Five closers still on the trade market

Looking at five top closers still on the market following MLB Winter Meetings.

There is never a shortage of teams in need of quality bullpen help. Usually, building a top-notch relief corps is reserved for the free agent market, but this year’s available crop is surprisingly thin.

The trade market for closers is heating up, as their highest value often occurs at the deadline in late July. Suitors have several top options available to them for the right price.

Already, we have seen the San Diego Padres deal Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox, the Houston Astros acquiring hard-throwing Ken Giles from the Philadelphia Phillies, and Aroldis Chapman had been moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the trade has been called off due to an alleged domestic violence incident. Each was available for the right package that included top minor league talent, who are expected to make an immediate impact to the major league roster next season.

Teams are always open for business and will listen to all types of trade proposals. The current state within the market makes it very hard to believe any closer is off-limits in possible trade talks. Even the great pitching staffs can benefit from adding depth to the roster. You can expect a few other dominant closers to be moved before the clubs head to spring training this March.