30 teams, 30 Hot Stove scenarios

Plenty of paths available for clubs as free-agent signing period begins

November 7th, 2016

It's less than a week since the Cubs were crowned the 2016 World Series champions, but the pursuit of the '17 title is already underway. Here's a team-by-team look at all 30 clubs and potential moves they can make this Hot Stove season.
AL EAST
Blue Jays: Toronto doesn't really have the prospects necessary at the upper levels of the Minors to make a big splash through trade. But one outside-the-box approach would be trading a starting pitcher. More>
Orioles: Baltimore could explore a trade of , who is coming off a career season in relief and could net the O's solid prospects or help plug a hole elsewhere. More>
Red Sox: With six starting pitchers under contract for next season, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski could trade one of them to free up money to acquire another stud reliever with , and available as free agents. More>
Rays: If Tampa Bay was to trade one of its more veteran members of its rotation, additional money might be freed up for the payroll to address issues with the bullpen, corner outfield spots and behind the plate. More>
Yankees: If the Yanks deal and for pitching, it's possible they can pursue sluggers like and from the free-agent market. More>
AL CENTRAL
Indians: Free agent , whom Cleveland was linked to at the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, could be a versatile option, particularly as a right-handed bat if the Tribe can't retain . More>
Royals: There has been some chatter about Kansas City possibly dealing closer , some of that spurred on by GM Dayton Moore's comment at the end of the season that he may have to mix things up in terms of the roster. More>
Tigers: If Detroit pulls off a bigger deal to trade away, say, , the team could find itself back on the market for a smaller-contract fill-in. More>
Twins: The biggest wild card for Minnesota is whether second baseman , coming off a career year and at his highest value, is traded. More>
White Sox: If the White Sox embark on a rebuild, veteran players from starting pitchers and to third baseman Frazier to closer to right fielder would be made available. More>
AL WEST
Angels: The Halos could target veteran second basemen and , both of whiom would represent an offensive upgrade at the position. More>
Astros: One trade target figures to be Yankees catcher McCann, who would satisfy the need for a left-handed bat and has two years remaining on his contract. More>
Athletics: Oakland hasn't shied away from the blockbuster deal under this regime, and it's unlikely the A's will stray from their ways, leaving open the possibility of a trade involving one of their premier prospects for an experienced bat that can make an immediate impact. More>
Mariners: The odds seem low, but should Seattle determine one of its young starters might bring a strong return on the trade market, that might be one scenario that would open the Mariners to pursue a starter in free agency. More>
Rangers: Texas always loves a good reunion with one of its former players, so the Rangers will almost assuredly explore interest in Napoli. This time he won't have to play the outfield. More>
NL EAST
Braves: Though improved this season, GM John Coppolella will still look for ways to upgrade the hot corner and possibly lengthen the lineup with a solid bat. More>
Marlins: isn't likely to be shopped, but because of the nature of the Hot Stove season, anything is possible. More>
Mets: If the Mets are feeling creative, they could look to shop and to fill other needs. More>
Nationals:'s versatility has enabled Washington to pursue either an impact outfielder or infielder, with Turner moving around the field as needed. More>
Phillies: It is difficult to imagine Philadelphia straying from its rebuilding strategy, but if a prominent free agent lingers on the market longer than expected, and he might be willing to take a shorter deal and try free agency again after next season, there could be a match. More>
NL CENTRAL
Brewers: Since Milwaukee has a significant amount of financial flexibility -- and will have lots more if it trades -- don't be surprised if GM David Stearns jumps in on an arm if he finds one to his liking. More>
Cardinals: Perhaps the club will look at trading while his value is at its highest or flip after another disappointing year. More>
Cubs: With gone, left-hander could be a candidate for the rotation or else they will look outside. More>
Pirates: If Pittsburgh is able to acquire a younger, cheaper starting pitcher to fill that void, perhaps the Bucs could reinvest their savings into their bench with a super utility player, a true fourth outfielder, another veteran reliever or a reclamation-project starter to add depth. More>
Reds: If Cincinnati decides this offseason that neither nor is who it wants as a closer or setup man, the search for relief pitching could intensify even more. More>
NL WEST
D-backs: If a team were to decide to pick up all or most of 's salary, it's possible that Arizona would have more money to spend, and spend on several additions. More>
Dodgers: A trade to Milwaukee for Braun was reportedly close to happening at the Trade Deadline. Adding an outfield bat like Braun's might allow the Dodgers to go defensive (and cheaper) at third base. More>
Giants: San Francisco's success in free agency last year could embolden it to make more eight- and nine-figure purchases. More>
Padres: If San Diego deals any of its young, cost-controlled relievers, it will be in the market for another veteran bullpen arm. More>
Rockies: The tempting move would be for Colorado to deal some of its outfield depth for help at first base and/or in the bullpen. But all of GM Jeff Bridich's statements have centered on holding onto the outfield depth. More>