MLB.com Reveals All-Trade-Rumor Team for 2024 Offseason
As the MLB offseason begins, trade rumors are already swirling around the league. While free agency is always a hot topic, teams are also exploring trades to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. MLB.com has compiled an All-Trade-Rumor Team, highlighting the key players who could be on the move in the coming months.
One player generating a lot of buzz is Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Díaz. The 33-year-old earned his first All-Star selection in 2023 and is entering the final year of his contract. With a thin free-agent market for catchers, the Rockies could look to shop Díaz this offseason, although the buzz factor is currently low.
Another player who could be on the move is New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. The three-time All-Star is entering his walk year, and initial extension talks between Alonso and the Mets have reportedly been far apart. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement, the Mets may choose to trade Alonso rather than risk losing him for a compensatory draft pick next offseason. The buzz factor for Alonso is currently medium.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India is also a potential trade candidate. The Reds have a surplus of young infield talent, and with their focus on acquiring rotation help this offseason, India could be the most sensible trade option. The buzz factor for India is currently medium.
Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Miguel Rojas could be on the move as well. Rojas was thrust into a starting role due to an injury to Gavin Lux, but with Lux set to return in 2024, the Dodgers may look to trade Rojas. However, until Lux is back on the field, Rojas provides valuable insurance for the team. The buzz factor for Rojas is currently low.
Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal is another player who could be traded this offseason. Madrigal is arbitration-eligible and offers great contact hitting and defense at third base. However, the Cubs may choose to move him to address other areas of their roster. The buzz factor for Madrigal is currently low.
The player generating the most trade buzz this offseason is Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto. Soto is one year away from free agency, and it’s highly unlikely that he will sign an extension with the Nationals. The Padres, who acquired Soto in a blockbuster trade in 2022, could opt to move him for prospects to help rebuild their farm system. The buzz factor for Soto is currently high.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander is also a potential trade candidate. Santander is entering his final year of arbitration and is likely to earn a nice raise. With the Orioles having young outfield prospects ready to make an impact, unloading Santander’s salary could free up payroll for pitching investments. The buzz factor for Santander is currently medium.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo could be on the trade block as well. The Red Sox have depth in the outfield, and with Verdugo heading into his final arbitration year, the team may choose to free up an outfield spot and associated payroll by trading him. The buzz factor for Verdugo is currently low.
Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jiménez is another player who could be traded this offseason. Jiménez is owed $13 million in 2024, with club options for 2025 and 2026. While he has great power, injuries have limited his playing time, averaging just 86 games per season since 2021. The White Sox may be willing to move him as part of a major reset. The buzz factor for Jiménez is currently low.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes is a potential trade candidate as well. The Brewers have a history of trading their arbitration-eligible stars as they approach free agency, and Burnes is set to receive a hefty raise after losing his arbitration hearing last year. However, the Brewers’ expectation to compete for the NL Central title could delay any potential trade. The buzz factor for Burnes is currently medium.
Finally, Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar could be on the trade block. Despite being a two-time All-Star, Bednar’s club control and relative cost control make him appealing to other teams. The Pirates may receive calls on Bednar, but the buzz factor for him is currently low.
As the offseason progresses, these players will continue to be the subject of trade rumors. It remains to be seen which teams will make moves to improve their rosters for the 2024 season.MLB Trade Rumors: Potential Trade Candidates for the 2024 Offseason
As the MLB offseason kicks into gear, the focus is often on free agency and the big-name signings that dominate the headlines. However, there is another avenue for teams to improve their rosters: trades. Last winter saw several impactful trades before the Winter Meetings, and this year promises to be no different. MLB.com has compiled a list of potential trade candidates for the 2024 offseason, highlighting key players whose names are likely to be circulating in trade rumors in the coming months.
1. Elias Díaz – Colorado Rockies (Catcher)
Díaz, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2023, could be on the move this offseason. With a thin free-agent catching market, the Rockies might explore trading Díaz to address other needs on their roster. While prospect Drew Romo might not be ready to assume full-time duties, the Rockies could be tempted to shop Díaz.
2. Pete Alonso – New York Mets (First Baseman)
Alonso’s future with the Mets is uncertain, as the two sides appear to be far apart in contract extension talks. If the Mets don’t believe they can re-sign Alonso, they could opt to trade him rather than risk losing him for a compensatory draft pick next offseason. Alonso’s willingness to test free agency next winter makes a trade more likely than an extension.
3. Jonathan India – Cincinnati Reds (Infielder)
The Reds have a surplus of young infield talent, making India a potential trade candidate. If Cincinnati seeks rotation help this offseason, India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, could be the most sensible player to move. With a promising crop of infielders already in the majors and more on the way, the Reds have the depth to make an India trade realistic.
4. Miguel Rojas – Los Angeles Dodgers (Utility Player)
Rojas was thrust into a starting role for the Dodgers due to Gavin Lux’s injury. However, with Lux set to return in 2024, Rojas could be on the move before the season begins. Despite his value as an insurance option, the Dodgers might consider trading Rojas to address other needs on their roster.
5. Nick Madrigal – Chicago Cubs (Infielder)
The Cubs have two arbitration-eligible infielders in Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom. While Madrigal offers better defense and contact hitting, Wisdom’s power makes him an attractive trade chip. Chicago could explore trading one of these infielders to address other areas of their roster.
6. Juan Soto – San Diego Padres (Outfielder)
No player will generate more trade buzz this offseason than Soto. The Padres acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Nationals in 2022, but with Soto set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, San Diego might opt to trade him for prospects to rebuild their farm system. Soto’s caliber as a player makes him a valuable asset for any contender.
7. Anthony Santander – Baltimore Orioles (Outfielder)
Santander is entering his final year of arbitration and is likely to earn a significant raise. With the Orioles having young outfield prospects ready to seize an opportunity in the majors, Baltimore could look to unload Santander’s salary to free up payroll for pitching investments. Santander’s power bat would attract interest from many contenders.
8. Alex Verdugo – Boston Red Sox (Outfielder)
The Red Sox have outfield depth, making Verdugo a potential trade candidate. With other outfielders ready to make an impact, Boston could dangle Verdugo in trade talks to free up an outfield spot and associated payroll. While Verdugo’s numbers might not be overwhelming, his strong strikeout rate and above-average outfield play make him an attractive option.
9. Eloy Jimenez – Chicago White Sox (Outfielder)
The White Sox made several trades last summer, but Jimenez was not moved. However, with club options for 2025 and 2026, a team might be willing to take a chance on him without committing long-term. Jimenez’s power potential makes him an intriguing trade candidate, especially for teams in need of a power hitter.
10. Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers (Pitcher)
The Brewers have a history of trading their arbitration-eligible stars as they approach free agency. While Brandon Woodruff’s shoulder surgery likely takes him off the trade block, Burnes and Willy Adames could be potential trade candidates. Burnes, a three-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young winner, would command a significant return, but Milwaukee’s desire to compete for the NL Central title could delay any potential trade.
11. David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates (Relief Pitcher)
Bednar, a two-time All-Star, is entering the first of three arbitration-eligible years. His club control and relative cost make him appealing to other teams, who might be willing to exchange young, controllable talent for the 29-year-old. While there was talk of Bednar being on the trade block last summer, the Pirates have no urgency to move him unless they receive an offer they can’t refuse.
As the offseason progresses, these players will likely be at the center of trade rumors and speculation. While some trades may materialize, others might not come to fruition. Only time will tell which teams will make bold moves to improve their rosters for the 2024 season.