In recent years, the blockbuster spring training deadline has become a rarity these days. But maybe not so much this year. These names are coming from inside the game and it should make us all pay attention to what’s going on. Here are a few players who will most likely get traded this spring or down the road come trade deadline time in late July.
Possible Spring Training Trades
Dylan Cease, Chicago White Sox
Dylan Cease‘s trade clock is ticking. It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he was dealt in July, at the trade deadline, as opposed to March, when the only deadline is Opening Day. The Chicago White Sox could be open to trading him this spring, but that doesn’t mean they have to. However, it does come with a risk if the White Sox wait. If he gets hurt or underperforms, he will lose significant value on the trade market.
Willy Adames/Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers
It’s been almost a month since the Milwaukee Brewers traded Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles. Willy Adames, like Burnes, is one year from free agency. Devin Williams, like ex-Brewer Josh Hader in 2022, is two years away. By dealing Burnes and Hader, the Brewers are making a clear example of what their business model is. The pair of coveted trade pieces will interest any team in need of bullpen or infield help.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “The Brewers are unpredictable. But for now, they are not shopping star closer Devin Williams or shortstop Willy Adames, who are both free agents after the year.”
Depending on how Milwaukee’s season plays out, the front office could very well change their minds at a later point.
Kenley Jansen, Boston Red Sox
It’s possible that Kenley Jansen‘s right lat soreness makes him untradeable at the moment. But it’s too early to tell if that will be the case for all spring training. An offseason full of trade rumors involving the Boston Red Sox closer didn’t lead to an actual trade. Jansen has vowed to give the Red Sox everything he has while he’s still wearing the uniform. There could come a day when that changes. Perhaps this spring or during the trade deadline. Or next offseason, when Jansen becomes a free agent.
I think where we stand is, he’s on this team, and he is an All-Star-caliber closer who’s had an incredible career, and we’re happy for that,” said Red Sox chief baseball office Craig Breslow. Boston has made it clear they are prioritizing the growth of their young core in 2024. That’s why it makes sense for Breslow to part ways with Jansen to get something to fill another need.
Shane Bieber, Cleveland Guardians
What’s the likelihood that Shane Bieber will be changing his address before Opening Day? There is widespread skepticism about that. The Cleveland Guardians are known for their method process before trading anybody, at any time of year. But Bieber is not being mentioned as much as Cease being moved from the White Sox. The Guardians will undoubtedly be listening to any and all calls regarding the right-handed ace’s situation. Plus, they need offensive help and the easiest way to make a trade for a bat is to trade away from an area of strength.
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