5 trades we'd love to see this offseason

With general manager meetings underway, and the highly-anticipated Winter Meetings coming on Dec. 10, MLB trade talks will start to heat up soon. With that in mind, here are five deals we'd love to see from now until the start of the regular season:

Blue Jays trade for Dee Gordon

Contract: Signed for $37.9M through 2020; carries $14M team option ($1M buyout) for 2021.

What happened in 2017: Gordon led baseball with 60 stolen bases, while his .304 batting average ranked fourth among qualified second basemen.

Why it makes sense for both sides:

Despite missing the postseason for the first time since 2015, the Toronto Blue Jays are more likely to add than subtract to its roster this offseason.

Among Statcast's Sprint Speed leader board, the Blue Jays had no qualified players finish among the top 100 this year. Gordon, known for his base-stealing ability, ranked fourth in this category, making him an ideal fit for the speed-deficient Blue Jays. With the Marlins looking to shed payroll, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins willing to take on money, and the health of Devon Travis in question, a deal can be made.

Cubs trade Addison Russell to Royals for Danny Duffy

Contracts:

Russell: First-year arbitration eligible (projected to earn $2.3M); under team control until 2022.

Duffy: Signed for $60M through 2021; free agent in 2022.

What happened in 2017: Both players missed time due to injury; Duffy pitched well when healthy as Russell struggled in his third full year with the Cubs.

Why it makes sense for both sides:

This would be the ultimate shakeup but one that could pay off.

For Chicago, it would immediately give the club a replacement for Jake Arrieta as Duffy would join Jon Lester and Jose Quintana in a solid starting rotation. Javvy Baez could shift over to his natural position, with Ian Happ playing second base on a more permanent basis.

In the 23-year-old Russell, the Royals would get a talented shortstop to build around all the while replacing free agent Alcides Escobar. The move would also create financial flexibility to bring back any of Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, or Lorenzo Cain.

Angels trade for Ian Kinsler

Contract: Signed for $11M through 2018; free agent in 2019

What happened in 2017: Hit an uncharacteristic .236/.313/.412 and combined to his lowest WAR (2.1) since 2006.

Why it makes sense for both sides:

This past season aside, Kinsler has been one of baseball's most productive second basemen, which is why the Angels should make this deal.

After combining to 15.0 WAR from 2014-16, Kinsler's production dipped significantly, though he did play on a very bad Tigers team and finished with a .244 BABIP - an indication of bad luck if you compare it to his career .284 mark.

With Justin Upton back in the fold, and the best player on earth in Mike Trout, the Angels adding a player of Kinsler's caliber would be a huge step forward. For the Tigers, this move is necessary as the team continues its rebuild.

Indians trade Salazar, Brantley to Brewers for Braun

Contracts:

Braun: Signed for $56M through 2020; carries $15M mutual option for 2021 ($4M buyout), full no-trade clause (10-5 rights).

Brantley: $11M through 2018; free agent in 2019.

Salazar: First-year arbitration eligible (projected to earn $5.2M); under team control until 2021.

What happened in 2017: All three missed significant time with various injuries; Braun was limited to 104 games, his fewest since 2013.

Why it makes sense for both sides:

It's no secret the Milwaukee Brewers need pitching. With Jimmy Nelson expected to miss the start of 2018, Milwaukee is in the market for upgrades. Salazar is talented, but has been slowed by injury and control issues. At only 27 years old, he's a risk worth taking.

Trading Braun would free-up payroll to spend on a starter in free agency, and Brantley coming back in the deal offers some insurance, even for one year. The Indians could then use Braun in either corner outfield spot and first base. With the emergence of Mike Clevinger and Trevor Bauer in the rotation, trading Salazar is a move Cleveland can make.

In Braun's place, Brantley could platoon with Domingo Santana and top prospect Lewis Brinson, who would have the opportunity to prove himself.

Yankees trade for Gerrit Cole

Contract: Second-year arbitration eligible (projected to earn $7.5M); free agent in 2020

What happened in 2017: Pitched to a 4.26 ERA, led Pirates starters with 196 strikeouts and 203 innings pitched

Why it makes sense for both sides:

The Yankees made separate necessary midseason acquisitions in deals with the Oakland Athletics and White Sox for Todd Frazier and Sonny Gray, among others. That could deter them from pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal for Cole. It's possible to avoid having to deal its remaining top prospects for the Pirates ace, however.

Clint Frazier and Jordan Montgomery could go, and if the Yankees want to get bold, they could also dangle Chad Green in trade talks. A rotation with Cole would give the Yankees four starters including Luis Severino under long-term control. When 2020 rolls around, that's when Brian Cashman can decide what to do with Gray, Tanaka, and Cole - all free agents.

For the Pirates, they would be foolish not to explore Cole's value. With the Cubs, Brewers, and St. Louis Cardinals expected to go for it, the Pirates' window to compete has passed, meaning it's time to look to the future.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

(Arbitration projections courtesy: MLB Trade Rumors)