The MLB offseason is here and that means trade rumors and this year names like Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Howard, Alex Gordon, David Freese, Howie Kendrick and Yoenis Cespedes could be on the trading block and teams like the LA Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels could be involved in making moves.
The Royals are a team to watch this offseason, as they made a run to the World Series, but they likely will lose James Shields and may need to make some moves to stay relevant. Players like Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas are coming up to free agency and with Billy Butler leaving, there will be some tough decisions. The team may make some trades and both Greg Holland and Gordon have come up in rumors already with the offseason just beginning.
According to ESPN.com writer David Schoenfield, the Rockies may look at trading Carlos Gonzalez this offseason and he gleaned that from the move Colorado made on Michael Cuddyer. The team extended him a qualifying offer and that could open things up for the Rockies, as that was an unexpected surprise in the offseason that he was extended an offer. The team is likely expecting him to return and that could lead to a deal for Gonzalez.
While Gonzalez was banged up this year, he could be a prime trade candidate for the Mets, Mariners or Cubs. Last season he played in 70 games and comes in at a career clip of just under .300 for his batting average. Gonzalez will cost a bit with $16.4 million, $17.4 million and $20.4 million salaries over the next few years, but he is in his prime and would be a huge get for any team. The Yankees may also look at Troy Tulowitzki and while he costs a ton as well, he could replace Derek Jeter. Tulo is injury prone and he comes in after playing in 91 games last season, but he did hit .340 with 21 home runs in that time.
Shields could be looking at a $100 million contract and that will keep the Royals away, while Gordon comes into the final guaranteed year of his deal. Gordon has a $12.5 million salary and then a 2016 team option and the Royals may look at making a move. Andy Martino of the New York Daily News and others have commented that Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas all could be trade bait this offseason and a team like the Yankees could be interested.
Gordon is young, but all of a sudden he is about to turn 31 and he has a decent salary, while Hosmer is younger and is coming into his arbitration years. Freese was traded last year to the Angels and he could be moved again, as the Angels have some issues in the rotation and could look at adding a pitcher. The team will be without Tyler Skaggs after he went through Tommy John surgery and losing Garrett Richards at the end of last season was devastating. Howie Kendrick has also come up as a potential trade option for the Angels.
