It's too early in the MLB season for overreactions. We will watch the games and analyze them passionately, with an understanding that plenty will change between now and when the games matter.

The time should start around the trade deadline, as enough sample size is available to distinguish contenders from the rest.

There are also moves teams could make at the deadline that could separate them from the pack.

MLB

MLB Hitters, Pitchers Primed to Rebound in 2023

In this exercise, we take a look at trades that would shift the balance of power in 2023. These are considered moves to bump good teams into favorites and average teams into contenders.

 

Amed Rosario to Atlanta

Amed Rosario and the Guardians have initiated talks of a contract extension, The Athletic reported last month.

Cleveland's shortstop, who led the American League in triples last season, in the final year of club control. Rosario also plays at a position of depth for the Guardians, who have a long list of middle infield prospects climbing through the ranks.

While Atlanta did not re-sign Dansby Swanson or make a big splash at shortstop in free agency, it could still trade for one.

If Rosario's extension talks with Cleveland go nowhere and Atlanta's looking to make power balance shifting moves like it did in the 2021 World Series run, then this is another trade that makes sense.

 

Lance Lynn to St. Louis Cardinals

A Lance Lynn-Cardinals reunion is perfect if the White Sox falter and St. Louis is in contention, which was the case last year.

Lynn, 35, is in the final year of his contract and still a very useful starting pitcher. He wasn't great in his 2023 debut against the Astros, giving up two earned runs, a homer and four walks in 5.2 innings.

But he was elite as recently as 2021 and dealt with injury last season. The Cardinals shouldn't have a problem scoring runs, but are lacking in their rotation compared to NL contenders like Atlanta, the Mets, Phillies, Padres and Dodgers.

The question is what St. Louis would be willing to give up. The White Sox would be wise to ask for Tommy Edman, but the Cardinals might prefer to deal from their outfield surplus with Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson and Juan Yepez.