Last winter, there were a number of clear-cut trade candidates even before the MLB offseason got underway, with Cole Hamels and Justin Upton leading that list. This year, there is not an obvious star-caliber player who is expected to be on the move, with perhaps the lone exception being Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
But does that mean there won't be blockbuster deals? Absolutely not.
With Billy Beane calling the shots, it's not unfathomable to think the Oakland A's could shop Sonny Gray, while the San Diego Padres may need to take a step back and look to trade one or more of their starters from the trio of Tyson Ross, James Shields and Andrew Cashner.
Depending on how far the Reds and Milwaukee Brewers dive into their respective rebuilds, guys like Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy could also be dangled. The Colorado Rockies could also sell further by moving Carlos Gonzalez.
That then raises the question, which teams have the prospect talent and clear areas of need to be in the market for a blockbuster trade this winter?
By my account, all but six teams have the prospects to pull off a blockbuster trade this offseason if they so desired.
The Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres are the clubs that don't appear to have the necessary top-end talent or depth to make a huge splash via trade.
However, that doesn't mean the other 24 teams will all be ready to sell the farm.
Teams like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Brewers have built up good farm system depth in recent years, but as rebuilding clubs, there is no reason to think they'll mortgage any of that young talent at this point.
Then you have the small-market teams that rely on cheap, homegrown talent to be competitive. Teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians have a wealth of talent down on the farm, but their organizational philosophies will likely prevent any blockbuster deals.
So, with all of that taken into account, here is a look at three teams with the prospects and the clear areas of need to pull off an offseason blockbuster trade.
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