The trade deadlines, both waiver and non have come and gone.
Many players, and potential changes of scenery were discussed and while some came to fruition, others stagnated.
For many of those players, a change was necessary.
Some moved, some didn’t but many were mentioned.
Here are a few played heavily discussed that will change teams in the offseason.
Heath Bell
The top reliever apparently available at the deadline, Heath Bell remained a Padre.
Short term, it was a good move by the Padres who refused to sell low.
Bell will be offered arbitration and if he declines, the Padres will still get a a few draft picks.
The Padres can’t really afford to pay for his potential 2012 salary and if Bell does accept arbitration, expect a contender to swoop in with a trade.
Michael Cuddyer
The Twins asked far too high a price for Cuddyer, which was ultimately the reason he did not move at the trade deadline.
He is a free agent at season’s end, and with the Twins financial situation its unlikely he will be retained at the $12 million plus he is probable to receive on the free agent market.
BJ Upton
The most talked about sub .250 hitter of the deadline.
BJ Upton is immensely talented but still hasn’t found a way to put it all together in one season.
Upton is in the process of being crowded out by Desmond Jennings in Tampa and the Rays will probably swap him to the highest bidder this winter.
Hiroki Kuroda
Kuroda had a chance to play for the Diamondbacks but vetoed a trade prior to the deadline.
Perhaps after seeing the Diamondsback’s second half, Kuroda will reconsider.
The Dodgers are in dire straights with their finances and Kuroda’s $12 million coming off the books will be welcomed.
Kuroda isn’t likely to return to Chavez Ravine after this season.
Alfonso Soriano
The man with the contract that wouldn’t die.
Soriano only has one more year on his massive contract, and the Cubs might be willing to take on another bloated contract if the player they receive is a bit more productive.
Problem for the Cubs is: finding someone who will take Carlos Zambrano and Soriano.
Perhaps the Giants will come calling soon.
The Cubs need a fresh start and will do what they can to move Soriano, despite the cost.