Ranking the top 5 players most likely to be traded this offseason
The hot stove is heating up heading into the GM meetings Monday.
Beyond the obvious, there isn't a whole lot of depth in the winter trade market this offseason. With rebuilding teams already having their bones picked dry this past trade deadline, the big targets appear to be the free agents.
There's a problem though; aside from a couple top free agents, that crop is rather slim too. It's not like teams are just going to sit on their hands all winter and roll into the 2018 campaign with essentially the same roster. No, Jerry Dipoto's thirst for deals must be satiated.
Let's take a look at the most likely names to swap teams this offseason:
1. Giancarlo Stanton, OF
File under: Obvious, Stating the.
The Giancarlo Stanton watch will consume the hot stove until the flame can burn no brighter and the slugger gets swapped in what will almost certainly be regarded as a terrible move by Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins.
Of course, there is a chance that the Marlins get fair value for Stanton. Still, it's not often that a blockbuster trade works well for the team losing the best player in the deal. Now, include the fact that the Marlins have inexplicably tethered themselves to ditching Stanton and the fact that he's still due nearly $300 million - or the GDP of the Cook Islands - it doesn't look like the Marlins will be able to demand a king's ransom for their franchise player.
Likely landing spots: Cardinals, Red Sox, Giants
2. Brad Hand, RP
Brad Hand was believed to be one of the top available assets during the trade deadline, but a steep asking price saw him remain a member of the San Diego Padres.
Now, as Hand is heading into his final two seasons of team control, the likelihood of a deal will only increase. Scouring the Padres roster, almost all calls to general manager A.J. Preller should involve Hand because, well, have you seen that roster?
Likely landing spots: D-Backs, Twins, Brewers, Rockies, Mariners, Giants, Mets
3. Ian Kinsler, 2B
The most heartbreaking move of the Detroit Tigers' fire sale was shipping Justin Verlander to the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. At this point, getting rid of Ian Kinsler would be tantamount to discarding the band-aid that you just ripped off while crying in front of all your friends.
The Kinsler-for-Prince Fielder swap worked out well enough for the Tigers, but sending the 35-year-old second baseman to a team that misses out on free agents Neil Walker or Eduardo Nunez just makes too much sense.
Likely landing spots: Angels, Brewers, Blue Jays, D-Backs, Mets
4. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
The New York Mets may actually have the makings of a borderline contender heading into next year if their rotation can remain healthy. However, Asdrubal Cabrera has found his name in the rumor mill for months now, and the Mets may be motivated to officially usher in the Amed Rosario era.
Granted, Cabrera could be the club's full-time third baseman next year - which he shifted toward once Rosario came up near the end of the season. But, Cabrera seems to consistently be among the most prominent in hot-stove talks.
Likely landing spots: Angels, Brewers, Rays, Giants, Blue Jays, D-Backs
5. Andrew McCutchen, OF
With his value reinvigorated, the Pittsburgh Pirates might be motivated to move Andrew McCutchen, who is heading into the final year of his deal. With the Chicago Cubs reigning supreme, the St. Louis Cardinals looking to make additions this winter, and the Milwaukee Brewers trending upward, now may bethe time for the Pirates to change direction.
McCutchen is due $14.5 million this upcoming season, and would therefore warrant a potentially significant haul for a rental player. It might take until J.D. Martinez, Lorenzo Cain, and Jay Bruce ink their deals, but some team will certainly be jilted by those sweepstakes.
Likely landing spots: Giants, Braves, Blue Jays, Indians, D-Backs, Orioles, Cubs, Mariners, Phillies
Honorable mentions: Avisail Garcia, Kyle Schwarber, anyone on the Mariners
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)