MLB Rumors: Top 10 Potential Trade Candiates This Winter
At the top of the list is Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker, who followed up his breakout 2023 season with an even more impressive 2024 campaign, hitting 39 home runs with a 165 OPS+.
With three years of club control and a projected $5.1 million arbitration salary, Rooker offers substantial value to contenders, especially as the Athletics are known for managing payroll tightly.
Also drawing significant interest is Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner. Despite missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Alcántara remains an enticing option with two years left on a team-friendly contract and a history as one of the game's top pitchers.
Former #Braves outfielder and current broadcaster Jeff Francoeur said on @FoulTerritoryTV today that Atlanta needs to either trade for Bo Bichette or sign Willy Adames, declaring "they need a shortstop"
— Braves Today (@braves_today) October 16, 2024
Agree or disagree with Frenchy? pic.twitter.com/CInf9brV7t
Among other top trade candidates, Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox is a fascinating case. Although he has struggled with injuries, Robert’s mix of power and speed makes him a potential "buy-low" target for teams willing to gamble on his upside.
St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who set a franchise record with 49 saves in 2024, is another name to watch, as his $6.9 million arbitration salary makes him a relative bargain for teams seeking an elite bullpen arm.
Similarly, Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams could draw significant interest despite an injury-shortened season. With a club option for 2025 and one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball, Williams remains a coveted late-inning option.
Luis Robert Jr.’s 470 ft. home run is the fifth longest regular-season homer by a White Sox in the Statcast Era! pic.twitter.com/mrHSjjkCQ8
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 30, 2024
Veteran starters like Sonny Gray of the Cardinals and Garrett Crochet of the White Sox also enter the trade mix.
Gray, who finished 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA, could be on the move as St. Louis seeks to retool after missing the playoffs.
Crochet, despite some second-half struggles, is still seen as a high-upside arm with two years of club control remaining.
Rounding out the top 10 are versatile infielders Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays and Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, both of whom could be trade targets as their teams assess long-term roster needs. Bichette, in particular, may be available as the Blue Jays look to retool after his injury-marred 2024 season.
Photo Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Post a Comment