Most likely MLB players to be traded in 2016

The A's have the tall task of competing in the loaded American League, and the team has top first base prospect Matt Olson behind Alonso. If Alonso can stay healthy, Oakland should have a market for him.

Aybar is a placeholder for 2015 No. 1 overall draft choice Dansby Swanson, and the hotshot prospect's time could come this year. It doesn't help that Aybar is a pending free agent on a rebuilding team.

Braun is signed through 2020 on a contract that handicaps a small-market franchise like the Brewers. If he's able to stay healthy, the Brewers should be able to find a taker.

Bruce was already traded to Toronto this offseason, but a failed physical by a prospect botched the trade. In the final year of his contract, the rebuilding Reds would love to move him.

Coghlan is a good fit for a utility role and should fetch some value if the A's fall out of contention. He's making a reasonable $4.8 million salary in his walk year.

The Mets signed De Aza to a one-year deal prior to bringing back Yoenis Cespedes. If De Aza can show that he has something left, there should be plenty of interested teams.

De La Rosa is one of the few pitchers who has found consistent success in Colorado, but that doesn't make the Rockies averse to moving the lefty in his walk year.

Duvall is a minor league veteran serving in a platoon role for the Reds and could find significant at-bats. If successful, the Reds would probably love to get a prospect for him.

Grilli enters the year healthy after suffering an Achilles injury last season, and he looked good in spring training. With closing experience, the rebuilding Braves should be able to get a quality prospect for him.

Hanigan is a fine defensive backup catcher, but he's blocking fellow defensive whiz Christian Vazquez. A competing team, perhaps in the NL, should find him valuable.

Hernandez is tried as Philadelphia's closer on a one-year deal. Returning from Tommy John surgery, Hernandez could really have some value for the rebuilding Phillies.

Hill signed a one-year deal to start for the A's, while many other teams probably wanted him in relief due to his history of poor control. He's had a long and winding career and should have some versatility for a contender if the A's don't remain competitive.

The Phils have threatened Howard's playing time if he's not producing this year. If he does produce, maybe they'll finally be able to rid themselves of his outrageous contract that ends at the end of 2016.

Jay will be San Diego's leadoff man following a hot spring, showing that his wrist is finally healthy after offseason surgery last year. A career .287 hitter, Jay will have plenty of trade value for the rebuilding Padres if he rebounds.

Lucroy requested a trade this offseason, but the Brewers would be selling low after last season's injuries. If Lucroy is able to build up his value again, he should garner plenty of trade interest.

The A's would like to sign Reddick to an extension as he heads toward free agency next offseason. If they fail, he's certainly a trade target after one of his best seasons in 2015.

Reyes likely faces a lengthy suspension, even after his case for domestic abuse was dismissed. After that point, the Rockies could decide to go in another direction with young Trevor Story manning shortstop. Moving Reyes' contract would certainly require Colorado to pick up some of the tab.

Rodney got back on track late last season with the Cubs, and the Padres are hopeful he can remain effective as their closer. If so, he's a hot trade candidate on a team that's unlikely to compete in the NL West.

Ruiz remains Philadelphia's starting catcher, but he's entering the last year of his contract and blocking top prospects Andrew Knapp and Jorge Alfaro. Moving him would be a no-brainer if he can hit better than he did last season (.211).

Sandoval is only in the second year of a five-year, $95 million contract, and he's already been benched by the Red Sox. Boston would likely have to swallow much of the contract to move him, but it could happen if he becomes a distraction.

Shields was mentioned in trade rumors in the first year of his four-year deal, and he was also mentioned this spring. He remains one of the most durable pitchers in the game, but his 3.91 ERA in San Diego last season was a huge disappointment and the team is unlikely to be competitive.

Simon signed a one-year deal in spring training as the Reds desperately search for innings. He had a 5.05 ERA last season but could rebuild his trade value for the Reds.

Soto has been an adequate backup catcher in recent seasons and would be a low-risk trade addition headed for free agency after this season. The Angels need plenty of help to compete given their pitching woes, so it's a likely scenario.

Valencia could be in line for a huge paycheck after 2016 if his improvement from last season continues. That's a concern for the A's, and they have top prospect Matt Chapman not too far away.

Baltimore will need to pitch in order to hold up in the AL East, and it remains to be seen if the team's rotation capable. If not, Wieters will be a hot trade commodity as a good all-around catcher in a walk year.