the air after striking out with bases loaded to end the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on August 25, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Los Angeles defeated Cincinnati 5-1. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Jay Bruce
The Reds are finally admitting they’re in need of a major rebuild, which means they’re going to listen to offers for Chap – er, for Bruce. They won’t get nearly as much for Bruce, but he’s still a young, power-hitting outfielder signed to a friendly contract for the next two years. Teams that don’t want to spend on Jason Heyward or Alex Gordon may find trading for Bruce the more palatable option, and he’ll at least give the Reds a good prospect or two to go with the ones they’ll get for Chapman.
Tyson Ross
This could be pick-a-Padre, as they’ve already moved Joaquin Benoit and are likely listening on a number of their players. But Ross, who was rumored to be on the move in July, could bring back the kind of prospect haul the Padres would need to replenish their system. He’s a young, top of the rotation starter with big strikeout potential who also happens to be under team control for the next two seasons. Teams will pay big for that kind of pitcher and the Padres may take advantage.
Andrelton Simmons
He’s young, he’s a premier defensive player, and he’s signed through his age 30 season. Why would the Braves want to get rid of him again? For starters, the Braves could conceivably find solutions at multiple positions of need by trading him away. And as valuable as his defense is, that’s really the only tool Simmons brings to the table. He doesn’t hit much, and if teams are willing to pay through the nose for his glove the Braves have to consider it.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees reacts after a pitch in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 6, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Brett Gardner
Aaron Hicks’ arrival created a bit of a logjam in the Yankee outfield, and Gardner could be the one to go. The longtime Yankee could bring a much needed pitcher back in return, and he also could solve a number of team’s leadoff problems. He had a lousy finish to 2015 and was even booed at home, so a change of scenery could be the best thing for him. And with the Yankees already calling Hicks an every day player, Gardner’s scenery change could come quickly.
Drew Storen
Trading Jonathan Papelbon would probably be a tough job, so Storen is the most likely of the two potential Nationals closers to move this winter. There are serious questions about his makeup – he’s fallen apart the two times Washington brought in established closers, and his postseason history leaves a lot to be desired – but Storen is still a young, talented reliever who would help just about any team’s bullpen. The flawed Nats could use him as a big trade chip.
Yasiel Puig
It was a lost season for Puig, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Dodgers have given up on him. Trading him now might be foolish since his value has never been lower, but it’s hard to put anything past the Dodgers’ front office. If they feel Puig has worn out his welcome or simply don’t want to deal with him anymore, they’ll find a number of teams willing to take him on. And the Dodgers would get quite a bit of talent back, too.
