Rumors: 5 stars that would be available

In the 2020-21 offseason, we saw big names traded, including Puerto Rican Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado, Yu Darvish and Blake Snell. Last winter, it was Mookie Betts who changed his uniform. While we can’t imagine any such player being traded in the next few months, here are some interesting candidates.

In an ESPN + note (subscription required), Jeff Passan named Twins center patrolman Byron Buxton, Venezuelan catcher Willson Contreras, Brewers closer Josh Hader, D-backs second baseman / center fielder and Ketel Marte and A’s first baseman Matt Olson as the top players who could be traded in the winter.

Here are some of the reasons we might see these five players with a new team in the coming weeks.

Buxton: Minnesota tried to agree to a contract extension with Buxton over the summer, but both parties could not reach an agreement. The gunner is entering his final year of refereeing eligibility and is coming off another injury-plagued season. However, he posted a .306 batting average with 19 home runs and a 1,005 OPS, with 4.5 wins over replacement (WAR) in just 61 games. Buxton is one of the best central patrols available in the game. In a free market that lacks center fielders, beyond Starling Marte and Chris Taylor, Buxton’s option could be interesting.

Contreras: The Cubs traded Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Puerto Rican Javier Báez in the months leading up to their free agencies after failing to reach contract extension agreements. Contreras could enter the free market next year. This year’s free agent mask class is not very strong, after Salvador Pérez and Travis d’Arnaud agreed to new contracts. Chicago could take advantage of that and trade Contreras, especially if they can’t reach an extension agreement with the Venezuelan.

Hader: The southpaw was better than ever in 2021 and is just 27 years old. However, he is close to free agency (two years) and is increasing in value each time in arbitration. It’s no secret that Milwaukee has been hearing offers for the flamethrower in recent years, but the club price has been reported to be too high. Can any club live up to the Brewers’ expectations this offseason?

Mars: The D-backs have the Dominican earning US $ 8 million as base salary in 2022 and have club options for 2023 for US $ 10 million (US $ 1 million compensation) and US $ 12 million (US $ 1.5 compensation) for 2024, so the club will not be in any hurry to change it. But the ambidextrous just turned 28 and Arizona could be the team in the majors furthest from competing. Mars has an OPS + of 139 since the beginning of 2019 and can be used in multiple positions. Add all of that to a friendly contract and Arizona could receive great value for it.

Olson: The left-handed gunner is coming off a breakout season in which he spliced ​​39 home runs, drove in 111 runs, scored 101 streaks, received 88 walks, struck out just 113 times and had a .911 OPS in 673 plate appearances. He has won two Golden Gloves at first base. He’s a mainstay of the Athletics, but a small-market club must always think ahead and Olson is two years away from seeking a big deal.