If the early stages of the MLB offseason are any indication of the types of players we’ll hear on the rumor mill over the next few months, then we’re in for a wild winter.
While not every rumored name will be moved, it’s likely some top-of-the-line players will be switching teams. These impact bats will cost a small fortune. That said, a number of teams will line up to acquire their production.
Which players are dominating the talk of the early offseason? Below are three we already need to be on the lookout for.
The Colorado Rockies had not shown a willingness to deal franchise cornerstone Troy Tulowitzki, but Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that their stance on the matter has changed:
For the first time, the Colorado Rockies sound willing to trade shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and/or outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
The Rockies are telling clubs they are keeping their ‘eyes and ears open’ for potential deals involving both players, according to major-league sources.
Tulo is one of the best bats available, but he doesn’t come without risk. The shortstop has played fewer than 100 games in two of the past three seasons, suggesting his future may not be at the position he has played since his rookie campaign in 2006.
His strong arm would translate well to third base, but he might not be receptive to a shift in position.
Teams acquiring the 30-year-old must assess the risk of injury along with the length of his current contract. It doesn’t expire until after the 2020 season, but his team also owns a $15 million option for 2021. That’s a long time for a shortstop with an extensive injury history.
The Rockies are seeking “returns that would reflect their [Tulo’s and Carlos Gonzalez’s] contributions when healthy,” Rosenthal writes, so it might not be easy to find a suitor.
Colorado would presumably ask for an MLB-ready pitcher, along with a handful of top prospects and salary relief. That’s a lot to give up for an injury-prone middle infielder.
Josh Donaldson
Offense was the problem for the Oakland Athletics in the second half, so one would imagine the front office will make a concerted effort to improve the lineup to balance out the strong pitching.
Rosenthal reinforces that idea in another report: “The Oakland Athletics do not plan to trade third baseman Josh Donaldson, according to major league sources.”
Donaldson is both a strong defender and a potent offensive weapon, as evidenced by his plethora of web gems and his 29 home runs during the regular season. He isn’t just a power threat, as the soon-to-be 29-year-old also drove in 98 runs during the regular season.
The man they call “Bringer of Rain” would presumably command a nice return for the A’s. Oakland is, of course, notorious for trading its top assets and bringing in younger, cheaper and more controllable talent.
That time may come with Donaldson, but he won’t be a free agent until after the 2019 season. Arbitration will hike up his salary year after year, assuming he stays healthy and produces, but those numbers are ones the team will likely be able to fit into their payroll.
This is a situation to revisit after the 2018 season, when his upcoming free agency begins to worry the organization. For now, Donaldson will be an Athletic.
Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick, 31, has been one of the most consistent second basemen since he entered the league in 2006. The Los Angeles Angel has combined solid defense, a high OPS and decent run production for a middle infielder over the course of his career.
That makes him an attractive option for other teams.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet reports that the Toronto Blue Jays are one team that has already checked in on the one-time All-Star: “Howie Kendrick is definitely worth monitoring, as the Blue Jays have placed multiple calls on his availability this year.”
Of course, Nicholson-Smith later tweeted about the four teams Kendrick can block a trade to given his no-trade clause:
Oh, look—Toronto is on the list.
That doesn’t mean the Blue Jays don’t have a shot at him, though. They aren’t that far from contending, making them an attractive team to play for.
Big bats such as Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are enough to drive the lineup (an improved Jose Reyes would help as well), and pitchers such as R.A. Dickey and Marcus Stroman, while not superb, are certainly enough to compete in the American League East.
It would be best for the Jays to go after some extra pitching this offseason as well, but acquiring Kendrick would be a wonderful step toward consistency.
Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com