Even though there are no games being played this is a fun time of the year to be a baseball fan. December brings the winter meetings which brings a frenzy of trades and free agent signings. Sometimes making a trade is easier than signing a free agent, particularly for small market teams who can’t afford the ridiculous amount of money players like David Price get when they are signed.

Teams to keep an eye on this winter will be Oakland, and the Cubs. Billy Beane has never been shy to make a trade. Heck he just traded away Josh Donaldson last year, who went on to win the MVP this season. 

Then in Chicago you have Theo Epstein who has done a great job at turning that organization around. The Cubs are probably one or two pieces away (namely the starting rotation) from becoming a legitimate World Series contender year in and year out with that young team.

I’m not going to make any speculations won where layers may be getting traded too, but I have five players whom I believe have a strong shot at being traded.

1) Brett Gardner, Left Fielder, New York Yankees

Gardner’s name has been floating around a little bit this offseason as a guy the Yankees may be willing to move. The Yankees have already traded for Aaron Hicks, and are linked as possible suitors for Jason Heyward giving them a very crowded outfield. The Yankees are looking to bolster their starting rotation so with a crowded outfield, and a player whom teams have inquired in on for years, it would seem plausible that Yankees actually pull the trigger and trade Gardner this year.

2)Aroldis Chapman, Closer, Cincinnati Reds 

In a crowded division with the Pirates, Cardinals, and Cubs seemingly locked in as the top teams for the nest for years it would make sense for the Reds to move Chapman. Chapman is a free agent at the end of the year so from their standpoint they should move him now rather than risk him leaving as a free agent and getting nothing in return. It can be tough for a team to admit in December that they will likely not be contenders but if they are to be realistic about the upcoming season they know they won’t be very good and they need to start the rebuilding now. Chapman won’t get a top prospect but as a guy with a 2.17 career ERA and four consecutive 100 plus strikeout seasons he will be highly coveted by a team in contention that needs a closer.

3)Andrew Miller, Closer, New York Yankees

A strong bullpen is a huge part of winning, and the Yankees bullpen was light out last season in large part thanks to Miller. This makes it surprising that the Yankees would be willing to trade him, but with Dellin Betances on the roster they have a guy with as good if not a better repetoirre than Miller that can step in and close games. The Yankees have already been in talks with the Astros for a starting pitcher, as the Astros desperately need a lights out reliever as that was a big part of the reason they collapsed against the royals in the playoffs last October. Miller does make a ton of money for a reliever so that may limit possible trade partners but if the Yankees are serious about upgrading their rotation this a guy that would be a huge addition to any trade.

4)Shelby Miller, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves

Miller is going to be a as the sought after starting pitcher this Winter as the Braves are still a ways away from being a competitive team. Miller had a strong 2015 season posting a 3.02 ERA and throwing 205 innings. Just as importantly is the fact that he will only be 25 next season so there is still room for growth and teams still have control over him for a couple more seasons before he becomes a free agent. It won’t be easy to get him though as the Braves asked the Diamondbacks for A.J. Pollock whom the D-Backs are deeming untouchable and when in talks with the Giants the Braves tried to get both Brandon Belt, and Joe Panik.If a team is willing to part with some top prospects or a couple young big league hitters they can get Miller but the Braves seem intent on getting a king’s ransom for him.

5)Andrew Cashner, Starting Pitcher, San Diego Padres

After splurging during the last offseason to make themselves contenders, the Padres have been sellers since the trade deadline last year. Things did not go as planned which has lead them to begin a rebuilding phase by replenishing the farm and trading away any valuable players they have on their roster. Cashner has been rumored to be on the trading block before, and if teams can look by his disastrous season last year, the Padres may still be able to get some valuable prospects for him. Cashner is only 28 and with his high velocity fastball he will be coveted by a lot of teams that are looking to bolster their starting rotation. Cashner actually saw an increase in strikeouts last season, and if he can cut down on the walks then he could be a steal for a team that is willing to take a flyer on him.