All but four of Jim Bowden’s top 35 free agents are signed, but the Hot Stove season isn’t close to over. Not when four high-profile clubs (the Cubs, Cardinals, Red Sox and Dodgers) remain largely inactive. Not when four superstars (Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant) remain available in trade.



The simmering dynamics create the potential for a combustible January, or at least a blockbuster or two by the July 31 trade deadline. Two pending events — the signing of the best remaining free agent, Josh Donaldson, and resolution of Bryant’s service-time dispute with the Cubs — might break the current logjam. And with nearly all of the best free agents gone, teams will face little choice but to part with precious prospects or even (gasp!) major-league talent if they want to improve through trade.



What follows are thoughts on the four superstars on the trade market, as well as four teams in positions of varying urgency.