5 former MLB All-Stars who could use a change of scenery
There are a number of players in MLB who signed long-term deals with their current teams who could use a change to not only benefit the player but the also team. This would get their current teams off their big contracts, either length or amount of money or they trade them for a player that fits the team’s current state better.
On the player’s side, it could give them an opportunity with not as much pressure and work with different baseball minds who could help them get back to All-Star level.
Each MLB player listed here has been an All-Star at least once in the past and has regressed in their play as of late.
I evaluate each player, showing his history that made him an All-Star and what happened since then in his recent play, covering both starting pitchers and position players. For each player, I provide a few potential trade destinations that I think could make a move as well as giving a “wild” option that I think is interesting but far less likely to happen.
One honorable mention that would have been included if not for his no-trade clause is Jason Heyward. I think based on his previous successful seasons at the plate he could turn it back around after a lackluster 2021. Along with that, he is still a good defender, but I am not sure if the Cubs are in a place where they need his production, as the roster has a lot of pieces that could regress in their level of production.
If you would like to hear my thoughts about any of the rebuilding teams in this article, you can see them here in my most recent piece on FanSided.
#1: Patrick Corbin of the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals made a big move after the 2018 season to Patrick Corbin which actually worked out great for them as he was a big part of the rotation in 2019, helping them win the World Series.
I dive more into what has happened to Patrick and how he can get back to being a top of the rotation guy in my most recent YouTube video that you can check out here.
Some teams that could be interested in him are the Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves.
For the Rangers, they really need starting pitching help and if they could get Corbin back to being a top guy, it would help them push for the playoffs much faster. Having a pitcher like Corbin producing like he did in 2018 or 2019 would help give the Rangers a top guy there to lean on. They have already spent a lot of money this offseason though and, if another big name pitcher like Carlos Rodón or Clayton Kershaw also signs, then they would not have the extra money to bring in Corbin.
Chicago is in a similar boat to the Rangers as their rotation is their weak point. My main thought for them was to flip Jason Heyward the no-trade clause would likely put a stop to it. Either way, I still feel like there could be a move here as they do not have a lot of salary on their books. It mainly depends on what direction they Cubs want to go in as they have been retooling.
The Braves already have a pretty strong rotation which could keep them away, but if they add to it with a rebuilt Corbin, it would make them even better. An interesting play would be if the Nationals take Marcell Ozuna in the deal. He makes far less money over the next three seasons in comparison to Corbin and would give them a decent hitter in the lineup to help Juan Soto. However, there is a lot of baggage to take with him. If they don’t move Ozuna and sign Freddie Freeman, Corbin might be too much salary to take.
My wild option would be shipping him to the Mets. Robinson Cano could be moved in return, but he has a no-trade clause which could prevent a deal from happening. Also, no one really knows what Cano when it comes back in 2022 after his PED suspension last year. The Mets could potentially move Carlos Carrasco as a trade for struggling pitchers. Then the Mets would not have to worry about injury the concerns, but would have to deal with the contract difference with more money on the books and a longer contract.
#2: Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are definitely in a rebuilding phase right now as they traded away Nolan Arenado last offseason and just let Trevor Story just walk for nothing this offseason. The only real piece left on the position player side is Mr. Charlie Blackmon.
Looking at Blackmon’s statistics over the past two seasons, there really has not been much going on for him at the plate. We already knew he really just wasn’t a good defender, but now his offensive production has fallen below league average. In 2021, he had a .761 OPS which was above the league average of .728. However, looking at a park adjusting stats, he only had a 94 WRC+, six points below the league average and matching up other players like David Peralta and Miguel Cabrera.
Looking deeper into Blackmon’s stats though, you can see his expected batting average, slugging percentage, and weighted on-base average, being 22 points higher, 46 points higher, and 28 points higher, all of which would put him around an .820 OPS and most likely a higher WRC+ along with it. Along with that production is that Blackmon has maintained his strong discipline having a strong strikeout, whiff and chase rates, as well as still being above average at drawing walks.
The Rockies do not really have a need for Blackmon outside of being a veteran presence in the clubhouse, so they could trade him away to get off the money they owe him for the next two seasons. For other teams, there still looks to be a productive hitter in there and while he is most likely suited for a role as a DH, playing in an outfield not as big as Coors could help his defense.
A few options I have are the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Guardians.
This pairs the Padres with a potential taker for Wil Myers. Myers only has a team option for the 2023 season which would save Colorado a good chunk of change in comparison to Blackmon’s player option, which he will most likely pick up for $18 million. I think the level of production would be similar between the two for the Padres, but Blackmon’s more contact-based approach at the plate could be more beneficial matching up with the other players in the lineup while still being a disciplined hitter.
The Phillies are in desperate need of outfield help. Blackmon is not exactly who you want in that role because of the defense, but he could be an average defender in left field based on his metrics the past two seasons. They could also use this an a move to get off of Didi Gregorius for this season to help with salary. If they miss on some bigger free agents, then Blackmon is a good backup option.
Cleveland has needed solid outfielders for like half a decade now and Blackmon has been very solid in the past and even has higher levels to which he could return. The Guardians have one of the lowest salaries in the league to take on Blackmon’s salary. If they are looking to remain playoff contenders with prospects like Nolan Jones, Tyler Freeman, and potentially more guys to match up with a solid rotation, then a solid veteran that gives them more hitting like Chuck Nazty could really help this team.
The wild option here is St. Louis. I think the fit here is strong if the National League adopts the designated hitter, which seems likely. The Cardinals are well set up in the outfield, but they could use a solid left-handed bat slotting in as the consistent DH. This could be a spot where the Cards move Paul DeJong to save them some money and Colorado takes a shot at another former All-Star. The Cards also have Nolan Gorman coming up soon who could take the DH role instead.
#3: Mike Moustakas of the Cincinnati Reds
Probably not the former Kansas City Royal you were thinking of, but it seems like Mike Moustakas does not have a spot left in the Cincinnati Reds lineup. With the rise of National League Rookie of the Year Jonathan India, second base is taken up. Third base seems taken by Eugenio Suarez in my mind as he has a cheaper contract in comparison to Moose and has more top end potential, like he showed in 2018 and 2019.
Even if the National League adopts the DH, I feel like they would rather move Jesse Winker there to help their defense and could potentially make his hitting even better. That leaves Moustakas as a bench player making $16 million this season and more in the future.
Moose was not great last season, but did have injury troubles that seem to have affected his play and just overall rhythm as he did not have any consistency in 2021. His expected stats did not look great from this past year, but Moustakas has been pretty much slotted as a slightly above average to above average hitter since 2015, so I am banking on him getting back to that level of play if he can remain healthy.
The three teams I have as potential destinations are the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Seattle Mariners.
I don’t think Cincinnati would want to take back Patrick Corbin in return as their rotation seems pretty set, and seem like they might start to retool the squad. Washington just needs as much help as it can get in the lineup and, if Moose can be his typical self, that is much better than Carter Kieboom based on how he looked in 2021. Moose’s contract can be up after 2023 with a team option for 2024, so it is not too much salary on the books for a team with not much to begin with.
Toronto lost out on Marcus Semien this offseason. While Moose can not replace the production Semien provided, he would give the Blue Jays a solid left-handed bat which they have very few. Moustakas can play second or third which gives them options with more free agents still available, finding a spot for Cavan Biggio, and prospects coming up soon. If you want to hear my thoughts on Biggio, you can check them out here.
The Mariners have been on the market for an infielder to help out their lineup and I could see Moose being the guy if they miss out on some other options. With very little money on the books, adding another solid hitter to the lineup who gives them infield options seems like a good piece to push them even more.
Going to the White Sox is my wild option. I really like the fit for them just getting even more hitting, but I could see this deal not working for Chicago. The main reason is the money as I don’t think the Reds want Craig Kimbrel, unless they think he could flipped for more later. Abreu’s contract is up after this season but all of Moncada, Anderson, Giolito, and Lopez’s salaries will go up which could put them over their money threshold if they add Moose. They also have prospect Romy Gonzalez, who looks interesting as a second base option that they might want to see before they trade for another guy.
#4: Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres
Now the other former Royal you were expecting.
After the 2020 season, things were looking up for Eric Hosmer and the Padres after the big contract they gave him. He had over an .800 OPS for the first time with San Diego at .851 and a WRC+ finally over the league average, and well above it at 128. Hosmer has always been able to make sold contact with the ball, having around or above the league average in average exit velocity. But what made 2020 different was moving up his average launch angle to 8.7 degrees, five points higher than his career average.
Adjusting his swing to get more lift on the ball was all he needed to be an above average first-baseman and he just couldn’t bring that with him into 2021. The Padres seem like they want to move on from Hosmer no matter what, most likely due to the lack of production as well as the money left on his deal for the next four seasons as he is likely to opt-in into the rest of his contract. There seems to be clear way back to a positive season if he can make the adjustments to be his 2020 self.
That leaves him as likely guy to be traded and I think that could be good for Hoz to take some pressure off. Three places that could trade for him are the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Atlanta is here in case they are unable to bring Freddie Freeman back as that leaves them with a big hole at first base. There are other options out there that could work instead of Hoz, but I feel like they would be able to acquire for fairly cheap. This could also be a way to ship off Marcell Ozuna if San Diego is willing to the baggage with him.
The Angels need all the hitting help they can get to surround their big three with at least average hitters. This would be a way to move on from Justin Upton. I doubt the Padres want him, but at least you only pay him for his season and you are done rather than $13 million a season through 2025 that Hosmer is owed. L.A. does have Jared Walsh at first, but I am uncertain if he will continue to play at the same level. If Hoz can be his 2020 self, then they have a great fit.
I know this is a weird choice but honestly could be interesting for Arizona. If they are looking to try and run it back to push for the playoffs, then the good version of Hosmer helps them do that. They do not have a lot of salary on the books other than Bumgarner so they can take on his high salary this season. Christian Walker was not good in 2021 and hopefully Seth Beer will be able to slot in at DH.
Milwaukee is the wild option here. They are out from under Lorenzo Cain’s money after this season and then they really don’t have anything other than Christian Yelich. Hosmer only makes $13 million from 2023 through 2025 instead of $21 million he makes this year. It is contingent on the NL bringing in the DH as Rowdy Tellez could be moved there and then Hoz is a better option defensively to play first. Milwaukee doesn’t like bringing in too much salary, so that, along with the potential for Hosmer returning to form, prevents this from happening.
#5: Dallas Keuchel of the Chicago White Sox
Before the 2020 season, Chicago going out and signing Dallas Keuchel looked like a solid move to solidify its rotation. Based on his past, he looked like he would at least be an average starter for them.
And he was great in 2020, performing much better than that and even with expected numbers being higher, they were still that of an average starter which was positive for the Sox. Last season was a different story, however, as he was one of the worst starters in baseball, having the second-worst ERA amongst qualified pitchers (with Patrick Corbin having the worst).
Theoretically this could be Keuchel’s last year on the books at $18 million, but he does have a vesting option for 2023 of $20 million if he pitches more than 160 innings this season. His main problem in 2021 was limiting barrels, a combination of a high hard hit rate as well as prime launch angles, tying him for the 15th-highest barrels per plate appearance. All of which leading to the highest HR/9 since his rookie season at 1.39.
His command seems to be the biggest problem , affecting all of his pitches, but mainly the changeup, which has been his best pitch over his career. Technically, it performed pretty well last season, but expected numbers say it should have performed much worse. His sinker looks to be located in a similar position to 2020, but his changeup and cutter caught a lot more of the zone.
In 2020, the cutter was positioned on the bottom left of the zone and the changeup on the bottom right, missing the zone completely on a regular basis. This is a perfect spot for a changeup as it deceives the hitter into thinking it is in the zone only to drop out of reach.
Improving his command and refining the locations of his pitches is what will bring him back to being at least an average pitcher, if not better. I am not sure the White Sox will want to wait around to see if he improves or not though as they are looking to contend now.
While losing Keuchel could affect their rotation, there is a chance he does not improve. If that is the case, they could either acquire a starter in return or fill his spot from within. That could be done with prospects like Jimmy Lambert or Jonathan Stiever, who I imagine could play as well as he did in 2021 or potentially better, but could at least hold them until the trade deadline.
Some teams I feel could move for Dallas are the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners.
Kansas City, as I outlined in a recent video here, look to be one of the best rebuilding teams in baseball. Making a high risk-high reward move to acquire a former Cy Young pitcher to return him back to his winning ways could help propel this team further and do it faster. I believe Chicago would want pitching compensation in return to fill Keuchel’s spot, so getting Mike Minor as an average pitcher who makes far less money and only has a team option for 2023 could be enough compensation. If the Royals can’t fully return him to form, then he would still be a good veteran from which Kansas City’s young pitchers can learn.
As I outlined in the Patrick Corbin section, Texas needs starting pitching and taking a flier on Keuchel could significantly help the rotation if he makes the necessary adjustments. An MLB-ready pitcher they could get is Kolby Allard. He showed himself well as a reliever last season and, if he can figure out what made him successful there, he could attempt it as a starter. If he doesn’t work out, they could exchange roles between him and Garrett Crochet.
The Mariners are an interesting option here as they need pitching, but also need spots for their prospects coming up relatively soon. I could see them taking on Keuchel in one of two ways. For one, they want to see if he can get back to his top end pitching level which they could either flip later or have as part of the rotation for one more season in 2023. Or two, they use it to trade Marco Gonzales, who is cheap but has been very inconsistent over his career and they do have to pay for the next two seasons at $6 and $12 million.
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The wild option here is the Los Angeles Angels. I don’t know if they would want to take on that kind of money without getting some off the books first with Upton, but they could be willing to take a chance if it gets them a quality starter. They signed Michael Lorenzen to be a starter, but if they can have someone with more experience and frankly just a better pedigree, that might work better but if not they would Lorenzen as a starter waiting in the wings or another guy like Reid Detmers.