In a way-too-early look at offseason MLB rumors, here are three dark horse candidates to be traded this winter — and the favorites to land them.
In my last early MLB offseason preview, I speculated that star first baseman Pete Alonso, outfielder Alek Thomas and right-hander Corbin Burnes could all be trade candidates.
But they will not be alone. Here are three more offseason trade candidates, along with potential favorites to acquire each player.
MLB offseason trade candidate: Willy Adames, Milwaukee Brewers
In the offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers received plenty of trade interest in star shortstop Willy Adames but made it clear that they had no intention of trading him.
Adames, 27, is a free agent after the 2024 season. He is an immensely talented player who has hit at least 18 home runs in each of his last four seasons, including 31 last season. This season, however, has been a struggle — he's hitting a mere .202/.287/.383 with a .670 OPS — and his 83 OPS+ would be the second-lowest of his career.
If the Brewers traded Adames in the offseason, they would be selling low on one of the best young shortstops in baseball. Other teams surely think the same and could attempt to add him at a bargain rate, though it's possible that the Brewers explore an extension as Corbin Burnes could be priced out of their budget.
Potential fit: Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB offseason trade candidate: Dylan Cease, Chicago White Sox
At the trade deadline, the Chicago White Sox received strong late interest in right-hander Dylan Cease. Ultimately, however, no offers came in that were enticing enough to accept.
But an offseason trade is a possibility and considering that Cease has two seasons remaining on his contract, it could net the White Sox — a team clearly rebuilding — a monster haul of prospects. And it's something that they absolutely should explore.
Of course, Cease is having a bit of a down 2023 season as his 4.42 ERA is the second-highest of his career. But there is no doubting his resume, as he has posted consecutive seasons with at least 226 strikeouts, and has been the unquestioned ace of the White Sox's rotation. He would assume that role for most teams around the league, too.
If the White Sox do make him available, there will be massive interest.
Potential fit: Baltimore Orioles
MLB offseason trade candidate: Juan Soto, San Diego Padres
Let me preface with this: This is really, really, really unlikely.
The Padres have shown no willingness to move Soto in trade talks and have proven time and time again that they want to compete. Their general manager, A.J. Preller, long coveted Soto and acquired him with the vision of three postseason runs with the star outfielder before he becomes a free agent in 2024.
Last season, the Padres made it to the National League Championship Series. This season, they appear on the verge of missing the postseason altogether. Next year will be Soto's final contract before he becomes a free agent and considering that he turned down a $440 million contract extension that included no deferred money, it's unimaginable that Preller and Soto come together on a long-term pact.
Perhaps that could force Preller and the front office to explore a trade that would recoup some of the prospects that they dealt to acquire Soto in the summer of 2022. But that's unlikely, and there is every reason to believe that he opens the 2024 season in San Diego.
Potential fit: Everyone in baseball