MLB trade candidates in 2016

Aybar was acquired from the Angels in the Andrelton Simmons trade and sits as a stopgap for long-term shortstop prospects Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies in Atlanta. The Braves are getting ready for the opening of their new stadium in 2017, and at least Swanson should be ready by that time. If the Braves get the right offer, Aybar is likely gone.

The Reds would love to move Bailey's contract. If only it were that easy. He's entering the third season of a six-year, $105 million contract and made only two starts in 2015 due to an elbow injury.

Bourn was acquired from Cleveland in a salary swap last August. He's entering the final season of his four-year contract and produced a sub-.600 OPS last season. It's very possible the Braves will release Bourn this spring if they can't find a taker.

Braun rebounded last season to hit .285-25-84 in 140 games for the Brewers, but the team is going in a very different direction in 2016. The former NL MVP can help someone, but he's just beginning a five-year, $105 million contract. That will take some persuasion on the part of Milwaukee's front office to find a match.

Knee issues have transformed Bruce into only a fraction of the player he was a few years ago, as he's hit below .230 in consecutive seasons. He's entering the final year of his contract, and the Reds are in rebuilding mode.

Carter was a great fit for the Brewers on a one-year deal this offseason to rehab his value. He hit .199 last season with Houston, but Miller Park is favorable for right-handed power. If Carter does rebound early, the rebuilding Brewers are likely to trade him.

There have been many offseason trade rumors involving Cashner as the Padres realize they'll have a tough time competing in the NL West this season. Cashner is entering his walk year and could be tough to work into the team's budget with Matt Kemp and James Shields taking up much of San Diego's payroll.

Signing De Aza to a one-year deal seemed like a good idea for the Mets until they re-signed Yoenis Cespedes late in the offseason. It's rare for teams to trade players just after signing a contract, but that's entirely possible if another team presents a better playing opportunity for De Aza.

De La Rosa is a rare pitcher who has found consistency in Colorado, producing a 3.92 ERA over the last three seasons. He's entering the final year of his contract, and the Rockies stand little chance of competing against the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks in the NL West.

The Brewers would have probably already moved Garza if they didn't have to settle for pennies on the dollar after he posted a 5.63 ERA last season. He has two seasons remaining on his four-year, $50 million contract but will likely be moved if he looks revitalized in spring training.

The Braves would have likely traded Grilli last season if he didn't get hurt just before the trade deadline. He has plenty of closing experience and was impressive last season with a 2.94 ERA in 36 appearances. Atlanta shouldn't have a problem finding a match if he returns healthy.

Hellickson was traded from Arizona to Philadelphia this offseason, providing the rebuilding Phillies a reliable innings eater. He's struggled to keep the ball in the park during his career but could be useful for a team with a large park as he enters his last season before free agency. Philadelphia is likely to trade Hellickson as it promotes its youngsters midseason.

Hill was great in September for Boston and signed a one-year deal with Oakland to remain a starter. The A's have a tall task of competing this season as they revamp their roster, so Hill is likely to be moved if he finds more success as a starter.

Philadelphia has been desperate to move Howard in recent seasons, but no one has wanted to take on his contract. Now in the final year of the deal, the Phils have threatened to bench him if he doesn't carry his weight. He's owed less money with each passing day, so a team could finally see a use for Howard as a pinch hitter.

Atlanta acquired Inciarte in the Shelby Miller trade from Arizona and goes into spring training with him as the starting center fielder. It still wouldn't be a shock if the team listened to offers, considering top center field prospect Mallex Smith is right behind Inciarte.

Lucroy has already requested a trade with the Brewers in rebuilding mode. He shouldn't be difficult to move with a very team-friendly contract and a reputation as one of the best all-around catchers in the game. 

Atlanta curiously signed Markakis to a four-year, $44 million contract last offseason while the team is rebuilding. Not surprisingly, he's been mentioned in trade rumors after only one season and was a bit of a liability offensively in right field last season with only three home runs.

A ground ball master, Morton was acquired by the Phillies from Pittsburgh this offseason to eat innings. The Phillies probably don't see him as a long-term answer, and he's entering his walk year with the team.

It's almost shocking that Papelbon remains on Washington's roster after he was sent home early last season due to fighting Bryce Harper. The market for Papelbon has likely dwindled due to his attitude, but another behavioral issue could force the team's hand to get something — anything — for him.

Phillips already vetoed a trade to Washington this offseason, but it remains to be seen how patient he will be with Cincinnati's rebuild. There's certainly a market for him after hitting .294-12-70 last season.

Pierzynski surprised as Atlanta's starting catcher last season but will likely play less after the team signed Tyler Flowers during the offseason. His veteran leadership has been helpful for the young Braves, but getting a useful future prospect at midseason would probably be even more helpful for the team.

The Marlins have hopes of competing in 2016, but that's a tall order with the more talented Mets and Nationals in the NL East. Prado has been a versatile and reliable player for several teams over his career and should have a sizable market if the Marlins fall out of contention again.

Ramirez had to settle for a small one-year deal after struggling offensively in 2015. The short-term deal makes him a candidate to be traded by the Padres if and when they fall out of contention.

Ruiz's bat was almost nonexistent last season, hitting only .211-2-22 in 86 games. He's in the final season of a three-year contract and could add a veteran backup option for a contender rather than sticking around Philadelphia's rebuild.

It's unclear if Swisher has anything left after fighting through knee issues over the last two seasons. The Braves have no great use for him, so his baseball future could be determined in spring training.