MLB Trade Rumors: Keep an eye on these early candidates

Starlin Castro’s journey to the Miami Marlins in the prime of his career seems rather anti-climactic. He was a top prospect and eventual bright spot on some Chicago Cubs teams that were severely lacking in talent. And right as the Cubs were about to burst into contention, Castro was traded. But at least he was shipped to the Yankees. At the time, they weren’t big competitors, but their future was bright. It wasn’t a bad outcome for the star shortstop/second baseman.

But now he’s a member of the Miami Marlins, a team that could very well end up losing the most games in the league in 2018. He was a part of the blockbuster Giancarlo Stanton trade as the Marlins set out to dump massive chunks of salary.

But Castro isn’t making chump-change, either. He’ll make $10 million this season and $11 million the next. The Marlins’ brass surely realizes that Castro will no longer be in his prime by the time they’re ready to contend again. So paying one player that much money in the middle of a rebuild hardly makes sense for them.

Teams had reportedly been inquiring on his availability during the offseason, and interest in the 28-year-old infielder should ramp up as the season moves closer to the trade deadline. He’s not going to take a lot of walks, but he’s proven to be a good hitter throughout his career.

Plenty of teams could use an upgrade in the middle infield. Particularly the New York Mets, who currently have Amed Rosario and Asdrubal Cabrera manning shortstop and second base respectively. They’ve been surprisingly good so far, and if they keep it up for a few more months, they could be active on the trade market.