The MLB offseason has already been filled with blockbuster trades and huge free-agent signings, but the trade rumors that continue to circulate around the biggest names in the sport could signal more change to come.
With stars like first baseman Ryan Howard, starting pitcher Cole Hamels and outfielder Allen Craig all reportedly on the market, the landscape of baseball could drastically shift once again this offseason.
Here are the latest trade rumors surrounding the biggest names in baseball.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard started his career as one of the best sluggers in the league, but injuries over the last several years have resulted in lackluster play from the 35-year-old veteran.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Philadelphia is trying desperately to move the high-priced hitter:
The Phillies are trying to get teams interested in Howard, and a team source indicated they are willing to pay a great majority of his contract to move him. Howard, who hit 23 home runs and knocked in 95 runs last season, is owed $60 million between 2015 and ’17, which includes a buyout. The Phillies are trying to sell him as a DH. The Rays and Orioles could have needs in that area.
Howard’s first dip in production came during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, but he was staying healthy enough to be a contributing factor during the regular season and into the playoffs. The veteran suffered a serious Achilles injury at the end of 2011 and hasn’t been the same since.
The player who hit 48 home runs during the 2008 season has hit a combined 48 home runs over the last three seasons. With the franchise owing him $60 million over the next three years, there is no doubt that the Phillies should be looking to trade Howard.
Philadelphia wouldn’t get a great return if a team bites on Howard, but the franchise would free up money for the rebuilding process.
Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies must begin the rebuilding process this offseason and trade away the majority of the veterans who still hold any real value.
One of the names garnering the most attention is starting pitcher Cole Hamels.
In the same report from Cafardo, Hamels is drawing serious interest from teams around the league, giving the Phillies a chance to restock the farm system if it turns into a bidding war:
The Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, and Rangers are interested in Hamels. The sleeper team is the aggressive Astros. The Giants may be in if they can’t get James Shields. The feeling has been that if the Red Sox would pick up Hamels’s 2019 option at $20 million, he would waive his no-trade. The five years remaining on Hamels’s deal would be worth $110 million. Would he want an extension beyond that to OK a trade?
Unlike Howard, Hamels is still very dangerous as one of the top starting pitchers in the National League. The left-handed starter has been a staple of Philadelphia’s starting rotation since 2006 and a versatile player who has avoided major injury.
Add in the ability of Hamels to play well in the postseason over the course of his career, and there will be several teams willing to overpay for a player who can make a real difference.
The Phillies must make this deal now to get the most out of a possible trade.
With the time to negotiate details and maximize the return, dealing Hamels in the offseason would allow the franchise to enter the regular season without the impending trade hanging over Hamels’ head and affecting his work.
Allen Craig, RF, Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox outfielder Allen Craig became a star with the St. Louis Cardinals over the first four years of his career, but he suffered multiple foot injuries and has struggled over the last season before being traded midway through the year to the Boston Red Sox.
According to Richard Justice of MLB.com, the Red Sox have listened to offers for Craig.
“Boston general manager Ben Cherington has listened on Craig, but he shown no strong willingness to trade him. Cherington may be reluctant to trade Craig at a time when his value probably is lower,” he wrote.
Craig played in 126 games with the Cardinals and Red Sox during the 2014 season, but only managed to hit a combined .215 batting average, eight home runs and 46 RBIs. His numbers are way down, but at 30 years old, he still has the potential to return to elite form with the proper recovery from his foot injuries.
What makes Craig such a commodity is his ability in the postseason. With the Cardinals, Craig was a major piece to the puzzle and one of the most reliable players in the lineup during St. Louis’ run as a perennial contender.
Any team looking for depth in the outfield and a reliable player at the back end of the lineup should consider giving the Red Sox a call about acquiring Craig for a lower asking price.
Stats via MLB.com.
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