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MLB Free Agents After 2017 Who Could Be Trade Targets

By Benjamin Chase

Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Royals won 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Royals won 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Royals won 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Royals won 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

First Basemen

Many know of the fate of the 2017 Kansas City Royals, with a large portion of their big contributors to their playoff runs over the last few years being up for free agency after the 2017 season.

One of the biggest is Eric Hosmer, the first baseman that has been a key member of the Royals organization since the day he was drafted 3rd overall in the 2008 draft. If the Royals are out, a fire sale could ensue, and Hosmer would absolutely fetch a significant haul in the midseason trade market.

Probably the next most desirable name on the 2017 free agent list will be Carlos Santana. Santana has been an unusual leadoff hitter for the Indians the last few years due to his extreme walk rate in spite of lower-than-typical contact rates. He should be a guy that would fetch a big return if the Indians find themselves out of the race, and with Edwin Encarnacion in hand now through the 2019 season, Santana may not be long for Cleveland as it is.

The rest of the free agent crop include a few guys who really will come off as “failed future sluggers”, guys who were expected to be big-time power hitters but never turned into that – Yonder Alonso, Lucas Duda, Mitch Moreland, and Logan Morrison.

There are also your “have power, will travel” guys as well that make excellent trade candidates each season, like Matt Holliday, Mike Napoli, and Mark Reynolds, any of whom could end up solid trade pieces if they’re showing value to a playoff team looking for power off the bench or at a DH spot.

Third Basemen

The third base crop is headlined by another Royal in Mike Moustakas, though he could be a guy who takes a while to develop a trade market due to his major injury in 2016 scaring off teams from jumping in too early in the season on him.

The other big names will be Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie, both members of the Chicago White Sox. As seen this offseason, the White Sox are certainly looking to listen on anyone not fastened down, so it would be very feasible that one or both of Frazier and Lawrie get moved during the season.

There are a number of other guys who fit for teams depending on what they are looking for – Yunel Escobar showed solid defense with a contact-only bat at third for the Angels, Eduardo Nunez had a breakout 2016 but could be available if the Giants fall out, and Danny Valencia makes a corner infield platoon option for the right team.

Next: Middle Infielders

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