10 players who could be traded this MLB offseason
Here, theScore identifies 10 players who could be traded this offseason and ranks the likelihood of a deal happening - using a scale from one ⭐️ (unlikely) to five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (extremely likely).
Corbin Burnes, Brewers
Age: 29
Position: SP
Contract: 3rd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burnes was on the list last year and leads it off again. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner wasn't quite as dominant last season but still authored another strong campaign for the Brewers. Milwaukee appears to be at a crossroads with the departure of manager Craig Counsell. The Brewers are reportedly open to trading almost any player on the roster as they consider the direction of the franchise moving forward. With Burnes under team control for just one more season, the potential return in a trade package won't be as high as it would've been if Milwaukee had traded him last offseason or even at the trade deadline. However, Burnes is still one of baseball's premier starting pitchers and should be able to fetch a strong return, even with only one guaranteed season for interested teams.
Juan Soto, Padres
Age: 25
Position: OF
Contract: 3rd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things haven't gone as planned for Soto and the Padres after San Diego acquired the superstar outfielder in a blockbuster trade at the 2022 trade deadline. The 25-year-old had a strong campaign at the plate in 2023, but not quite as dominant as in years past. With the Padres potentially looking to trim payroll after several years of exorbitant spending, Soto could be on the trading block. The cost will still be high, even with free agency looming at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The Yankees have reportedly engaged in some preliminary trade discussions with the Padres for Soto.
Mike Trout, Angels
Age: 32
Position: OF
Contract: 7 years, $247M remaining on contract
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️
Trout struggled through injuries in 2023 and failed to play more than 120 games in a season for the third consecutive campaign. With Shohei Ohtani likely moving on, the Angels are in a precarious position as a franchise. Trout said in September that he planned to speak with management about the direction of the club and his future. Any interested team will have to weigh a handful of factors when debating whether to seriously pursue a trade for the three-time MVP. Trout's injury history has to be taken into consideration, as well as the seven years and roughly $259 million remaining on his deal.
Tyler Glasnow, Rays
Age: 30
Position: SP
Contract: 1-year, $25M (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Glasnow's salary for 2024 is the biggest reason a trade out of Tampa Bay could be possible. The Rays are entering uncharted territory in terms of payroll commitments and haven't shied away from trading established players with rising salaries in the past. Glasnow continues to be one of baseball's most talented starting pitchers and would instantly add an elite option to any club's rotation.
Alex Verdugo, Red Sox
Age: 27
Position: OF
Contract: 3rd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdugo endured a bumpy campaign for the Red Sox in 2023. The 27-year-old was benched for a game in August after showing up late and was called out by Red Sox manager Alex Cora. New Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged the club has received trade interest in Verdugo. Although he hasn't reached the heights Red Sox fans hoped for after he was acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, Verdugo is still a solid player with good on-base skills that can help a team in need of an outfielder.
Shane Bieber, Guardians
Age: 28
Position: SP
Contract: 3rd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff said he expects Bieber to be in the club's rotation to start the season, but that doesn't mean there won't be significant trade interest in the 2020 AL Cy Young winner. The Guardians are armed with a number of talented young pitchers, with the likes of Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, and Gavin Williams ready to lead the club moving forward. Bieber has just one year of club control remaining and seems like a strong candidate to test free agency. The Guardians could look to hang onto Bieber to start the season, hoping he bounces back from an injury-plagued 2023 and see where they're at in the standings at the trade deadline before considering their options.
Dylan Cease, White Sox
Age: 27
Position: SP
Contract: 2nd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2025)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cease took a step back in 2023 after finishing runner-up to Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young voting the season before. New White Sox general manager Chris Getz admitted he's willing to trade Cease. "Dylan, obviously, is an established major-league starter, he's got front-end ability, and there isn't a team that wouldn't want Dylan Cease on their roster," Getz said. Cease's underlying numbers from 2023 indicate a bit of bad luck might have contributed to a 4.58 ERA in 177 innings. With two years of club control remaining, the cost will likely be high for any interested teams. However, Cease's strikeout ability and considerable upside should have a host of interested parties lining up to make Getz an offer.
Dylan Carlson, Cardinals
Age: 25
Position: OF
Contract: 1st-year arb-eligible (FA after 2026)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carlson made the list last year and gets the nod yet again. The 25-year-old struggled through injuries, appearing in just 76 games last season. Carlson doesn't possess elite offensive skills but has good plate discipline and contact ability. His switch-hitting profile should also be an attractive asset to other teams. Carlson has already drawn trade interest from a number of clubs, including the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Gleyber Torres, Yankees
Age: 26
Position: 2B
Contract: 3rd-year arb-eligible (FA after 2024)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It feels like Torres has been ticketed for a trade out of New York for several years, but he's remained with the franchise. The Yankees are loaded with a number of young prospects who can handle middle infield positions. Torres put together a strong campaign at the plate for the Yankees in 2023 and would help boost a club looking for a power-hitting option at second base. The Red Sox are one club reportedly showing interest in Torres, with Verdugo being the potential return in a trade, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.
Jonathan India, Reds
Age: 26
Position: 2B
Contract: 1st-year arb-eligible (FA after 2026)
Trade probability (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
With the emergence of Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Matt McLain, it appears India could be the odd man out in Cincinnati. The Reds also have Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte in need of at-bats and playing time. India has received interest from multiple teams, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year has been slightly below average at the plate in each of the last two seasons but can hit for power and steal bases. He should fetch the Reds a strong return if president of baseball operations Nick Krall seriously considers moving him.