Five notable MLB players who could be traded (and one who probably won't)

Major League Baseball's offseason is in full swing, and with the winter meetings less than a month away, the hot stove has begun to heat up. Trade chatter is par for the course, and no matter where a team finished the season prior, stars are always going to be on the move.

Here are five notable players who could be playing elsewhere next season (and one who probably won't):

1B Paul Goldschmidt | St. Louis Cardinals

One year removed from his National League MVP, Paul Goldschmidt had a good-not-great follow-up season while the Cardinals plummeted to an NL Central-worst 71-91 record. After slashing .317/.404/.578 with 35 home runs in 2022, he took a step back, hitting .268/.363/.447 with 25 dingers.

Still, he was their most valuable hitter. And with only one year remaining on his contract, it makes sense for the Cardinals to see what they can get for him. They have numerous roster holes to fill, especially within their starting rotation, so dealing the veteran first baseman for pitching may be a solid move. 

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Cubs, Phillies, Mariners

RHP Corbin Burnes | Milwaukee Brewers

Craig Counsell is managing the Chicago Cubs. Wade Miley is officially a free agent. Brandon Woodruff is likely to miss the entire 2024 season. In short, the division-winning Brewers are staring into a barrel of uncertainty.

So, where does that leave their de facto ace? Based on how the Brewers typically operate, it's difficult to see them entertaining a contract extension before Corbin Burnes hits free agency in 2025.

The NL Cy Young Award winner in 2021, Burnes showed glimpses of ace form in 2023 but lacked the consistency to remain at those levels. Given his age (29) and record past four seasons (37-22), there would be no shortage of suitors for his services.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies

SS Willy Adames | Milwaukee Brewers

Let's say the Brewers trade Burnes. Would they also trade Willy Adames? Offensively, Adames is one of three threats the Brewers have on offense. Additionally, he provides quality defense at a premium position. 

Despite all of that, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported they're open to trading "virtually any player on its roster." Adames is 28 and like Burnes, is staring down free agency in 2025, and the Brewers could very well go for a full rebuild.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Guardians, Marlins, Blue Jays

OF Juan Soto | San Diego Padres

Agent Scott Boras knocked down rumors his client would be dealt, but sources told SNY that the Yankees and Padres have had talks about a deal for Soto.

Soto has been rumored to be on the move almost since arriving in San Diego. Despite their recent spending, the Padres underperformed in 2023 and even missed the playoffs. Yet Soto remained a bright spot, slashing .275/.410/.519 with 32 doubles, 35 home runs and a league-leading 132 walks while playing in all 162 games.

Soto is only 25 with one more year before free agency and regardless of where he plays in 2025, he is going to receive a massive contract. Boras believes he's a big part of San Diego's plans, though, and locking him up long-term would cement their core alongside Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Dodgers, Rangers

1B Pete Alonso | New York Mets

Mets owner Steve Cohen swung big financially in 2023 and came up empty as the Mets finished fourth in the NL East. All the while, Alonso brought the power. After slashing .261/.349/.535 with an average of 45 home runs per 162 games over his first four seasons, his numbers fell to .217/.318/.504 with 46 home runs in 2023.

Alonso has been the subject of trade rumors over the past season; additionally, there's a new president of baseball operations (David Stearns) and manager (Carlos Mendoza) in town. Per ESPN, Stearns said the Mets don't anticipate dealing Alonso, and with free agency looming in 2025, Boras has hinted at a contract extension.

Until that's finalized, consider Alonso still on the market.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Cubs, Brewers, Mariners

CF Mike Trout | Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels haven't made the postseason since 2014. They haven't had a winning season since 2015. Two-way player Shohei Ohtani likely isn't coming back — longtime ESPN reporter Buster Olney speculated he'll end up with the Dodgers. So, where does that leave Trout?

Despite most recently claiming the American League MVP in 2019, Trout hasn't finished a full season since 2016. He's still slashed .294/.420/.612 in that time while finishing top 10 in MVP voting on five occasions.

The issue is the seven years and roughly $260 million remaining on his contract. 

POSSIBLE DESTINATION: Doomed to be an Angel.