Nine MLB trades we'd like to see this winter

While much of the attention of the MLB offseason has been given to the next destinations for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, there are plenty of other moves that could be made that would feature some of the game’s most exciting talents — who are still under contract.

Headline trades can ultimately shape the direction of an offseason as much, if not more, than free agency does. Plenty of big names could be on the move this winter, some of whom could change the course of not only next summer but also years to come.

What is to follow is a series of connect the dots: educated guesses on what it would take to complete blockbuster trades. Some of these players could be traded, while some may not be much more than subjects of rumors at best. Either way, here’s a bit of fuel for the hot stove.

1. Miami Marlins trade C J.T. Realmuto to the Boston Red Sox for 3B Michael Chavis, C/INF Blake Swihart, RHP Tanner Houck and OF Tyler Esplin

The most talked about — and inevitable — trade chip of the winter is Realmuto, who has been looking to escape Miami for a year now. With no less than half of the majors needing an upgrade of his caliber behind the plate, including some of the game’s top teams, Realmuto could ultimately command more in return via trade than even his more notable former teammates. Of the many teams that could use an upgrade behind the dish, it is none other than the recently crowned champs in Boston, who could afford to move most aggressively in adding Realmuto to its fold. Owning several emerging prospects and young talents who may not have homes on their roster, the Red Sox can afford to outbid any other team that approaches Derek Jeter and Co. — if they chose to.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks trade 1B Paul Goldschmidt to the Anaheim Angels for OF Jo Adell and RHP Chris Rodriguez 

For the first time, the Diamondbacks are reportedly considering moving Goldschmidt, who recently had the final option year of his deal picked up by the team. Beyond that no-brainer of a formality, anything could be on the table, as a decision to move Goldschmidt would signal a full-on rebuilding effort.

The Angels are in a position where they must move urgently to make the most of their final few guaranteed years with Mike Trout in tow. With massive need at first base and the financial muscle to re-sign Goldschmidt to a long-term deal following the year, engaging on such a blockbuster deal would be in their best interest — even if it comes at the cost of their top prospect (and potential Trout-heir) in Adell.

3. Chicago White Sox trade 1B Jose Abreu and RHP Nate Jones to the Colorado Rockies for 3B Colton Welker and RHP Peter Lambert 

With the White Sox rebuilding process taking a bit longer to come together than anticipated after a 100-loss 2018, they may be more compelled to part with long-time cornerstone Abreu this winter.

The Rockies happen to have the parts to make the deal happen, both in both Welker, who is blocked behind Nolan Arenado at third base, and an emerging talent on the mound in Lambert.

Coming off a second consecutive Silver Slugger and headed into the final year of his contract, Abreu is a peak candidate to be moved for the White Sox team that is still years away from re-entering the pennant chase in the AL Central.

4. Cleveland Indians trade RHP Trevor Bauer to the Milwaukee Brewers for OF Domingo Santana, OF Corey Ray and RHP Caden Lemons

The Brewers have been among baseball’s most aggressive teams over the past two years, and the returns have been undeniably positive. After coming within inches of their first World Series in 35 years, it is highly improbable that general manager David Stearns and Co. will put their foot on the brake now.

With the Indians open to retooling, making a splash of a deal to land one of their top arms would be a major move for the Brewers to keep pace in the competitive race among themselves, the Cardinals and Cubs. The savvy Brewers management would be well served to not look past upgrading their starting staff again and make a true push for Bauer or one of the other Tribe arms available.

5. Seattle Mariners trade LHP James Paxton to the New York Yankees for OF Clint Frazier, RHP Chance Adams and RHP Albert Abreu

The Mariners (potentially) entering the blockbuster trade market as suppliers puts several intriguing talents into play. The most sought after of the group could be Paxton, one of the game’s most undeniably talented southpaws who would represent an immediate boost to a Yankee rotation that needs it. The decision to deal in that market could ultimately come down to whether they decide to use their money elsewhere (Machado, Harper perhaps) and use their talent capital elsewhere. If that is the case, Frazier and Adams would represent a big spend for a valuable return.

6. Chicago Cubs trade OF/2B Ian Happ to the Oakland A’s for OF Dustin Fowler and RHP Grant Holmes

While Happ offers versatility to the Cubs' roster, he also is slightly redundant for a Cubs team that features both Albert Almora and Javy Baez in similar capacities. Happ would immediately become a useful part of an A’s team that could deploy his talents in either center field or at second base if they opt to move on from Jed Lowrie and/or take more time with Franklin Barreto.

Meanwhile, the cost of Fowler and Holmes could be seen as steep but worthwhile, considering both are expendable at their specific positions in the Oakland organization.

7. San Diego Padres trade 1B/OF Wil Myers to the Anaheim Angels for 3B/SS Zack Cozart

The Padres will be beginning a face-lift in 2019, as they phase in many of the impressive prospects whom the organization has birthed over the past few years. To best begin that process, moving out a misfit part in Myers would do some good. After being muscled out of the outfield and displaced from first base by Eric Hosmer, there is no clear fit for him in the San Diego lineup. Meanwhile, the Angels could immediately plug Myers in at first base and could offer up the final year of Cozart’s contract as a versatile veteran transition presence for the Padres infield.

8. Atlanta Braves trade CF Ender Inciarte to the San Francisco Giants for RHP Logan Webb

The Braves need to make room for Ronald Acuna to move to center field and have a Gold Glove trade chip to leverage in Inciarte. Moving Acuna to center will make room not only for the Braves to re-sign Nick Markakis but also to investigate adding more power to the outfield.

9. Cincinnati Reds trade CF Billy Hamilton to the Cleveland Indians for LHP Rob Kaminsky

A move for Hamilton makes sense, albeit not a very far one. The Indians have regularly auditioned different options at the heart of their outfield, going as far back as their World Series run of three years ago. While Hamilton has never fully developed at the plate, he would be a perfect fit in the spacious outfield of Progressive Field and a blessing to Cleveland's pitching-first approach. Meanwhile, the left-handed Kaminsky has an upside to help in either the front or back end of the Reds' pitching staff as soon as next year.