The frenzy of Major League Baseball’s trade deadline concluded on August 1st, witnessing significant player movements like Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Lucas Giolito changing teams. Amidst all the excitement, Shohei Ohtani’s future remained uncertain, with many speculating about potential trades. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Angels decided against trading their star player, despite his approaching free agency. Only time will tell if this decision proves beneficial or if they’ll be rewarded with a playoff berth or a new long-term contract.
For those who enjoyed the thrill of Ohtani speculation and the actual trades involving star players, there’s good news. Baseball offers a continuous cycle, and it won’t be long before another exciting feeding frenzy begins anew. This is one of the aspects that make MLB so captivating for many fans.
Looking ahead, CBS Sports has identified five stars who could potentially be on the move next. It’s important to note that this analysis is more about interpreting possibilities rather than being an exact science. Below, we’ve provided reasons for why each of these players might surface in trade rumors as early as this winter. The players are ranked based on their perceived availability.
Let’s dive into it and see what the future holds for potential trade scenarios in MLB.
Juan Soto, Outfielder, Padres
There’s no denying it – the Padres’ performance has been underwhelming. Moreover, recent rumors have surfaced, indicating that San Diego is unlikely to sign Soto to a long-term contract, potentially leading to his departure as a free agent in winter 2024. Given these circumstances, it’s only natural for the team to assess his trade value this offseason.
Soto continues to be an exceptional hitter, showcasing a keen eye and consistently making solid contact, although often resulting in singles and doubles rather than home runs due to lower launch angles. While his fielding might not be as valuable, it’s highly probable that he will transition to the designated hitter (DH) position in the near future.
Despite the potential DH transition, it is unlikely to impact the trade talks this offseason. If the Padres decide to seriously consider moving Soto, numerous teams are sure to line up as potential suitors, eager to add a high-impact bat at the top of their lineup for the upcoming season. Despite this, Juan Soto continues to prepare for the upcoming matches.
Corbin Burnes, Right-Handed Pitcher, Brewers
Corbin Burnes is the first of three Brewers players featured on this list, all of whom are set to become free agents in winter 2024. Burnes takes the top spot due to his previous public dispute with the team over the arbitration process, which impacted their relationship.
Although there might have been a reconciliation between Burnes and the Brewers, it appears unlikely that they are in it for the long term. Burnes has been one of the game’s premier starting pitchers since 2020. Barring any unexpected setbacks, he is poised to command a massive free-agent contract, a type of deal that franchises like Milwaukee seldom offer.
Tyler Glasnow, Right-Handed Pitcher, Rays
Tyler Glasnow is an exceptional talent, with the potential to be a Cy Young Award winner if he can manage to stay on the mound for an entire season. Unfortunately, injuries have significantly hampered his availability in recent years, including a Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022 campaign.
Last August, the Rays signed Glasnow to a two-year contract extension, which granted them team control until 2024, at a cost of $25 million. For a franchise like Tampa Bay, known for adhering to budget restraints imposed by ownership, this is a substantial financial commitment. Interestingly, the Rays already have more money allocated for their 2024 payroll compared to 2023, even before considering arbitration expenses or additional player acquisitions. (Notably, players like Randy Arozarena, who could have made this list, will be among those receiving raises.)
Tampa Bay’s front office had previously discussed potential trades involving Glasnow before signing the extension, which is not uncommon as teams frequently explore various scenarios for player movement. This winter, we anticipate those discussions will be reignited with greater urgency.
Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians
Whatever possibility there was of the Guardians moving Bieber at the deadline was erased when he was placed on the injured list with an elbow injury. That’s a tough break for a Guardians front office who was able to move Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger in recent years before they suffered major injuries.
Bieber’s value was already difficult to pin down. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner has already shown markable decline in two important respects: fastball velocity and strikeout rate. That decay makes it difficult to see him regaining his ace status, even if he proves able to maintain an above-average ERA if and when he returns to the mound.
Keep in mind Bieber will be a free agent come winter 2024, meaning time is running low in two respects as it pertains to them moving him for good value.
Brandon Woodruff, Right-Handed Pitcher, Brewers
Brandon Woodruff has been a subject of trade rumors in the past, and it is likely that these speculations will resurface this winter since he will be just a year away from entering free agency.
However, the remainder of the season holds significant importance for both Woodruff and the Brewers. It will be crucial for him to demonstrate his health and re-establish his value on the field. Missing most of the current campaign due to a shoulder strain, Woodruff needs to prove that he can perform at the same high level he displayed before the injury. With two All-Star Game appearances and a top-five finish in the Cy Young Award balloting to his credit, he has shown the potential to be a well-above-average starter.
For the Milwaukee Brewers, the upcoming year poses a series of difficult decisions, with Woodruff’s future and potential trade considerations among them.
