5 former MLB All-Stars who could use a change of scenery

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 12: Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres removes his batting gloves after flying out to center field against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 12, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 12: Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres removes his batting gloves after flying out to center field against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 12, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
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Sep 14, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas (9) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas (9) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

#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.