Miwaukee Brewers v Cincinnati Reds

Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a single in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on September 12, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Milwaukee 3-0.

(Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

One of baseball's biggest power brokers has morphed into a small-market team--by design. As the Phillies rebuild, it's easy to understand why payroll has dipped from $177M in 2014 to where it is now: One of the smallest in all of baseball.



With the MLB winter meetings approaching, the Phillies loom as a sleeping giant with payroll space. While it's likely that the team won't take on any huge commitments this offseason and save dollars for when a young core is ready to win with the aid of some veteran help, rumors will persist. With big names available for the right price, there is the potential for Philadelphia to take on an expensive veteran for very little prospect cost this offseason.

Considering that Philadelphia has just $24.7M committed to the team for 2017--and just a total of $2M in 2018--adding some salary won't totally destroy what they can do in future free-agent classes. In Nick Cafardo's latest column on big name trade candidates, the Boston Globe baseball insider listed the Phillies as a possible destination for some major big-ticket stars.



The names listed: Joey Votto, Ryan Braun, Andrew McCutchen, Justin Verlander and Joe Mauer.



Here's what was said about each, including the teams Philadelphia would likely have to compete with if general manager Matt Klentak was interested in entering trade discussions.



Votto, Cincinnati Reds: Votto is owed $172 million through 2023. He's an on-base machine. General manager Dick Williams said he's not shopping Votto but would listen to offers. Possible destinations: Blue Jays, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Rangers.



Braun, Milwaukee Brewers: We've heard for a while now that the Brewers will deal him for the right package. The number of suitors could be growing. Braun, a 30/30 player, is still somewhat of a bargain with four years and about $80 million remaining on his deal. Possible destinations: Dodgers, Giants, Phillies, Braves.



McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates: At one time, trading McCutchen would have been pure blasphemy, but a down year and a growing salary have made this plausible. The Pirates may want some major league-ready players in return. Possible destinations: Giants, Blue Jays, Indians, Cardinals, A's, Phillies, Braves.



Verlander, Detroit Tigers: No doubt that he's available. He'll be 34 on Opening Day and has pitched more than 2,300 career innings, but what a competitor to stick in the middle of your rotation. Possible destinations: Cubs, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, Angels, Astros, Rangers, Braves, Twins, Phillies, Marlins, Pirates, Dodgers.



Mauer, Minnesota Twins: Does anyone want a light-hitting former batting champion and MVP who is still owed $46 million? Likely not. But stranger things have happened. Those who know Mauer well feel he has something left in that bat. He's still relatively young -- he turns 34 in April. He's a 10-5 player and can veto any deal. Possible destinations: Blue Jays, Phillies, Rockies.

Offseason plan for Phillies



Of all five names, Votto (.326/.434/.550) would make the biggest impact and help change Philadelphia's lineup. After adding Howie Kendrick in a trade and bringing back Jeremy Hellickson on a one-year deal, the aggressiveness (or lack of) of the Phillies the rest of the offseason will be fascinating.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.