5 Impact Trades That Could Still Happen in MLB Offseason

The MLB offseason is far from over. There is still around two weeks until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, so there's still ample time for teams to try and pull off blockbuster trades in order to fortify the roster ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Well, with rumors constantly swirling, here are five trades we could still see go down ahead of the new season.

5. Jeff Mathis to the Athletics

There is little room for Jeff Mathis in Arlington. / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

With the signing of Robinson Chirinos, the Texas Rangers have an overloaded backstop. Chris Woodward will have to choose between Chirinos, veteran Jeff Mathis, and newcomer Jose Trevino to make the starting roster. Mathis had a terrible offensive year in 2019, and it's anticipated that Chirinos will be handed the starting role, with Trevino as his backup. The Oakland Athletics are in need of a catcher, as their only option behind the plate this year is Sean Murphy. While Mathis is lackluster offensively, he is a solid defensive option behind the plate, and could provide some depth alongside Murphy.

4. Nick Senzel to the Indians

Nick Senzel, after a solid rookie year, might struggle to find room in a crowded Reds outfield. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Nick Senzel was one of the best hitters on the Cincinnati Reds 2019, but following the the acquisitions of Nicholas Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama, as well as the emergence of Aristides Aquino, it looks like Senzel may be the odd man out. The Indians present a great fit, and have expressed interest in the 24-year-old in the past. With Francisco Lindor's future in Cleveland up in the air, Senzel could be an optimal trade piece to facilitate a deal. The former coveted prospect still boasts a ton of potential, and the Indians would be wise to make a move for him.

3. Kris Bryant to the Braves

Rumors have been quiet around Bryant lately after they were hot early in the offseason. / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

Talks surrounding Kris Bryant have cooled since the start of the offseason, however, the star third baseman still remains as likely a candidate to be dealt ahead of the regular season as there is. A team which could be in play for him is the Atlanta Braves, who saw Josh Donaldson depart for the Minnesota Twins in free agency. While Austin Riley could be a viable replacement for JD, Bryant would take the Braves lineup to new heights. Meanwhile, Atlanta's farm system certainly boasts the talent to make a deal happen.

2. Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals

Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado / Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

The Nolan Arenado trade rumors just won't go away, with a recent report going as far as to say a deal is "inevitable." A team that has been in on Arenado from the get-go seems to be the St. Louis Cardinals. After making the NLCS last year but seeing slugger Marcell Ozuna walk in free agency, going after Arenado could be the move that puts the Cards over the top. The star third baseman just recently voiced his frustration with the Rockies, so it's the perfect time for the Cardinals to strike, however, the opt-out clause in his contract is somewhat of a concern.

1. Mookie Betts to the Padres

There have been a lot of rumors around Betts the past few weeks. / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Padres haven't been big spenders in free agency this winter, but they've been active on the trade market, acquiring Trent Grisham and Tommy Pham in deals with the Brewers and Rays. Well, rumors linking Red Sox star Mookie Betts to San Diego have re-emerged, and they seem to be picking up steam. The Red Sox are keen on getting under the luxury tax and Betts is unlikely to sign on long-term, making a possible blockbuster deal plausible. The two sides have reportedly been negotiating of late, though they have yet to work out an agreement.