MLB Trade Rumors: Latest on Chris Davis, Jason Heyward and Adam Lind

In need of a bat and don't want to shell out big dollars for an impact hitter? That's what the trade market is for.

The 2014 World Series may have only just concluded, but that hasn't stopped nearly every team in the league from preparing for the long offseason. There are already countless MLB trade rumors going around the rumor mill, especially concerning bats.

More and more whispers will be heard through the winter meetings in December. We probably won't see too much action until then, but rumors are things that can turn into fact rather quickly.

The following players could very well be on the move in the coming months.

Chris Davis

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Chris Davis fell back to a harsh reality in 2014. He slugged 53 home runs in 2013, and the Baltimore Orioles were expecting middle-of-the-order production from him yet again. He disappointed, hitting just 26 homers and posting a batting average of .196.

He was also suspended 25 games at the end of the season for a positive amphetamines test, so Davis was a bit of a headache for Baltimore this season.

ESPN's Jim Bowden (subscription required) opines that Davis might be expendable because of the bevy of issues he had this year: "The Orioles are prepared to listen to offers on Chris Davis after Steve Pearce's breakout year and in light of the fact that Davis is a free agent at season's end."

Pearce, of course, was a shocking addition to the Orioles lineup. He filled in for Manny Machado in the lineup, posting a line of .293/.373/.556 with 21 homers and 49 RBI. 

Should Baltimore succeed in trading Davis, it likely won't be for very much. They'll try to sell the fact that he hit 53 bombs a year ago, but the fact that he returned to his low-average, high-strikeout ways just the following year isn't reassuring.

Davis could still very well post those numbers again, but in all likelihood, Davis will continue to be an inconsistent major leaguer.

Baltimore could maybe get a high-level pitching prospect for him. But that's it.

Jason Heyward

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Atlanta Braves were a disappointment in 2014. Not many within the franchise's ranks would have expected a 79-83 record come season's end, but that came as a result of poor offensive showings and inconsistent pitching from major contributors.

In the aftermath of such a season, the Braves could look to deal some stars. MLB.com's Mark Bowman mentioned Heyward as someone who could be on the block:

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Staring at the possibility that both Heyward and [Justin] Upton could both exit via free agency next year, the Braves have to evaluate whether it would be wise to trade at least one of those corner outfielders in exchange for a group of players who could either make an immediate impact or, maybe more importantly, fortify the club as it attempts to enter SunTrust Park in 2017 with a strong product.

"

Heyward, 25, has yet to live up to his true potential. The big outfielder hit 27 home runs in 2012 with an OPS of .814, but he's yet to come close to those numbers since. Injuries contributed to a down 2013, but his performance this year was really just subpar.

Because he's so young, though, Heyward still has time to develop. Other general managers around the league should call the Braves frequently to gauge their asking price.

He's a solid No. 2 hitter at this point in his career, plus his defensive skills in right field are superb. That alone makes him worth something. Throw in the fact that he's still brimming with untapped potential, and he probably won't come cheaply.

Of course, the fact that he's a free agent after next season could even out the untapped potential.

If Heyward is dealt, then the Braves would really be committed to reshaping the roster.

Adam Lind

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Adam Lind has been an underrated bat for the Toronto Blue Jays over the past two seasons. He's due for a raise this offseason, though, and that leads Joel Sherman of the New York Post to believe that Lind will be on his way out:

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If you want to take a guess on the first significant trade of the offseason, the Blue Jays moving Adam Lind is a good bet. Toronto has to either pick up a $7.5 million 2015 option or buy out Lind for $1 million, and there are strong indicators the Jays want to reallocate those funds elsewhere, so they might pick up the option and then deal Lind, who would be attractive to a team interested in him because he also has a reasonable $8 million 2016 option (or $500,000 buyout).

"

The 31-year-old is a valuable piece to have on a roster. He can rake against righties and has the potential for big power. That said, he hit just .061 against lefties this year and is almost strictly a designated hitter.

That limits the Blue Jays' options when it comes to trading him. Not many teams have openings for strict DHs who can't hit southpaws. Sherman mentions the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics as potential options. They make sense, especially seeing how the offense for both teams stalled at various points of the season.

Lind is the type of hitter who complements an already strong lineup well. He has the potential to hit around .290 with 20 homers each year.

Seeing as he's a platoon man, though, Toronto will probably only get a few mid-level prospects in return.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn