5 teams that could shape the trade market

Not every team will splash out on a marquee free-agent signing.

For some clubs, the ideal acquisition won't cost an expensive contract. There are a handful of teams who will look more towards the bustling trade market to make a move aimed at a rebuild or simply a reload, rather than aiming for a big name in free agency.

Here are five teams who could shape the trade market:

Chicago White Sox

Chris Sale is under relatively cheap club control for another three seasons, but that's exactly why the southpaw has been heavily rumored recently to be on the move. With the White Sox likely looking at a rebuild, they would stand to earn a handy package of prospects for the dominant left-hander. If Sale is traded, other teams would be on high alert as outfielder Adam Eaton, starter Jose Quintana, and veteran third baseman Todd Frazier could be next on the block.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are currently caught in no-man's land in the National League - not in a rebuild, but nowhere close to contenders, either.

This offseason may be the one that finally convinces the Rockies to properly build around 25-year-old superstar Nolan Arenado and sophomore shortstop Trevor Story. To do that, however, they'll need to hit the reset button, which will likely spell the end of Carlos Gonzalez's eight-year stint at Coors Field. Factor in surprise 2016 performers Charlie Blackmon (.324/.381/.552 with 29 home runs) and DJ LeMahieu (.348/.416/.495 with 11 home runs), and the Rockies could have plenty of assets to make them future heavyweights.

Atlanta Braves

After 20 seasons at Turner Field, the Braves are moving into SunTrust Park, and general manager John Coppolella would love nothing more than to open their tenure at the new stadium with a winning team.

Atlanta owns one of the better farm systems in the majors, and they could look to deal from the minor leagues to add to the major-league roster in 2017. They've already signed veteran hurlers Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey, but the team is also sniffing around starters Sonny Gray and Chris Archer, as well as Sale - pitchers with affordable years remaining on their contracts - and they could ship off someone like No. 2 prospect Ozzie Albies to complete a deal for an ace.

Boston Red Sox

Dave Dombrowski has earned himself the nickname "Dealin' Dave" for good reason.

The Red Sox president has frequently resorted to blockbuster trades to improve his teams over the years, and this winter may be more of the same. Though Boston is expected to contend for years to come with a young core headlined by Mookie Betts, there are some areas in need of improvement, specifically at third base and the backstop positions. Yoan Moncada did appear at third in five games in 2016, though the super prospect struggled in his MLB debut, and Dombrowski could gauge interest in the 21-year-old in an effort to find that final piece for the big-league side.

Detroit Tigers

Tigers general manager Al Avila said earlier this month the club's primary offseason goal is to lower their payroll, which was essentially music to the ears of other executives around the league. The club has a handful of big-money 2017 salaries they could look to shed, with a shade over $78 million committed to Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Justin Verlander alone. The trio have already received plenty of trade interest, but J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler are also expected to receive plenty of calls, cementing Detroit as one of the biggest players in the trade market this winter.