MLB trade rumors: Which MLB stars are likely to be traded?

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With the MLB hot stove “season” cooling off, these MLB trade rumors are sure to heat things back up again.

The MLB “hot stove season” kicked off with a blaze, seeing the Miami Marlins part ways with 2017 National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton, as well as shipping perennial All-Star Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals. MLB trade rumors suggest that the “fish” are not done yet, likely to part ways with J. T. Realmuto and Christian Yelich before the beginning of the 2018 season.

The Los Angeles Angels surprised everyone in the baseball world, by snagging “prospect” and International sensation, Shohei Ohtani. Ian Kinsler also found his way into the Angels’ clutches, moving them one step closer to dethroning the AL West and World Series champion Houston Astros.

Baltimore Orioles third basemen Manny Machado has been a hot MLB trade rumors topic, with his name linking to AL East divisional rival teams. The O’s better not make the mistake of moving Machado to one of their hated foes, that’s for sure. A far better option, if they decide to move the All-Star, is sending him to the likes of St. Louis, far, far away from causing them future damage in the process.

The underrated Lance Lynn is looking for a new home, a gem that any MLB team would love to lead their starting rotation. He isn’t the only hidden jewel, with other under the radar players still looking to land somewhere safe and fruitful. However, as much as the free agency market is fun to discuss, MLB trade rumors are what get us fans excited.

Many MLB trade rumors are buzzing, but, which ones have the highest probability of coming to fruition? Your favorite MLB might be in luck, with a plethora of trades likely here shortly.

MLB trade rumors: Landing a franchise player

Player: Manny Machado — Third base

Current team: Baltimore Orioles

Teams in the mix: St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, and Washington Nationals

2017 statistics: .259/.310/.782. 33 home runs. 95 RBI

Chances of being traded: Probable

Current front-runner: Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are going all in this MLB hot stove “season,” by landing Ohtani and Kinsler, while like locking up Justin Upton to a long-term deal. With Mike Trout in his prime and Albert Puljos fading into the twilight, the time is now for the Angels.

The St. Louis Cardinals are high on Machado, but it’s likely they won’t want to give up their young talent to accomplish the deal. It’s also improbable that the Orioles send him to their hated rivals, the New York Yankees. Also, the thought of Machado mashing in Colorado is just astonishing, with his power a perfect fit for the thin air in Coors Field.

Machado’s 2017 salary was a modest $11.5 million, who is currently in year two of arbitration for 2018. Surely the O’s wouldn’t be foolish enough to send him to the already loaded Yankees? Would they? Please say they are wise enough to refrain.

Player: Andrew McCutchen — Outfield

Current team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Teams in the mix: New York Mets, and the San Francisco Giants

2017 statistics: .279./.363/.849. 94 runs. 28 home runs. 88 RBI.

Chances of being traded: 50/50

Current front-runner: New York Mets

The former National League MVP staggered out the gates in 2016 but finished the second half of the season strong. Heading towards the twilight of his career, McCutchen has 2-3 (potential) high caliber seasons.

But, teams like the Mets and Giants are both desperate to find production, so now is time to sell if you are the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, if both of these have the patience to wait out a season, McCutchen will be a free agent in 2019. But, there is a risk with that strategy, if McCutchen returns to his MVP self from seasons past. His 2018 salary is $14.5 million.

MLB trade rumors: A little pop for the middle of your order

Player: Jose Abreu

Current team: Chicago White Sox

Teams in the mix: Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox

2017 statistics: .304./.354/.552. 95 runs. 33 home runs. 102 RBI.

Chances of being traded: 50/50

Current front-runner: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are in need of a power bat, where they no doubt felt the absence of retired MLB star David Ortiz. Abreu’s ideal spot would be playing 81 games in Fenway Park, with that short porch in right field.

Somehow, Abreu has only played in one All-Star game, while hitting over .300 and averaging 108 RBI and 33 home runs per season. Whoever can land the 2014 Rookie of the Year will no doubt turn into automatic contenders. Abreu’s arbitration estimate is nearly $18 million for 2018.

MLB trade rumors: The fish are fried

We’ve already gone into detail on both Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto — with the New York Mets emerging as frontrunners — but these would be a sweet package deal for teams in the mix of MLB trade rumors. Yelich is in the midst of an eight-year contract which expires in 2022 — with an average of about $13 million per season.

Realmuto made just over $500,000 in 2017 and is arbitration eligible in 2018. He is a top five National League catcher and improving his stock each season.

CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 15: Starter Chris Archer /

MLB trade rumors: Trading for an ace

Player: Chris Archer — RHP (Starter)

Current team: Tampa Bay Rays

Teams in the mix: St. Louis Cardinals

2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 10-12. ERA 4.07/WHIP: 1.26. 201.0 innings pitched. 249/60 strikeout to walk ratio.

Chances of being traded: Probable

Current front-runner: St. Louis Cardinals

After a less than stellar 2017 campaign — with an All-Star appearance somehow — Chris Archer looks to bounce back in 2018 after a subpart second-half. A change would do him good, hoping he embraces his inner Sheryl Crow. The Arch City would be a perfect fit for the hurler, where the Cardinals are in need of reinforcements for the departed Lance Lynn.

Now, with four years left on his contract, the Cardinals or any aspiring team would get him at a real bargain — only about $6.25 million in 2018, rising only to $8.25 million on his final year of the contract in 2021. He has the stuff and makeup of a true ace, and learning under veteran Adam Wainwright, would be a lethal 1-2 punch with Carlos Martinez, as well as the rising Luke Weaver.

There is a risk with Archer, who has shown signs of inconsistency, as well as sporting a losing record in his MLB career. However, he’s capable of catching lightning in a bottle and being a steal for the Cardinals, other MLB teams, or if he stays with the Rays.

MLB trade rumors: Bullpen help

Player: Brad Hand – LHP (Relief)

Current team: San Diego Padres

Teams in the mix: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves

2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 3-4. ERA 2.16/WHIP: 0.93. 791 innings pitched. 104/20 strikeout to walk ratio.

Chances of being traded: Above average, but at a high price.

Current front-runners: Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.

It will honestly come down to which one of these two, the Braves and Cardinals, is willing to give up the most prospects. With both MLB squads loaded with young talent, it will no doubt be a game of chess for the 2017 All-Star.

The best middle bullpen lefty on the MLB free agency market would make an excellent addition to the inconsistent bullpen of these two teams. Currently, in his second year of arbitration, the salary of Hand for 2017 was under $2 million, which is a steal.

Player: Raisel Iglesias – RHP (Relief)

Current team: Cincinnati Reds

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Teams in the mix: St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins

2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 2-3. ERA 2.49/WHIP: 1.11. 76.0 innings pitched. 92/27 strikeout to walk ratio.

Chances of being traded: High

Current front-runner: Minnesota Twins

Unlikely to trade within their division, the Reds are likely to deal with the Twins more than any of these teams. Iglesias would fit with any team’s situation — for a squad looking to rebuild or any already built contender.

During his career, he strikes out nearly 11 batters per nine innings. Whoever can land this gem would be set for years to come, who still has three years on his current contract — costing $4.5 this coming season and $5 million the next two.

Next: White Sox first round pick Jake Burger is something truly special

With these MLB trade rumors buzzing, will your favorite team land any of these studs or under the radar stars? With the MLB hot stove season in the eye of the Hurricane, look for things to stir up here in the coming weeks.

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