If Kansas City can't bring back any of its three stars, Herrera -- even
off a down year -- would be an obvious candidate to be moved, as
contending teams are always looking to strengthen their bullpen. Evan Gattis Youth Jersey He's projected to make about $8 million in arbitration next season.
3. Zach Britton, left-hander, Orioles
Speaking of relievers who could be on the move, Britton was nearly
traded last summer before the Orioles opted to keep him. Given the
return top closers have brought back -- and the high price it George Springer Youth Jersey would likely take to keep Britton in Baltimore beyond 2018 -- the
left-hander is the most likely of the O's big three potential free
agents to land elsewhere in '18.
Britton is projected to earn more than $12 million in his final year of
arbitration, though his injury issues last season could impact the haul
the Orioles could expect. Perhaps they hang on to him and hope for a
strong first half, which would make him one of the most sought-after
arms next summer.The Pirates exercised their $14.75 million option on
McCutchen, but like nearly every other offseason in recent years, the
trade talk involving the face of the franchise figures to dominate the
team's offseason. The five-time All-Star and 2013 National League Most
Valuable Player Award winner led the Bucs with 28 home runs and an .849
OPS in '17, bouncing back after his slash line dipped the year prior.
General manager Neal Huntington recently said his team's best lineup is
one with McCutchen in center field, but given the back-to-back
disappointing seasons, another slow start -- or an offseason offer J.R. Richard Youth Jersey they can't refuse -- could entice the Pirates to move the 31-year-old.
5. Brian Dozier, second baseman, Twins
A year ago, it seemed like a near certainty that Dozier would be in a
new uniform before the end of his contract, which will pay him $9
million in the final year of his four-year, $20 million deal. But the
Twins' surprise postseason berth in 2017 has sped up their timeline,
making Dozier -- who led the team with 34 home runs and posted an
impressive .856 OPS -- a key cog in the lineup.
Still, Minnesota is reportedly pursuing starting pitching, so if the
free-agent prices prove to be too cumbersome, Dozier could become a
valuable trade chip.
