The MLB offseason is officially underway, and some moves are already being made. Teams are signing free agents, letting some players go, and the rumor mill is already spinning with free agent interest and news. It’s a long wait til baseball season is back, and players come and go in the offseason. Here’s a look at five players who could be traded before the 2014 season.
1. Matt Kemp, Outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kemp is currently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that could quickly change. The 29-year-old has been less than productive over the last two seasons for the Dodgers as he’s struggled with injury. He had a remarkable 2011 season, but hasn’t been able to follow up such a performance. The Dodgers won their division and pushed six games in the NLCS this year despite only getting Kemp in 73 games. LA has Yasiel Puig, who has shown he’s pretty good in the field and at the plate. They also have Carl Crawford signed to long term contract, as is fellow outfielder Andre Ethier. The Dodgers are also trying to lock up ace Clayton Kershaw, which will call for quite a bit of money.
Kemp’s $160 million contract expires at the end of the 2019 season, but there are many teams who could afford such money for a player like Kemp. The Dodgers are stacked with good outfielders, but can only play three. The fact that Kemp has missed a lot of time for the Dodgers makes him trade bait. He’s a talented player who would draw a lot of interest. The Dodgers did well without him, and could trade him for some more depth on their roster, while cutting some of their salary.
2. David Price, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
Some were surprised when the Tampa Bay Rays traded James Shields, but in return they got Wil Myers which seems to have worked out well for the Rays. Price is an ace and would draw a lot of interest from big money teams. The Rays aren’t a rich team by any means and they wouldn’t be able to compete with teams to sign Price when he is a free agent in two years. He also qualifies for two raises before his contract is up.
The Cy Young winner is young and could greatly help many teams next year. The Rays have payroll limitations and simply won’t be able to hold on to Price in the long run. They can get quite a bit for Price and continue their winning ways with their fairly strong rotation. Trading Price now would also be a bargain for the team making the trade as it won’t cost nearly as much as it will to acquire him via free agency.
3. Howie Kendrick, Second Base, Los Angeles Angeles
The Angels are putting Kendrick on the trading block, and while he may not be an “MLB star” he has a lot of value and could benefit teams looking for a middle infielder. He’s a good second baseman with a reliable glove and doesn’t do horribly at the plate.
The Angels are coming off another disappointing season and need a bit of depth, especially in the pitching department. Trading Kendrick would give them just that and it wouldn’t cost either team involved too much.
4. Brandon Phillips, Second Base, Cincinnati Reds
Phillips had a down season last year for the Cincinnati Reds and had some problems with the organization as well. His batting average took a hit last season, but he’s one of the most known in the game and is a good career hitter with impeccable defense.
Phillips has four years left on his contract, and a trade would clear up some salary space for the Reds. Many teams are in need of a second baseman and despite his down 2013 season, Phillips would draw some interest and would improve contending teams in need of a solid middle infielder.
5. David Freese, Third Base, St. Louis Cardinals
After the 2011 World Series everyone knew about David Freese and his remarkable clutch performance that helped the St. Louis Cardinals win it all. Now, its been reported, that the Cardinals are looking to trade him.
Freese doesn’t demand a lot of money, nor will he clear a big chunk in the team's salary, but it may just be time for them to move on. Freese has struggled with injuries and playing a full season has been a battle for him his whole career. He’s 30-years-old now and there’s no doubt what he can do when healthy, but that’s the concern with him.
The Cardinals wouldn’t get too much for Freese, but they could get something for a player who is of value. Freese would draw interest and there are plenty of teams that could use him on their roster.