Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger name keeps coming up in trade talks

With nine players on the 40 man roster that man the outfield, including seven that spent the majority of their in major leagues last season, Toronto's crowded corner outfield is unsustainable for the long term.

Joey Loperfido is one player who's name has been floated as a trade possibility and he seems likely to be dealt. Both Myles Straw and Nathan Lukes are also possibilities.

But, in a World of mock trades, whether through fan sites, MLB analysts, or general speculation, one Blue Jays player keeps being mentioned time and time again: Addison Barger.

The 26-year old came into his own in his first full season, hitting 21 home runs in 135 games, split between right field and third base.

In a way, the mock trade proposals involving Barger - which often find him packaged or paired with starter Jose Berrios - make sense. His stock is high, he has positional versatility, and he is a lefty power bat.

And yet, amongst the group of younger outfielders, Barger seems the least likely to be dealt. While he and Lukes both fit similar needs, Barger's ability to play third base is a big bonus for the Blue Jays, especially if Bo Bichette signs elsewhere.

This is not to say that Barger won't be traded, after all, the General Manager Ross Atkins seems to willingly to listen for offers on just about anybody, it just feels like there are many players the Blue Jays would use to clear the clutter first.

Both Barger and Lukes had breakout seasons. Them, along with a resurgent campaign by George Springer, makes these types of decisions very difficult.

While it's hard to have too much of a good thing, the production the Blue Jays got from their outfielders can't be overstated.

That said, there is no way that all of them return next season. But as the baseball saying goes, these things have a way of sorting themselves out.