MLB Trade Rumors: Latest on Ryan Howard, Evan Gattis and More

The free-agent market is relatively thin on impact bats, but if the MLB trade rumors circling around recently hold any truth, then the trade market is chock-full of guys who can swing the stick.

While values vary among different players and different teams, it's undeniable that the hot items in the rumor mill right now are guys that can change a lineup. Certain teams would do well to acquire the players discussed below—even if it costs them a little talent to do so.

Because the free-agent market is so thin this offseason, expect multiple players to change teams. Here are three guys who could be the first few to change places.

Ryan Howard

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

Ryan Howard has become a bit of a hindrance in recent years, as he has failed find consistency since his 33-homer season in 2011. The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to blow the team up, reports Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, and Howard is certainly a candidate to move.

But who would have interest in an aging first baseman who is probably best suited for a role as a designated hitter? Well, the Kansas City Royals have declined Billy Butler's option, leaving a hole at the DH spot. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported KC's interest:

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They believe he just might be the perfect fit to replace Billy Butler as their everyday DH, and considering they didn't have a single player hit 20 homers or drive in 75 runs last year, he may be the power threat the Royals need to return to the World Series.

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The fit is undeniable, even if Howard is really just the left-handed portion of a platoon at this point in his career. He's a career .225 hitter against southpaws, compared to .286 against right-handers.

Kansas City may not be as "in" on Howard as initially reported, though. Salisbury modified Nightengale's report, stating, "...a person with knowledge of the situation characterized the matter as overblown on Tuesday. 'Teams discuss every player,' the person said."

After a disappointing end to the 2014 World Series, the Royals will likely be in the market for a power bat to complement the overwhelming speed up and down the lineup.

Howard has the power to fill a need, but we'll have to see just how interested the team is over the course of the winter.

Evan Gattis

J Pat Carter/Associated Press

Christian Bethancourt is the future of the catcher position for the Atlanta Braves, making powerful backstop Evan Gattis expendable. The New York Post's Joel Sherman tweeted that the Braves are working hard to move him:

Gattis has hit 43 home runs in two big league seasons, and it's his power that makes him so valuable. He's just an average hitter (.791 career OPS), and his defense is severely lacking. That would definitely make him appealing to American League clubs, as Sherman alluded to.

In an effort to move him, Atlanta could include other players in the deal. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal mentioned B.J. Upton as an option:

Teams could be wary to take on Upton, a player who has hit .198 in two full seasons with the Braves. His once-promising career has become a major disappointment. He's owed upwards of $45 million over the final three years of his contract, per Baseball-Reference.com, so he's still too expensive to be considered a No. 4 outfielder. That'll make a potential fit interesting.

Regardless, Gattis would be the main attraction of any deal. He can catch in an emergency, but he'll likely see time at DH and left field with his next team.

Expect him to be dealt this winter.

Starlin Castro

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

It's no secret that the New York Mets need an upgrade at the shortstop position. Ruben Tejada and Wilmer Flores manned the position for most of 2014, but their inconsistency is something the Mets cannot deal with in 2015.

The team isn't far from contending. The Mets have a potentially dominant pitching staff, a few solid young bats and the veteran presence of newly signed Michael Cuddyer will help. Throw in a bounce-back season from David Wright, and you've got a serviceable lineup.

Add in a capable offensive shortstop, and the Mets can be contenders in the National League East. But who's on their radar?

Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs is an option given the wealth of middle infielders for the Cubbies, but Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports that it has been difficult for the two sides to match up. "It has so far been difficult, if not impossible, for the Mets and Cubs to agree on Castro’s trade value," he wrote.

Castro, 24, is actually younger than Tejada and just one year older than Flores. That's shocking given Castro's experience (five years), and even more shocking when you compare their careers together. Castro's is light years better, and last year was one of the better shortstops in the NL.

He hit .292/.339/.438 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI, plus his defense at the position wasn't terrible. He made a career-low 15 errors in 133 games in the field.

The Mets likely have to part with one of their top pitchers to acquire Castro. Rafael Montero or Noah Syndergaard are names to watch in potential discussions. It's likely that they've come up already, and given Martino's report, the Mets really don't want to move them.

One of them will have to go to get Castro, though.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn