We assembled our sixth annual “All-Trade-Rumor Team” back in November, examining the star players at each position whose names were expected to be commonplace on the trade market.
Since then, three of the eleven names on our list have changed hands. Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo were acquired by the Yankees, and 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes was added by the Orioles, another American League East team. Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers), Jorge Polanco (Mariners), Chris Sale (Braves), Jarred Kelenic (Braves), Eugenio Suárez (D-backs), and Tyler O’Neill (Red Sox) are among the other players signed this winter.
There are still a few well-known players available as free agents, like Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman, as spring camps prepare to begin next week. However, the trade market is still sluggish, which means that more transactions could happen.
As Spring Training draws nearer, let’s go back and examine an updated version of MLB.com’s “All-Trade-Rumor Team”:
C: The Giants’ Joey Bart
Giants signed catcher Tom Murphy to back up Patrick Bailey, thus Bart’s position on the team seems precarious. formerly the team’s best prospect and Buster Posey’s apparent successor. Since making his Major League debut in 2020, Bart has had difficulty; in 162 games (503 plate appearances), he has slashed.219/.288/.335 with 11 home runs and 178 strikeouts.
Buzz factor: elevated. Bart is a great candidate for a change of scenery, and a number of teams, including the Rays, Rockies, Red Sox, and White Sox, might give the 27-year-old some consideration. Bart’s Minor League options are at an end, thus expect a trade to be made before Opening Day.
1B: Padres’ Jake Cronenworth
Earlier in the winter, there were rumors that the Padres were in talks with the Blue Jays about moving the two-time All-Star, Cronenworth. It seemed as though Cronenworth was off the trade block after Soto was sent to the Yankees, but rumors that the Padres could try to reduce payroll more usually start with Cronenworth. San Diego may potentially consider trading for Ha-Seong Kim, who is expected to make $8 million this season with a $2 million buyout on a mutual option for 2025.
Buzz factor: little. San Diego does not appear to be shopping Cronenworth at this time, although this season marks the start of his seven-year deal. The 30-year-old’s contract is guaranteed $78 million, so if he has a strong first half, the Padres may decide to look for a team that is willing to take it in a trade.
Reds 2B Jonathan India
India has been linked to trade speculations ever since the Reds sought to add young, reliable starting pitchers to their roster last season. India is a reasonable component to deal for rotation support if an arm becomes available, as Cincinnati has an abundance of young infielders in addition to the addition of Jeimer Candelario in the offseason.
Buzz factor: little. Along with elite prospects Edwin Arroyo, Cam Collier, and Sal Stewart, Candelario joined a group of infielders that also included Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte. Although Cincinnati has stated that it has no ambitions to relocate to India, anything can happen if the ideal pitching deal is offered.
SS: Brewers, Willy Adames
After Burnes was traded by Milwaukee to Baltimore, rumors circulated that Adames might be the next Brewers player to be traded. At the conclusion of the season, Adames will be a free agent, and the Brewers have a customized shortstop in Joey Ortiz, who they acquired in the Burnes trade. Before Opening Day, Milwaukee may try to add starting pitching. Adames and reliever Devin Williams may be able to help with that.
Buzz value: moderate. Although the Brewers intend to compete in 2024, the Burnes trade demonstrates that Milwaukee also values money. Adames’ pay for this season is $12.25 million, which puts him in second place within the Brewers’ wage cap. Adames might be dealt before Opening Day if Milwaukee doesn’t think it can keep him around for the long term.