The MLB lockout is still in place.
That means teams can’t sign players or make trades.
When transactions are allowed again, however, these hitters could be on the move via trade.
3. Matt Olson
The Oakland Athletics were actually buyers at the 2021 trade deadline, giving it one last try with their current core.
They failed to make the MLB postseason, though, and now are ready to tear things apart even if they won’t publicly admit it.
They have already let Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Yan Gomes sign with other teams, and reports indicate they are willing to listen to offers not only on Matt Olson, but also Matt Chapman, Frankie Montas, Chris Bassitt, and others.
They are willing to let Olson go, but only for the right package.
Several MLB teams asked about him prior to the lockout, and the fact no deal was completed with the league-wide interest is indicative of Oakland’s big demands.
Olson is still 27 and has two seasons of team control remaining.
He has a solid .252/.348/.511 career line, and he slashed .271/.371/.540 with 39 home runs in 2021.
He is also solid defensively and is a complete ballplayer.
2. Ketel Marte
The last-place Arizona Diamondbacks have a very good, young, and exciting player in Ketel Marte.
The problem is that the D-Backs, despite having several interesting prospects and young pieces in the organization, are not ready to compete next season.
Given how good the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, and (probably) the San Diego Padres are, it may not be realistic to expect a playoff-caliber D-Backs team for 2023, either.
Marte, who will make $8.4 million in 2022 and has an $8 million team option for 2023 and a $10 million one for 2024, is under relatively cheap control for three more seasons.
Given how good he is (.287/.346/.456 career line, .318/.377/.532 in 2021), he will attract a lot of interest around the league.
In fact, several teams asked about him already, including the Miami Marlins.
Ken Rosenthal reporting the Marlins could be in on Ketel Marte after the deadline and have expressed interest in him before. Also said Carson Kelly was a target before Jacob Stallings. https://t.co/bBxG4hxjXX
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) December 3, 2021
He can play second base, shortstop, and center field, although he is not good in the latter.
But he is versatile, young (27 years old) and a good hitter, and could be moved once the lockout is lifted.
1. Cedric Mullins
Some reports suggesting the Baltimore Orioles could entertain offers for Cedric Mullins surfaced a few days ago, before the lockout.
Certainly, he is a very interesting player who broke out big-time in 2021, with a .291/.360/.518 line, 30 homers, and 30 stolen bases.
As you would imagine, teams could literally “line up” to make an offer if he is truly made available.
Word has gotten out that the Orioles would listen on star CF Cedric Mullins, and teams are lining up to give it a shot knowing it’s a long shot. Asking price is understandably extremely high. All these teams (and more) could use a CF: Philly, Rangers, Astros, Giants, Mets, Yanks.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 26, 2021
But he will be very, very costly in terms of return package.
Mullins is by far the Orioles’ best player, is young (27 years old), powerful, fast, has a great eye at the plate, and plays some excellent defense in center field (96th percentile in Outs Above Average).
Oh, and he has four seasons remaining of team control.
He will be very hard to acquire, as he represents the Orioles’ hope for a better tomorrow.
But don’t forget that every player is available for the right price, no matter the sport or league.
NEXT: 3 Star Pitchers Who Could Be Traded After The MLB Lockout