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Every year, whether it is a buzz at the trade deadline or after the season concludes, names are thrown around regarding trading some of the top talents in the league.
Last year, we saw one of the most impactful trades in MLB history, when the Red Sox traded MVP outfielder Mookie Betts and CY Young winner David Price to the Dodgers for a handful of prospects. Mookie then went on to sign a 12-year, $365-million contract extension and then won a World Series.
With the financial uncertainty and other teams looking to get over their own World Series woes, the MLB stove will be hot this offseason. The question is, who is on the trade block?
Do the Indians finally trade Francisco Lindor?
Arguably one of the best shortstops in the league, it seems that Francisco Lindor has been entwined in trade rumors for years. It is surprising how eager the Indians are to trade the star. Entering into his age 27 season, he is a four-time all-star, helped the Indians reach the postseason four out of his five seasons in the majors, and is one of the best locker room guys amongst active players. The club is weary to pay Lindor the anticipated massive contract due next season and will want to gain some assets if they end up losing him.
Teams that may be interested
Yankees, Mets, Giants, Phillies, Cardinals, Angels Blue Jays
Photo: David Banks / AP Images
The Cubs Core-5, is their time up?
In 2016, the core of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Wilson Contreras, Javier Baez, and Kyle Schwarber ended the Cubs 108-year World Series drought. After a lackluster couple of seasons, and getting swept by the Miami Marlins this past playoff, Theo Epstein may open up shop and shake up the roster. The team's most tradeable assets are this solid group of talent. The team has just one year of contract control left over those guys, and they won't be able to keep them all, especially with the huge loss of revenue due to the pandemic. Rizzo and Baez seem to be the guys Chicago will work harder to keep. In a situation like this, change is unfortunately needed, and these players could bring a lot of upside to the team.
Teams that may be interested
- Bryant: Phillies, Yankees, Nationals, Rangers, Braves, Dodgers
- Contreras: Mets, Rays, Phillies, Twins
- Schwarber: Yankees, Giants, Indians, Tigers, Rangers
Photo: NBC Sports
Will the Yankees package some players?
The Yankees have been disappointing the past few seasons, even though they had back-to-back 100 win seasons, and deep playoff runs. But without coming home with a World Series win since 2009, the team has been a letdown. What gives? One thing is for certain, the Yankees need to make some kind of move or shake the team up to put them into a more certain path of success. We spoke with Jack Jokinen, aka @JJFromTheBronx, who was adamant about the Yankees trading Aaron Judge.
Supposedly the Yankees are interested in this year's biggest free agents, such as Trevor Bauer, JT Realmuto, and their very own DJ LeMahieu. They have also been linked to Lindor for quite some time as well. The Yankees want to be in win-now mode, while still progressing for the future. They have one of the top farm systems in the league plus players who are MLB ready and capable of who could be on the move. After more defensive struggles and inconsistency on the plate, the Yankees will listen to offers for All-Star catcher Gary Sánchez this offseason. His stock is low, but at times he could still be one of the top catchers in the league. Throw in a guy like AL Rookie of the Year runner up Miguel Andujar, and a prospect or two, the Yankees could get some serious talent in return. You may think that there isn't much value on both those players, but they have multiple years of club control on very affordable contracts. The risk is worth the reward.
Teams that may be interested
- Andujar + Sanchez: Brewers, Cardinals, Nationals, Phillies, Rockies, Marlins, Mets
Photo: Wendell Cruz / USA TODAY Sports
Can Colorado afford their stars?
Similar to Lindor, Rockies shortstop Trevor Story heads into free agency at the end of next season. The Rockies are not the most financially sound team, especially with seven years and $234 million remaining in Nolan Arenado and three years and over $50 million left in Charlie Blackmon. The goal would be to keep this team together, but the Rockies also have one of the lowest-rated farm systems in the league. If they aren't in the position to contend, they may want to trade Story (or Arenado) to prepare for the future and readjust their finances.
Teams that may be interested
- Story: Angels, Phillies, Mets, Yankees, Reds
Photo: Andy Cross / The Denver Post
With a lackluster pitching market, are there any pitchers on the move?
Contenders throughout the league are going to be scathing for pitching talent.
There a few starters, even with recent success and CY young potential, that could be on the move. Those include the likes of Yu Darvish, Lance Lynn, and Carlos Carrasco. All are on teams who still are in the position to win, but are seeking to shed some salary and get a decent return while their value is still high. The same goes for relievers. Teams could cash in on their relief pitching to replenish their farm and save some dollars. The guys that have had their names swirling in rumors include Brewers Josh Hader, Rockies Jon Gray, and Pirates Joe Musgrove.
Teams that may be interested
- Darvish: Mets, Angels, Rays
- Lynn: Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres
- Carrasco: Blue Jays, Padres, Marlins
- Josh Hader: Yankees, Dodgers, Padres
- Jon Gray: Yankees, Dodgers
- Joe Musgrove: Blue Jays, Phillies, Red Sox,
Photo: Getty Images / Ronald Martinez
Grab your popcorn, the offseason is underway. Drop a comment below, and let us know who you think will be on the move.
Photo: Overtime Heroics