The MLB trade season is officially underway, with GM meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., marking the beginning of trade talks throughout the league. Teams are also touching base with the agents of players who are now on the open market.
While free agency typically dominates MLB transactions in November and early December, a blockbuster trade or two always seems to occur. This year, a lot of big names are being discussed in trade talks.
The free-agent market is loaded with starting pitchers, but some teams are hesitant to commit the more than $100 million it will take to land one of the top five starters, and are therefore looking to trade for front-of-the-rotation types.
The Padres and Mets are being approached by teams seeking to acquire Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, respectively. While both players might stay put and sign contract extensions with their current teams, it’s also possible both get traded between now and the end of the Winter Meetings in early December.
Here’s a look at 10 of the top players who could get traded this winter:
1. Juan Soto, LF, Padres
The Padres are considering offers for Soto, the three-time All-Star outfielder. They may hold onto him until next July and see where they are in the standings before deciding whether to move him.
2. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Brewers
The Brewers are dealing with the news that their manager, Craig Counsell, has departed for the Cubs. With Woodruff entering his walk year, the team may be looking to trade Burnes if they can get an enticing package of pitching prospects in return.
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Rays
Healthy and pitching like the ace that he is, Glasnow is a hot commodity in trade talks. Several contending teams are looking for short-term, top-of-the-rotation starters, and will likely be vying for Glasnow.
4. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets
Alonso has been producing impressive numbers and is being sought after by teams as a middle-of-the-order impact bat.
5. Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians
The Guardians are looking to trade Bieber to address their biggest needs for middle-of-the-order controllable hitters who play in the outfield or DH.
6. Anthony Santander, RF, Orioles
Santander has been an important player for the Orioles, but his name keeps coming up in trade talks as the team looks for more offense.
7. Jonathan India, 2B, Reds
The Reds are considering trading India, who is part of their stacked infield talent.
The coming weeks are sure to bring further developments as trade discussions heat up across the league.