MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz Ahead of 2024 Winter Meetings
Certain MLB franchises will have reasons to celebrate at the upcoming Winter Meetings.
However, many will soon learn that free agency won't be providing what they need.
Only one team can win the Juan Soto sweepstakes, after all, and the same holds true for any other impact free agent you want to mention. And since these markets are always moving, teams must quickly get into Plan B mode to ensure the offseason doesn't entirely get away from them.
As clubs start plotting alternative paths, many could look to the trade market for roster reinforcements. In fact, that market already appears to be heating up, so let's dissect the latest discussions.
Multiple Suitors for Cody Bellinger?
1 of 3
With injury issues aplenty in his past and major money headed his way in the near future, Cody Bellinger has some items working against him as a trade target.
They haven't shied everyone away, though, as the New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners have reportedly all "checked in" with the Chicago Cubs regarding a Bellinger deal, per Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. The report added the Cubs "don't seem willing to eat money in a trade of Bellinger, nor do they intend to just give him away."
It feels fair to wonder whether Chicago has only heard low-ball offers to this point. Bellinger played exactly 130 games each of the past two seasons, and his production has been all over the place. He's had some monster seasons, obviously, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and capturing the MVP award in 2019, but those were also notably his only two times as an All-Star.
His ceiling remains high, but his floor is pretty low (he hit just .203 between 2020 and 2022), which is always a tricky combination for a trade candidate. When other impact additions like Juan Soto and Anthony Santander sign their respective deals, though, Bellinger might emerge as an intriguing alternative.
Phillies Set Steep Asking Price for Alec Bohm?
2 of 3
The Philadelphia Phillies appear more than willing to talk trades regarding third baseman Alec Bohm. Teams just may not be super thrilled with what the Phillies have to say.
Philadelphia, for now at least, has set a high bar in Bohm talks. When the Phillies and Seattle Mariners initially discussed a Bohm trade, the Phillies reportedly asked for Logan Gilbert or George Kirby, per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times.
Gilbert, for reference, just paced the Majors in both innings (208.2) and WHIP (0.89) while recording 202 strikeouts and a 3.23 ERA. Kirby, meanwhile, has posted a 3.43 ERA across his first three big-league seasons while tallying 484 strikeouts against just 64 walks in 511.2 innings pitched. These are true front-line starters.
As for Bohm, he technically broke out this past season and earned his first All-Star selection, but everything cratered in the second half, when he hit just .251 with a .299 on-base percentage and had four homers and 27 RBI in 49 games. Trying to turn him into a pitcher of this quality feels wildly optimistic, and Philly might have to considerably dial back its demand if it's really interested in finding a deal.
More Teams Entering Garrett Crochet Sweepstakes?
3 of 3
The Chicago White Sox could soon be rewarded for their patience on a Garrett Crochet trade.
It feels like just about anyone with win-now aspirations has been linked to the breakout star, and yet the list keeps getting longer. Per the latest from MLB Network's Jon Morosi, adding the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds to the list of "viable candidates" to acquire Crochet.
The appeal isn't hard to see. Healthy and deployed as a full-time starter for the first time, Crochet routinely appeared two steps ahead of the hitters he faced. He tallied a tremendous 209 strikeouts (against 33 walks) in his 146 innings, and his 2.69 FIP said he deserved better than his still-solid 3.58 ERA. Oh, and he's also all of 25 years old.
It will take a small fortune to get him, particularly with so many teams seemingly involved in the process. Neither the Cubs nor the Reds feel particularly likely to land Crochet, but depending on how this situation plays out, would-be suitors could continue dropping out of the race if they invest in the top starting pitchers in free agency.
.png?w=256)
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
