3 Most Intriguing Trade Candidates: AL East

Free agents are just one way for teams to improve in the offseason. But at some point, money becomes an issue—sooner than later for most clubs. So the good old fashioned trade route is the fallback method of bringing in new blood. 

We'll examine some of the most likely trade candidates around baseball. Starting in the AL East. Here are three who might be on the move.

Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees

The Yankees were reportedly "close" to pulling off a trade of their former 2-time All-Star infielder at the trade deadline in August, in return for Miami Marlins starter Pablo Lopez. But they pulled out at the last second when they acquired Frankie Montas from the Oakland A's. 

Torres was off to a resounding comeback season in 2022 after a couple of very poor years, but his 17 first-half home runs dropped off to just 7 long-balls in the second half. He may find himself on the block once again, as they could be dealing from a position of strength. 

The Yanks have two top prospects they hope are ready to take over in the middle infield this season in Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe. Torres could be a luxury that they could use to bring in some other help around the roster. 

Danny Jansen, Toronto Blue Jays

Jansen had a breakthrough season at the plate, posting his best numbers ever, with an .855 OPS and 15 HR in just 215 at-bats. And we all know that the Jays are dealing from a serious position of strength here, as All-Star Alejandro Kirk and top prospect Gabriel Moreno give them three high-end backstops. 

The #BlueJays are expected to trade a catcher this offseason, according to multiple rival execs I’ve spoken with at the GM Meetings. The Jays have an abundance of talent at the position: Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk and Gabriel Moreno. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2022

Toronto needs pitching help, both in the rotation and the bullpen, and they are expected to use one of their catchers to obtain some arms. 

Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Blue Jays

Lather, rinse, repeat: The Jays need lots of pitching help. Another position they could possibly deal from is the outfield. But not necessarily because of an overabundance. Hernandez made $10.6M this season, and that will go up to somewhere in the $14M ranger in his final year of arbitration in 2023. Then he's off to free agency.

With huge contracts in the offing in the near future for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, plus the pricey deals already in place for George Springer and Kevin Gausman, Toronto has to start thinking about where to spend their money in the years to come. He'd certainly be a tough player for the Jays and their fans to give up, but Teo may be a luxury they can't afford going forward. His name has been circulating in trade rumors at the GM Meetings, and he could bring in a handsome return at this point. 

Trade Candidates from the AL West can be found here.

Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports