New York, December 06, 2025
The 2025–26 MLB offseason is set to feature significant trade activity as teams prepare for the Winter Meetings and strategic roster overhauls. Leading the market are standout players such as Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Freddy Peralta, whose availability could reshape playoff contenders and rebuilding franchises alike.
Top Trade Candidates Highlight Key Pitching and Positional Talent
Minnesota Twins’ Sonny Gray is the most notable trade candidate, offering a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter option at age 35 after an impressive 2025 season. As Gray approaches free agency following this final contract year, contenders including the Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, and Astros are prime fit destinations given their rotation needs and willingness to invest in frontline starters.
Similarly, the Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado presents a complex trade possibility. While his considerable remaining contract and a no-trade clause complicate potential moves, Arenado’s elite defense and bat make him an attractive asset for teams seeking third base upgrades. Suitable trade fits include National League contenders with designated hitter flexibility such as the Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Freddy Peralta is also high on the radar. Known for his durability and high-velocity pitching, Peralta carries an $8 million club option for 2026, which the Brewers are expected to exercise before any trade. Contenders across both leagues, notably the Yankees, Astros, Rangers, and Blue Jays, are expected to pursue him aggressively.
Miami Marlins are potential sellers of their ace Sandy Alcantara, who offers controllability through 2027, and emerging starter Edward Cabrera, controlled via arbitration through 2028. Both could appeal to teams seeking foundational pitching talent with long-term value, especially the Dodgers, Phillies, and New York-based franchises.
Other rotation arms like Joe Ryan (Twins) and lefties such as MacKenzie Gore (Nationals) offer mid-level trade prospects, targeting contending teams needing depth or left-handed pitching. The Tampa Bay Rays continue to stand out as a trade hub, with elite closer Pete Fairbanks and power-hitting second baseman Brandon Lowe among others expected to move to reset payroll and position paths for younger players.
Mid-Tier Candidates and Market Dynamics
Players ranked 11 through 25 reflect a mix of young talent and veterans on teams in transition. Boston’s outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu could shift if the Red Sox acquire high-profile free agents. The Rays also may part with first baseman Yandy Díaz or starter Drew Rasmussen.
Veterans like Christian Yelich (Brewers), Jorge Soler (Giants), and Tyler Anderson (Blue Jays) offer short-term rentals or cost-controlled options appealing to playoff hopefuls. The Rangers and White Sox appear frequently as potential suitors, illustrating a league-wide appetite for both immediate impact and developmental rebuilding.
Market Context: Balancing Rebuilds and Win-Now Strategies
The offseason’s trade landscape is shaped by competing priorities: some franchises seek to maximize current windows for contention, while others embrace rebuilds by acquiring prospects. The Twins’ handling of Gray and Ryan epitomizes this dynamic, as do Miami’s potential pivot from success to soft rebuild.
Concurrently, an unusually strong free-agent class featuring star outfielders Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber, along with infielders Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, influences trade decisions. Teams weigh acquiring controllable young players against pursuing established free agents, a balance reflecting evolving payroll strategies and roster flexibility needs.
As Winter Meetings Approach, Trade Rumors and Deals Will Accelerate
The 2025–26 MLB offseason trade candidate list signals a forthcoming flurry of deals impacting rosters across Major League Baseball. Business leaders, policymakers involved in sports economics, and informed global fans will note the intertwined nature of contract control, talent evaluation, and competitive timing.
Tracking these developments through the Winter Meetings and free agency will be pivotal in anticipating 2026 season trajectories and the shifting power balance within the league.