MLB Rumors: 3 A.L. Most Likely Trade Candidates
1. Shohei Ohtani, P/DH, Los Angeles Angels
Yes, he recently signed a $30M one-year deal to avoid arbitration in the new year, but the Angels' superstar two-way marvel has already stated disappointment with how things have gone in LA, and the Angels actually considered trading him at the deadline in August.
Ohtani becomes a free agent after the 2023 season, and with the Angels still far off from contention, they would do well to take their time this offseason and get what could be an unprecedented haul in return (even when taking the Juan Soto deal into account).
2. Sean Murphy, C, Oakland A's
The veteran backstop was a prime candidate to get dealt back at the trade deadline, but the A's decided to hang on to him for the balance of the 2022 season. But top catching prospect Shea Langeliers made his major league debut near the end of the year, and he should be ready to take the job full-time in 2023, making Murphy a likely trade candidate once again.
Murphy is a strong catcher on both sides of the ball and should fetch plenty of suitors.
3. Danny Jansen, C, Toronto Blue Jays
Yes, catching is a very difficult position to fill around the majors, and finding a top-flight catcher who can both hit and handle things back of the plate is difficult. The aforementioned Murphy is one, but Jansen is another.
The Blue Jays are loaded with three very good backstops on the major league roster, but with Alejandro Kirk establishing himself as an All-Star in 2022, and Gabriel Moreno being their top prospect, they're likely sticking around. That makes Jansen a prime candidate to be moved to help fill other Toronto needs (such as pitching).
Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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