MLB players most likely to be traded before Opening Day 2017
As MLB teams look to settle their rosters, these are the players most likely to be traded before opening day.
Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox
Abreu could be Chicago's most attractive remaining piece if the fire sale continues. The Cuban is still in his prime and has averaged more than 30 home runs per season over his first three years.
Chris Archer, SP, Rays
With Chris Sale traded, Archer is likely the best pitcher available. He fell into some struggles last season but still managed more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2015.
Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
After acquiring Chris Sale, it seems likely Boston will trade at least one starter. Buchholz could be moved, though the Red Sox will likely have to eat some of his $13.5 million salary for 2017.
Jay Bruce, OF, Mets
The Bruce trade rumors have been rampant, and there should be a market for him after rebounding at the plate last season. He hit 33 home runs between the Reds and Mets. New York is trying to clear room for Michael Conforto to play.
Melky Cabrera, OF, White Sox
Cabrera is due $15 million in 2017 after a strong season, hitting .296-14-86 this past year. A career .286 hitter, Cabrera should have a market, and the White Sox continue to sell off players this offseason.
Alex Cobb, SP, Rays
Cobb was shaky in his return from Tommy John surgery this past season, but he was an ace before the injury with a combined 2.82 ERA in 49 starts in 2013-14. The Rays would be dealing from a position of strength, and Cobb has plenty of upside.
Alex Colome, RP, Rays
Colome emerged as a lights-out closer this past season following Brad Boxberger's injury. The Rays are always willing to sell high, and that's likely what they would be doing after Colome posted a 1.91 ERA and 37 saves in 2016.
Zack Cozart, SS, Reds
Cincinnati would love to find a place for Jose Peraza to play, and that should be shortstop given Brandon Phillips' no-trade protection. Cozart is well-regarded defensively and had a career-high 16 home runs in 2016.
Anthony DeSclafani, SP, Reds
DeSclafani emerged as Cincinnati's ace this past season, and that could be reason enough to move him on a team that's not close to competing in the difficult NL Central. He had a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts.
Brian Dozier, 2B, Twins
Dozier has been rumored in trades, and this would be an opportune time for the Twins to move him after hitting a career-high 42 home runs in 2016. Minnesota is likely hoping someone pays for this past season's numbers.
Logan Forsythe, 2B, Rays
Tampa Bay could install Nick Franklin at second base if it moves Forsythe, who has become an elite second baseman with 37 homers combined over the last two seasons.
Todd Frazier, 3B, White Sox
Frazier hit a career-high 40 home runs for the White Sox this past season and is entering his final season before free agency. With the White Sox looking toward the future, it would be surprising if he's not moved.
Evan Gattis, DH/C, Astros
The Astros acquired Brian McCann to play catcher and Carlos Beltran to play DH, leaving Gattis without a starting role. He could be a trade chip for starting pitching after hitting 32 home runs last season.
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
The Colorado outfield was already crowded before signing Ian Desmond, who could play first base or any of the outfield positions. Coming off two strong and healthy seasons, the Rockies could sell high on CarGo.
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Tigers
The Tigers aren't usually sellers, but rumors of cutting payroll have made Kinsler a trade possibility. He's also coming off one of his best seasons, hitting .288-28-83.
Brett Lawrie, 2B/3B, White Sox
Chicago has depth at second base and could promptly replace Lawrie with top prospect Yoan Moncada. Lawrie has been a disappointment early in his MLB career with a .734 OPS.
Jake Odorizzi, SP, Rays
Odorizzi is a trade candidate if the Rays move pitching. He's set to take a significant raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility and is coming off a 3.69 ERA season.
Gerardo Parra, OF, Rockies
Parra was a massive bust in the first year of a three-year contract and has nowhere to play after the Rockies signed Ian Desmond. After hitting just .253 in 2016, the Rockies would probably have to sell low to move him.
Drew Pomeranz, SP, Red Sox
Acquired from San Diego in-season, Pomeranz is a candidate to be moved after Boston acquired Chris Sale. Of course, minor elbow issues and the high price Boston paid in acquiring him with top prospect Anderson Espinoza could make the team hesitant to move him.
Jose Quintana, SP, White Sox
With the incredible return the White Sox found for Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, it wouldn't be surprising if they also move Quintana. The team's No. 2 starter this past season, Quintana reached 200 innings for the fourth straight year and had a career-best 3.20 ERA.
David Robertson, RP, White Sox
A rebuilding team doesn't have much need for an expensive closer. Robertson is owed $25 million over the next two seasons. He faltered a bit in 2016, but there should still be a strong market for Robertson's services with several teams in need of saves.
Drew Smyly, SP, Rays
Smyly was hoping for a breakout year in 2016. While he stayed healthy, for the most part, Smyly had a 4.88 ERA in 30 starts due to his inability to keep the ball in the park. Teams are still intrigued by his strong arm and strikeout rate, and the Rays could try to sell him after a healthy season.
Yangervis Solarte, 3B/2B, Padres
Solarte could be San Diego's most attractive trade chip after posting an .808 OPS this past season and the ability to play multiple infield positions. The Padres have plenty of infield depth and are in rebuilding mode.
Cory Spangenberg, 2B, Padres
Spangenberg had a disappointing 2016 season due to injury and has a questionable role going into 2017. He's a good fit as a utilityman for a competitive team.
Michael Wacha, SP, Cardinals
St. Louis has already dealt Jaime Garcia this offseason and still has plenty of pitching depth with Lance Lynn returning from Tommy John surgery. Wacha is coming off his worst season but had a 3.21 ERA through his first three MLB seasons.
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