There is always plenty of action and the MLB trade deadline, but there should be more activity than normal this year given the weak free agency class this offseason. Even though the deadline isn't until the end of July, it's never to early to start looking ahead to which big name players could be moved. Here are the five players that are the most likely to get traded - and where they'll end up:
5) Brandon Phillips - Cincinnati Reds
Phillips isn't having that great of a season, batting just .246, but he's excellent in the field and an experienced veteran. That makes him an asset for a lot of teams - just not for the Reds, who are rebuilding. They nearly traded him at the deadline last year and nearly sent him to the Nationals this offseason. It appears he's going to be moved sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Kansas City Royals
Phillips wants to be traded to a contender, and no team fits that bill more than the defending champion Royals. They need some help after a slow start to the season, and Phillips would be an upgrade over Infante at second base.
4) Freddie Freeman - Atlanta Braves
Atlanta has held firm on their desire to keep Freeman despite their current rebuilding process, but there is growing belief that the Braves could part with the 26-year-old if they can get the right return for him. The face that he's under contract through 2021 makes him a very appealing asset, but teams may not be willing to meet Atlanta's massive asking price.
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Hanley Ramirez hasn't been terrible at first base for the Red Sox, but there's no doubt that Freeman would be an upgrade. Boston GM Dave Dombrowski proved to be extremely aggressive in his first offseason on the job, and making the move for Freeman would certainly be the boldest move yet - but it would strengthen Boston as a World Series contender for years to come.
3) Jonathan Lucroy - Milwaukee Brewers
Lucroy is one of the best catchers in the game, and the Brewers are making him available with the hope of adding some young players in return to help their own rebuild. He is an excellent framer and reliable hitter, making him a rare multi-dimensional catcher.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels
The Angels need to add another bat, something Lucroy would definitely provide - and his relative cheap contract that runs through 2018 would be a godsend for a team leaded with bad, heft contracts.
2) Matt Moore - Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa has a ton of starting pitching, and they're likely to deal one of those guys to add some power to their lineup. Moore appears to be the most likely candidate. The 26-year-old is coming off of Tommy John surgery last season, but was a legitimate top option in the rotation before then. Since there will be absolutely no quality starters available in free agency this winter, someone will gamble on Moore.
Prediction: Houston Astros
Houston's rotation has been shaky this season - even Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel has struggled - so adding another arm makes a lot of sense for a team trying to make the playoffs again now and moving forward. They also have the prospects to interest the Rays in a trade.
1) Jose Fernandez - Miami Marlins
Fernandez is a bonafide ace, but there is a rocky relationship between him and the front office after the Marlins were rumored to be taking offers for him in the offseason. The 23-year-old has been dominant this season despite of it, posting a 7-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. Because of his young age and the huge lack of free agent starters this winter, some teams may be willing to give up a king's ransom to land the star.
Prediction: New York Yankees
New York is never one to shy away from making a splashy move, and they can dip into their dominant bullpen to provide Miami with some quality players. The Yankees don't want to part with their prospects, but you'd have to think they'd gladly throw two top prospects in the deal to land a long-term ace like Fernandez.