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Top 25 tradeable pieces to keep an eye on this season

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 09: Mike Moustakas #8 of the Kansas City Royals takes a swing during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 5-3. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Moustakas
BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 09: Mike Moustakas #8 of the Kansas City Royals takes a swing during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 5-3. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Moustakas /

21. Mike Moustakas

Holding out for a massive, long-term deal last winter blew up for Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. The market for his services never really developed, as teams sought cheaper options for one-dimensional power. Moustakas was forced back to the Royals on a one-year deal despite hitting a franchise-record 38 home runs in 2017.

Moustakas is still only 29 years old and will have another chance to seek a multi-year deal this offseason. He is hitting .267/.322/.494 this year with 13 homers in his first 64 games. The power output is down slightly from last season, but less so than across the entire league. Moustakas actually has a better OPS+ so far this year.

The Royals and Moustakas are still in a bit of a no-mans land situation. He holds a mutual option for 2019 worth $15 million, but would likely prefer to sign a longer deal. An extension in Kansas City may be possible as the Royals continue to rebuild. Moustakas does not have an extremely high trade value as a rental bat. His defense can be a liability at third base, and most contenders would likely view him strictly as a DH.

Without much incentive to trade Moustakas this year, the Royals will probably feel comfortable holding onto him and trying to lock him up for a few more seasons. If one of the AL contenders suffers an unforeseen injury, that could change things Moustakas is a proven power hitter with playoff experience, but there just isn’t a team out there that looks like a great fit.

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