5 biggest trades of MLB's offseason

The 2016-17 MLB offseason wasn't really all that exciting.

Aside from Yoenis Cespedes, there weren't any humongous free-agent deals. That being said, the big trades that happened will take effect immediately as some teams did so to make a World Series run in 2017, or get a head start on the rebuilding process.

Here's a look at the five biggest trades made this offseason:

5: Dodgers flip De Leon to Rays for Forsythe

Ever since the season came to a close, it became evident the Los Angeles Dodgers needed production from second base. After Chase Utley's contract expired, officially leaving the position vacant, the Dodgers went hard after Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.

By all indications, the Twins didn't think L.A.'s top prospect, Jose De Leon, was enticing enough, and they needed much more to sweeten the deal. In return, L.A. rebuffed them and moved on to Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe.

The deal was straight up, and saved the Dodgers from giving up too much in return for an everyday two-bagger.

4: Cubs trade Soler to Royals for Davis

The Chicago Cubs may be at the start of a dynasty, and no dynasty was ever made and sustained without a shutdown closer.

When Aroldis Chapman went back to the Bronx, the Cubs went on the hunt for someone who could do the job, and given their outfield depth, power-hitting Jorge Soler was the perfect trade chip.

Theo Epstein and Co. went out and hauled in Wade Davis in exchange for Soler, who in turn will have an everyday job with the Kansas City Royals.

Not only is Davis one of the premier relievers in baseball, but he returns to play for Joe Maddon, who managed him back in his early days with the Tampa Bay Rays.

3: Mariners send Walker, Marte to D-Backs for Segura

It isn't much of a secret the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks have different goals for the 2017 season.

The Mariners, for all intents and purposes, expect to break MLB's longest playoff drought, while the D-Backs are trying to forget what happened in the short-lived Dave Stewart era.

Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto took notice of Jean Segura's most productive season, and, coupled with the Mariners' lack of offense at shortstop, made a move to acquire him.

In return, Arizona was given Ketel Marte, a replacement at shortstop, and right-hander Taijuan Walker, who is expected to anchor the rotation alongside Zack Greinke.

2: Nationals acquire Eaton from White Sox for Giolito, prospects

Just to be clear, the Chicago White Sox completely took advantage of the Washington Nationals' vulnerability here.

The Nationals appeared to be deep into talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding an Andrew McCutchen trade. For whatever reason, it fell apart, and the White Sox, who were willing to deal, got a much bigger haul than anyone else this offseason (read the No. 1 trade).

The White Sox knew the Nats needed a center fielder, and with intentions to rebuild, they traded Adam Eaton and in return got baseball's top pitching prospect, Lucas Giolito, along with high-end pitching prospects Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning.

While Eaton will aid the Nationals, the White Sox picked up three arms that could be in their rotation for a long time.

1: Red Sox swap Moncada, prospects to White Sox for Sale

This wasn't even close.

Chris Sale is the best pitcher to be moved this offseason, and some would argue it was the biggest trade in Boston Red Sox history.

A day before the White Sox traded Eaton, the rebuild began when they dealt their franchise player to the Red Sox. The asking price? Baseball's top prospect in Yoan Moncada, flamethrower Michael Kopech, and two more prospects.

The Red Sox's willingness to deal Moncada meant Dave Dombrowski is in "win now" mode, and all of a sudden, Boston is the favorite to win the American League pennant, while the White Sox walked away this winter with the top pitching and position prospects in baseball.