The start of the Hot Stove League, predictably, means that the free-agent field is going to be examined closely. This year's class features a handful of All-Star caliber shortstops, but also, a quality group of starting pitchers.
Some (Justin Verlander, Noah Syndergaard, Robbie Ray) would require compensation; others (Steven Matz, Marcus Stroman, Jon Gray) would not.
But while the Red Sox wait and see what's going to happen with Eduardo Rodriguez -- they qualified him, but also made a multi-year offer in recent days, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network -- they also have another path to acquiring additional starters: the trade market.
A number of budget-conscious teams, mostly out of economic necessity, plan to be active on the trade front and some have pitching to deal.
Here's a look at some potential targets:
OAKLAND A's: Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas.
The A's are holding a fire sale, as they do periodically. They've already let manager Bob Melvin walk, without compensation, and next on their list is to listen to just about anybody and everybody who stands to make even modest salary in the next year or two.
That includes infield pillars Matt Chapman and Matt Olson, but also, the majority of their starting rotation.
Any of the three A's starters listed above would fit comfortably into the middle of the Red Sox' rotation. None is set to make break-the-bank money in arbitration, either. MLBTradeRumors.com estimates that Manaea would get $10.2 million, Bassitt $8.8 million and Montas $5.2 million. (A long time ago, Montas was a Red Sox prospect, having been dealt away as part of the three-team deal that netted the Sox Jake Peavy at the trade deadline in 2013).
Manaea and Bassitt are under control for one more year while Montas wouldn't be eligible for free agency until after 2023.
Of course, there would be a high cost for any of these pitchers, especially Montas given his extra year of control, and the Red Sox are hardly alone in seeking cost-controlled starting pitching.
CINCINNATI REDS: Luis Castillo.
Like the A's, the Reds are slashing spending. They put Wade Miley on waivers rather than pick up his option year and traded catcher Tucker Barnhart rather than exercise his option for 2022.
Next, comes the big prize: Castillo. Castillo, 28, has long been a favorite of Pedro Martinez, who has raved about him in the past. Castillo is slated to make $7.6 million in arbitration.
The asking price will be through the roof, given his age, ability and relative affordability.
MIAMI MARLINS: Pablo Lopez, Sandy Alcantara
The Marlins are in desperate need of some offense and may have to sacrifice some young starting pitching in order to get it, Alcantara and Lopez have three years of control remaining, and their salaries are very manageable (Lopez is projected at $2.5 million and Alcantara at $4.5 million).
Bobby Dalbec would seem like an obvious target for the Marlins, who could use a power bat, though it would likely take something else to get either one of these targets, given the years of control coming back.
