Bold predictions: 5 MLB stars who could be traded this season

Jul 23, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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The 2023 MLB trade deadline is months away, already, we know some of the players who could be available for trades this season.

That partially comes from the contracts that each player has (since hundreds of players will be free agents in the offseason) but also, from preseason projections for each team. Some teams will surprise people but some are in an obvious rebuilding mode.

From that, we can devise a list of some big-name players that could be on the move this season. Here are five MLB stars that could be on the move this season.

5 MLB stars who could be traded this season

MLB trade candidate: Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ

The Cubs have made some moves to try to get themselves closer to contention this season. However, at least on paper, they still look to be well behind the Cardinals and Brewers, who arguably have the best offense and best starting rotation in the National League. If the Cubs are out of contention in by July, look for them to trade outfielder Ian Happ.

Last season, Happ was an All-Star and won a Gold Glove award. Offensively, he hit .271/.342/.440 with 17 home runs, 72 RBI, 42 doubles, an OPS+ of 119, and an rWAR of 4.4.

From a Cubs perspective, they may look to trade him because he is a free agent at the end of the season. For another team, they would be getting an All-Star both offensively and defensively. Additionally, he can play other positions if needed. In addition to left field, Happ can play center field (as he did for a few games in 2022) but he also play right field, second base, and third base in 2021. In other words, an acquiring team could use him for some defensive versatility.