The MLB trade market could be heating up again and names like Seth Smith, Ben Zobrist, Nick Swisher, Wil Myers and Cole Hamels could be potential targets for teams heading into 2015, including the Seattle Mariners, NY Yankees, Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and LA Dodgers and those are some players to keep an eye on into the New Year.
The trade talk has cooled since the winter meetings and now things could pick up as the calendar moves into 2015. The Padres appear to be willing to trade one of their near dozen outfielders and that includes both Smith and Myers. The team just acquired Myers, so it's likely he doesn't get traded, while Smith has interest from the Giants and the Seattle Mariners. According to Hardball Talk, the Mariners are interested in Smith, as they still are in dire need of outfield help.
Smith could be a solid platoon with Justin Ruggiano and that would also give the team a solid backup for Dustin Ackley if he struggles. The Mariners missed the playoffs by just one game last season and many expect the team to make one more move heading into the 2015 season. Zobrist also has been mentioned as a potential target, but the Mariners have not been willing to give up a top prospect in any deal with the Rays. The Giants have reportedly been looking into Zobrist as well and they could be an option for the Rays if they make a deal.
The San Diego Padres have looked into a Cole Hamels deal and that comes after a busy offseason, as they already brought in Myers, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. Smith is sort of expendable after all of those moves and he could be a solid option for the Mariners. Smith has a contract through 2016 and he will have a $7 million team option for the 2017 season. Smith had 12 home runs last season and hit .266 in 136 games for the Padres last season and one reason they may keep him is because they do not have many left handed hitters in the outfield.
Nori Aoki, Colby Rasmus and Mike Carp are left on the free agent market and that is one reason why teams have started looking at trade options. Zobrist is a great option for teams looking for flexibility, as he can play all over the field, including in the outfield and infield. The 34 year old may be a target at the trade deadline if he isn't moved now, but he should be targeted, as he is a switch hitter and only costs $7.5 million next year.
Zobrist has been a valuable player when looking at WAR and production and he comes in after putting up a .270 average, 15 home runs and 70 RBIs. Swisher is now a trade target after the Indians acquired Brandon Moss and he could be an option for the Yankees or the Giants. Swisher had a tough season while hitting just .208 with 42 RBIs and eight home runs, so teams likely would try and buy low on him. Some major names like Carlos Gonzalez or Josh Hamilton could be had in deals, but those are unlikely at this point.