Ten candidates to be traded from here to training

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a number of players come out of free agency. Overall, contracts have been signed with a combined value of more than US$3 billion.

On Tuesday night, Puerto Rican Carlos Correa became the latest star to reach an agreement; with a mega pact of 13 years and US$350 million with the Giants. And on Thursday, Carlos Rodón agreed to a six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees.

But there are still several big name players left to sign, Dansby Swanson and Andrew Benintendi. But while they continue to search for their next destination, several teams in the league are now focusing on the trade market.

Here are 10 potential trade candidates who could be moved between now and Opening Day. The players are listed in alphabetical order.

Bobby Dalbec, 1B, Red Sox

With Eric Hosmer and the club’s second-best prospect, Triston Casas, ahead of him at first base, Dalbec doesn’t have a clear job in Boston. The 27-year-old slugger had a solid 2021 (25 homers, .792 OPS), but he hit just 12 homers with a .652 OPS in 117 games in 2022. Tampa Bay is a club that seems to be showing interest.

Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox

After losing Xander Bogaerts to free agency, the Red Sox are beginning to feel more pressure to agree to a contract extension with the Dominican. Devers is said to be seeking more than $300 million, according to a source. Boston hasn’t reached that number in its latest offers.

Will Boston have learned its lesson after the outcome with Bogaerts? If talks between Devers and the club fall through, the Red Sox could try to trade him with a year remaining in contractual control, before risking losing him for nothing more than compensation in the Amateur Draft.

Chris Flexen, RHP, Mariners

The Mariners have plenty of pitching depth with Robbie Ray, Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Marco Gonzales, George Kirby and prospect Emerson Hancock. Seattle is unlikely to enter the market for a heavyweight free agent, so the best way to fill some gaps will be with a trade — GM Jerry Dipoto’s specialty.

Liam Hendricks, RHP, Red Sox

The White Sox have gotten a lot of calls for their stellar closer. While Chicago isn’t openly negotiating a trade for Hendricks, there’s a real chance it could happen. The club could try to bolster its corner outfield, second base and rotation. Hendricks has a clause that allows him to veto trades to five unnamed teams.

Danny Jansen, C, Blue Jays

Now that Willson Contreras, Christian Vázquez and Mike Zunino have signed–and the Braves have traded for Sean Murphy–the focus on catching now falls on Toronto, with a Blue Jays that have three strong career cards on their roster. . Jansen seems the most likely for a possible trade, although the club could opt to part with Venezuelan Gabriel Moreno or Mexican Alejandro Kirk for an indicated price. The Rays, D-backs, Astros, Red Sox and Cubs are some of the teams looking to improve the position.

Pablo Lopez, RHP, Marlins

Lopez was a popular name at last trade deadline, and that was before reaching a career high of 180 innings pitched. It is unlikely that the Marlins will offer the Venezuelan a contract extension. If Miami can trade López for a solid bat — like fellow Venezuelan Luis Arráez’s, for example — it’s very possible that a trade will come together. López will be under contractual control until the end of 2024.

Bryan Reynolds, OF, Pirates

Shortly before the Winter Meetings, Reynolds asked to be traded from Pittsburgh. That doesn’t mean he’s going to be traded between now and Opening Day; sources indicate that the price the Pirates are asking is understandably high. Reynolds has hit 51 home runs with 152 RBIs and has an .861 OPS in 304 games since the start of 2021. Additionally, he will be under contract control through the end of 2025.

The Dominican has been named to the All-Star Game in the last two seasons and will be under contractual control of the club until the end of 2025, which makes him a very attractive player for many teams. Given the toll relievers have taken this winter, Soto could land a nice return package for the Tigers if the club decides to trade him.

Gleyber Torres, 2B, Yankees

Assuming Oswald Peraza and/or Anthony Volpe get a chance with the Yankees next spring, the team will be overcrowded with infield players. Torres is one season away from free agency and is set to earn at least $9 million in his final year of arbitration. The Yankees are looking for a starting pitcher and maybe another piece for their bullpen. With that in mind, Torres could be traded to free up some roster space. DJ LeMahieu could take over at second base, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Volpe, Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera would take turns at shortstop.

Daulton Varsho, OF, D-backs

Arizona acquired Kyle Lewis last month, adding a much-needed right-handed hitter to its outfield. With four left-handed-hitting outfielders — Varsho, Jake McCarthy, Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll — on the roster, the D-backs could try to trade one of them to find a right-handed hitter for the infield. Varsho has already drawn some interest, including from the Astros.