Who's buying, selling at the MLB winter meetings
The winter meetings are underway in Maryland in what should be an exciting week for Major League Baseball.
There's expected to be an unprecedented amount of movement as teams try and reshape their roster heading into 2017.
In order to prepare for a wild week, here's a look at who will be buying and selling:
Buyers
Washington Nationals: Linked to Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale, the Nationals have the prospects to make some major moves. The time to win is now for Washington, so expect GM Mike Rizzo to be one of the most active executives.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have no shortage of holes they'll look to fill this week. They want to bring back both third baseman Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen, and a deal with starter Rich Hill appears on the verge of being completed. A pursuit of Twins second baseman Brian Dozier would also make sense.
New York Yankees: Don't expect the rebuild in the Bronx to last long, as the Yankees now have a solid young core they can build around. Adding a starter has been on GM Brian Cashman's wish list, and expect the club to be in negotiations with closer Chapman. The addition of Matt Holliday could eliminate them from the Edwin Encarnacion sweepstakes.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays struck early with the signing of Kendrys Morales, but it's been quiet since. They still need to add a pair of outfielders, a first baseman, a backup catcher, and some relief help. They continue to be in the mix on Encarnacion, though Jose Bautista appears destined to sign elsewhere.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers would like to add help in the rotation, bullpen, at first base, and in the outfield, so expect GM Jon Daniels to be one of the busiest executives at the meetings. They're listed as a suitor for Sale, but aren't willing to give up what the White Sox are asking for.
Boston Red Sox: Even after the terms of the new CBA were released, it's been eerily quiet in Boston. The Red Sox did show interest in Carlos Beltran, but don't seem inclined to bid for Encarnacion. President Dave Dombrowski needs to add another bat, in addition to a late-inning reliever, and depth starter.
Houston Astros: The Astros weren't kidding about being all in this winter after acquiring Brian McCann, Josh Reddick, Beltran, Nori Aoki, and Charlie Morton. The front office isn't done yet either, with owner Jim Crane saying Saturday they still want to add pitching.
Chicago Cubs: The reigning World Series champs don't have many holes after adding depth outfielder Jon Jay, but they could use some help at the back end of the rotation and in the pen. A reunion with Aroldis Chapman could be in the works, or the Cubs could opt to go down a less expensive route.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals made a major splash by giving left-handed reliever Brett Cecil $30 million, and they'll likely be in play for Dexter Fowler, as the outfield needs some work.
Seattle Mariners: GM Jerry Dipoto has complemented a strong lineup with the addition of Jean Segura, but he'll need to add a first baseman - Mike Napoli would be a perfect fit - and an outfielder. The rotation, however, should be the main area of concern, as the top end is ageing and the back end is inexperienced.
Miami Marlins: The Marlins have the unenviable task of filling the void left by Jose Fernandez's death, but the front office needs to get to work building the roster. Signing Edinson Volquez is a start, but the team also has their sights on landing one of the big three closers.
San Francisco Giants: Expected to land one of the big three closers this winter, the Giants have reportedly offered Mark Melancon a four-year deal in the $60-million range. They were briefly linked to a reunion with Pablo Sandoval before quickly shooting it down.
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles are approaching a crossroads after failing to advance pass the wild-card game in 2016. Their window is closing and the loss of Mark Trumbo and Matt Wieters isn't helping. Still committed to winning, the Orioles need help in the outfield, behind the plate, at DH, and in the rotation.
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are looking to take the next step and compete for the postseason. With a strong core in place, they could be players in the first base market, having been linked to Napoli and Trumbo, while a pursuit of closer Melancon has been rumored.
Atlanta Braves: Preparing for a move to SunTrust Park, the Braves have revamped their rotation with R.A. Dickey, Bartolo Colon, and Jaime Garcia. Atlanta is loaded with a number of prospects and are looking to make a big splash, perhaps prying Sale away from the Windy City.
Sellers
Chicago White Sox: Sale has continued to dominate the headlines, though the White Sox front office will be fielding calls for the supporting cast as well. Don't be surprised if Melky Cabrera, David Robertson, Jose Abreu, and Adam Eaton are dealt as well.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates could be on the verge of blowing things up if they commit to dealing McCutchen. From there, don't be surprised if the likes of Josh Harrison, Francisco Cervelli, Jordy Mercer, and Tony Watson are shopped.
Tampa Bay Rays: Seemingly always looking to cut costs, the Rays could swing a pair of deals that would seriously alter their franchise. President Matt Silverman has ruled that no player is off the table, meaning franchise pillars Chris Archer and Evan Longoria could be on the move. Starters Jake Odorizzi and Drew Smyly could also be on the block.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are open for business, with GM Al Avila informing rival clubs that they are looking to cut payroll. Justin Verlander, J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton, Francisco Rodriguez, Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez, and even Miguel Cabrera could be had for the right package.
Cincinnati Reds: While they've shipped most of their veterans away, the Reds remain reluctant to find a new home for Joey Votto. They have, however, been shopping Brandon Phillips (hoping he waives his no-trade clause), Zack Cozart, and speedster Billy Hamilton.
New York Mets: Not your traditional sellers, the Mets expect to compete for a playoff spot next season, but with a surplus of outfielders after re-signing Yoenis Cespedes, the club is looking to trade either Jay Bruce or Curtis Granderson.
Oakland Athletics: Sonny Gray is coming off a disastrous 2016 season and could force the A's to hold onto him in order to reestablish his value. Meanwhile, the club could shop Khris Davis, who is coming off a breakout season in which he bashed 42 home runs, and reliever Sean Doolittle.
Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun was almost dealt in August, and while he's yet to be informed a trade is imminent, he's updated his no-trade list in preparation.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals are stuck. With not much money available to spend, the front office could look at keeping the core together for one last run, or could began to sell off some of their impending free agents Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, Wade Davis, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, and Danny Duffy.
San Diego Padres: There's really not much left, but GM A.J. Preller is reportedly aggressively shopping infielder Yangervis Solarte, who could be a nice addition for a club looking for a utility man.
Minnesota Twins: The Twins made their big splash by inking Jason Castro to a $24.5-million deal and will likely wait for their younger players to develop. They are open to moving Dozier, but only if they're blown away.
Don't expect much
Arizona Diamondbacks: New D-Backs GM Mike Hazen would love to deal Zack Greinke and his monster contract in addition to dumping Yasmany Tomas, but neither is being pushed hard and the club is likely stuck with both bad contracts for the time being.
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels will continue to waste the talents of Mike Trout, as one of the worst teams in the majors doesn't have much to sell. Other than adding some depth starters, there shouldn't be much activity coming from GM Billy Eppler.
Cleveland Indians: Despite coming off a World Series run, the Indians don't expect to make any major splashes this winter. They like Napoli, but not on a three-year deal, and will likely bide their time in hope of taking advantage of adding a slugger later in the winter when there is less competition.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies nabbed Howie Kendrick early and aren't likely to be involved in too much activity as they're still at least a year away from becoming a potential playoff threat.