MLB Rumors: Top 3 Trade Candidates For The Offseason

They were among a group of players that teams listened to offers on before the trade deadline, but ultimately weren't moved for various reasons. However, that doesn't mean their teams won't revisit dealing them in the offseason. 

Here's a look at the top 3 names that still could be dealt come winter.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

This, obviously, is the big one. 2023 will be the final year of his contract with the Angels, and if he doesn't feel that the team is on a winning track, he'll undoubtedly find greener pastures elsewhere. 

Despite taking offers for a short time before the trade deadline, Angels owner Arte Moreno was, in the end, unwilling to let Ohtani leave. He loves his shiny objects. And there are none shinier than the once-in-a-century two-way phenom. But faced with the reality of possibly losing him after next year, things could change come the offseason.

Pablo Lopez, Miami Marlins

The Marlins are loaded with exciting young arms in their rotation. Lopez is one of them. But Miami was listening on trade offers for the 26-year-old righty. He still has two years of team control, so the price was steep, and no team was able to meet it. The New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays both poked around. 

Perhaps in the winter, when the seller's market for starting pitching won't be quite as cut-throat as it was at this deadline, they could find an offer to their liking.

Ramon Laureano, Oakland A's

That this trade didn't get done was the biggest surprise on this list. The A's, of course, were willing sellers. Several teams were looking for help in center field, and Laureano is a good one. In the field. But his offense has taken another dip this season, with a .224 average and .712 OPS since returning in May from an 80-game PED suspension. 

All of that will be farther in the rear-view mirror come winter, and perhaps something gets done then. 

Photo: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports