The 2023 Major League Baseball season is underway with MLB trade rumors swirling around the league. As teams in the postseason picture look to make moves, there are plenty of attractive MLB trade candidates to monitor this summer.

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is the name everyone is keeping an eye on. Poised to become one of the top MLB free agents this winter, Ohtani is poised to leave the Angels in free agency. Facing the possibility of losing him to the open market, Ohtani headlines the top MLB trade candidates right now.

Even if Ohtani isn’t traded, there are plenty of premium talents expected to be available. Whether a team is seeking an All-Star pitcher or a hitter to plug into their lineup, there will be plenty of options.

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Let’s dive into the top MLB trade candidates in 2023.

Identifying the best players who could be traded

 

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels face the ultimate predicament this summer. Shohei Ohtani isn’t re-signing with them this winter, so Los Angeles must choose between keeping the AL MVP or trading him at a discount. Right now, the Angels want to keep him but that could change based on what the MLB standings look like in July.

Shohei Ohtani career stats: .268/.353/.533, .886 OPS, 3.02 ERA, 11.5 K/9 in 420.2 innings

Ultimately, the Angels’ best move is likely to trade him. It will result in an attendance drop and hurt the relationship with the fan base, but it’s the best move from a baseball perspective. Ohtani can pitch at an All-Star level and HIS .913 OPS over the last three seasons proves his worth as a hitter. That’s two impact additions with one player for a World Series contender, a bidding war everyone will want to be involved in.

Teams to Watch: New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners

 

Corbin Burnes, starting pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

Typically, teams in first place don’t make themselves sellers at the trade deadline. However, the Milwaukee Brewers demonstrated last year that they are more than willing to trade All-Star pitching to slash future payroll. Considering the deteriorating relationship with Corbin Burnes, it’s no surprise he’s been floated among the MLB trade candidates.