The 2023 trade deadline offered some clues as to who could be available in the offseason. Here are three names to keep an eye on.
The MLB trade deadline offered clues into what the offseason could have in store, and the early indications are this winter could have much more excitement.
Let's take a look at a few early trade candidates for the offseason who could be on the move when the MLB offseason rolls around.
MLB offseason trade candidate: Pete Alonso, New York Mets
Entering the season, Pete Alonso potentially being on the trade market was unimaginable. Then the Mets traded both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander at the deadline and it was reported that the team also listened to inquiries for Alonso.
While I cannot independently confirm those reports, team owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler made it clear that the team was building for 2025-2026. Alonso is under contract for only one more season and extension talks have gone nowhere. So, listening to inquiries makes sense.
"Listen, we love Pete as a Met. He's an integral part of the Mets. He's still with us for another year. We hope we work things out. Even with (Brandon Nimmo), we worked things out in free agency. Hopefully, we get a few shots at the apple and try to figure it out."
The Mets look ready to negotiate with Alonso on a monster extension. But if they can't agree to terms … all bets are off.
MLB offseason trade candidate: Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks
In the days leading up to the trade deadline, I wrote that the Arizona Diamondbacks could trade from their outfield surplus to upgrade a different position on the roster.
That ultimately didn't happen. The offseason, however, could wind up being a different story out in the desert.
Rival executives say that Alek Thomas was indeed part of trade conversations and shopped by the Diamondbacks. No deal was consummated, of course, but Arizona sought a high-end starting pitcher or reliever. While they acquired Paul Seward to lock up the ninth inning, they still need a starter.
Perhaps they could use Thomas, or another outfielder, as part of a package to acquire another frontline starter in the winter. The Diamondbacks quickly inserted themselves into the playoff picture this season, so they will certainly look to build upon that in the offseason. Trading Thomas could be part of that equation.
MLB offseason trade candidate: Corbin Burnes, Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers wanted to avoid another Josh Hader situation and made it clear that they would not trade Corbin Burnes at the trade deadline.
Next season, however, Burnes will be entering a contract year and could be too expensive for the Brewers to keep long-term. Subsequently, a trade becomes much more realistic to imagine.
The Brewers could get a substantial haul in return for the right-hander, who has established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball, and is something that the organization will likely explore.
That last part is just my speculation, but it adds up considering that the Brewers moved Hader with 1.5 years remaining on his contract. It's something to monitor heading into the offseason as Milwaukee weighs their options and what's best for the future of the organization involving Burnes.
