Anytime one of the big-name MLB players is mentioned, they are usually a source of trade rumors. That is the case for Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber, who has been a part of those trade discussions for a while now. The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 60-day IL in July due to inflammation in his pitching elbow. The 28-year-old made two starts in the final weeks of the season.
Bieber’s name is floating around, much like Juan Soto. However, free agency usually headlines baseball transactions from November through the new year. A blockbuster trade? Well, one or two of those happen every offseason. This year, various names are being discussed in trade talks, but that doesn’t mean they will be on the move. So, to set the tone for a slow offseason, here are a few big-name MLB players who could be wearing a different jersey come Opening Day.
MLB Players Who Could Be a Good Trade Candidate
Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Glasnow is healthy again, and he is looking like the ace that he is. He went 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 1.083 WHIP in 21 starts last season, striking out 162 in 120 innings. He had a better second half than first when he went 9-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 13 starts. After the season, the 30-year-old is signed for $25 million in 2024 and will become a free agent. His trade value will spark interest, especially from contending teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, or the Baltimore Orioles.
Gleyber Torres, 2B, New York Yankees
Torres had a solid season with the underwhelming Yankees. Slashing .273/.347/.453 with 28 doubles, 25 home runs and 90 runs scored. He was worth a 2.4 WAR, and his .800 OPS was sixth among second basemen in the majors. Torres will be 27 when Opening Day arrives and a free agent after the 2024 season. If New York can get a left-handed hitter and a pitcher in a deal, they won’t hesitate to move Torres.
Jonathan India, INF, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are stacked with infield talent on their roster. Their infield will likely be Christian Encarnacion-Strand at first, Matt McLain at second, Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, and Noelvi Marte at third. That leaves India as the odd man out as either DH or a trade piece, and the latter makes sense for both sides. India was the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year when he hit .269/.376/.459 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI over 145 games.
Pete Alonso, 1B/DH, New York Mets
The three-time All-Star will be a free agent at the end of next year. New Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is keeping all options open for the roster. This also includes his star first baseman as Alonso is almost guaranteed power in New York’s lineup or someone else’s. The former NL Rookie of the Year has 192 home runs, including an MLB-leading 53 in his first season in 2019. We’ll have to wait and see if the Mets and Alonso make any progress on an extension. Teams like the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants have been rumored as possible destinations if Alonso goes.
Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Craig Counsell said goodbye to Milwaukee to manage their division rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Could Burnes be saying so long, much like his former manager this winter? The Brewers don’t intend to extend him with a contract well over $100 million. That means there’s a strong possibility they will trade him this winter if they can get pitching prospects in return. The Brewers might have to wait until other free-agent pitchers find new homes. For Burnes, the 29-year-old logged a 3.39 ERA with 200 strikeouts in 32 starts last season. He’s made three consecutive All-Star appearances and finished in the top ten or better in the National League Cy Young voting in all three seasons. Several big market teams would love to have his services, even though it’s only for a season.
Photo Credit: © Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
