It's that time of the offseason when we starting dreaming up trade ideas because nothing is going on. Action will probably remain mostly quiet until the winter meetings in early December. Meanwhile, we can check the rumors and pretend front offices run their teams like we run our fantasy teams.

Some big names have already been prominently mentioned in rumors -- Chris Sale, Andrew McCutchen, Ryan Braun (although he has a no-trade clause to all teams except the Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Padres, Diamondbacks and Marlins) and maybe everyone on the Tigers, including Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander -- but here are four stars who, while unlikely to be moved, play on teams for whom a trade might make sense on a lot of levels.

Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt's OPS dropped by more than 100 points in 2016, but it was still a healthy .900. AP Photo/Ralph Freso

1. Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks

Contract: $8.875 million (2017), $11M (2018), $14.5M (2019 team option)

Why they should trade him: They went 69-93 in 2016 as the pitching collapsed. The farm system doesn't have any obvious contributors ready for 2017, so competing with the Dodgers and Giants the next couple of seasons appears unlikely. Goldschmidt's team-friendly contract is a bargain for a player of his caliber, making him affordable to big-market and small-market teams. His OPS dropped 106 points in 2016, so what if he's starting to decline?

Why they shouldn't trade him: Sure, they had a bad 2016, but they might be closer than people think. If A.J. Pollock returns from his injury and Zack Greinke pitches better, you're adding two star players. Robbie Ray had a lousy ERA but an incredible strikeout rate, and he's a breakout sleeper for 2017. A relatively inexpensive star such as Goldschmidt is exactly the kind of player the D-backs need to build around. The one thing available in free agency this offseason is a first-base type such as Edwin Encarnacion, Mike Napoli, Mitch Moreland and others, so teams might find easier to just sign a free agent.

Possible trade partners: Rangers, Astros, Nationals, Red Sox, Yankees, Rockies, Indians, Mariners.

Evan Longoria hit a career-high 36 home runs in 2016. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

2. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Contract: Signed through 2022 with a 2023 team option (that's an AAV of $15.2 million with the option)

Why they should trade him: With three consecutive losing seasons and a player-development pipeline that has dried up, the Rays are in need of a talent makeover and more depth. Coming off a season with 36 home runs and 41 doubles, Longoria's value is the highest it's been in a few years. His contract isn't onerous, even for the Rays, but he's entering his age-31 season. As the old saying goes, better to trade a year too early than a year too late. If the Dodgers don't re-sign Justin Turner, they could be desperate for a third baseman.

Why they shouldn't trade him: Considering he signed a second long-term deal with the Rays, Longoria is the one guy who wants to play here. A rotation of Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Blake Snell and Drew Smyly has a huge upside for 2017, so the Rays could bounce back to playoff contention. Even as he's played through some injuries, Longoria has been amazingly durable, having missed just six games the past four seasons. His contract is a bargain compared with others we've seen signed.

Possible trade partners: Dodgers, Cardinals, Braves, Giants.

Giancarlo Stanton has a huge contract, but still has huge power potential. Mike Carlson/Getty Images

3. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

Contract: He's owed at least $309.5 million through 2027, although has an opt-out after 2020.

Why they should trade him: Injuries and inconsistency mean that $300 million contract could be an albatross moving forward if Stanton doesn't rediscover his stroke. He hit just .240/.326/.489 in 2016, his strikeout rate hasn't improved with maturity and his walk rate has actually declined the past two seasons from 2014, certainly not a good sign. The death of Jose Fernandez leaves the Marlins thin on talent, so maybe a reboot is in order. Teams crave power, and at 27, Stanton's upside remains tantalizing.

Why they shouldn't trade him: Even if a team is willing to pick up all of Stanton's contract, he's owed so much money if he doesn't opt out that he might not bring back a gold mine of prospects. He's clearly the face of the franchise now, and with the Marlins always in a precarious dance with their fans, trading him would kill baseball enthusiasm in Miami. He might stay healthy and hit 150 home runs the next three seasons.

Possible trade partners: Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, Rangers.

Brian Dozier has an attractive contract for a second baseman, especially considering he hit 93 home runs over the past three seasons, including 42 in 2016. Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire

4. Brian Dozier, Minnesota Twins

Contract: $6 million in 2017, $9 million in 2018.

Why they should trade him: Do you see the Twins contending the next two seasons, before Dozier hits free agency? If not, what are the odds they re-sign him? Even then, he'll be entering his age-32 season in 2019 and would be a risky long-term signing. His value is sky high coming off a 42-homer season, and his contract is like picking up a quarter from the automatic change dispenser at Subway for most teams. One key contender could really use a second baseman.

Why they shouldn't trade him: Umm ... they will be contenders the next two seasons? The thought of trading a guy who just hit 42 home runs makes everyone sad? You could always wait and see where the team is at midseason and then trade him. Most contenders are pretty set at second base.

Possible trade partners: Dodgers, Nationals (moving Daniel Murphy to first base), Angels, Cardinals, Braves.