New York, December 02, 2025
Major League Baseball’s 2025-26 offseason is poised for significant activity with top trade candidates across multiple teams, as franchises look to strengthen rosters ahead of winter meetings and the next season. The Washington Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore leads the list, followed by high-demand pitchers, infielders, and bullpen arms targeted by contenders nationwide.
As the offseason approaches, MLB teams strategize to recalibrate their lineups, improve pitching depth, and manage payroll constraints. Trade rumors and market evaluations center on players whose contracts and performance create unique opportunities for deals that could reshape competitive balance in the coming years.
Top Trade Candidates and Potential Fits
MacKenzie Gore, a left-handed pitcher with the Nationals, stands as the premier trade target. Despite recent inconsistencies and a costly contract, Gore retains substantial value due to his age, talent, and control through arbitration until 2027. Teams including the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels are positioning for possible acquisition.
Detroit’s lefty Tarik Skubal also garners interest, with the Mets, Dodgers, Orioles, Yankees, Red Sox, and Giants among potential suitors. Though only a 10% trade likelihood is projected, his profile as a promising starter attracts competitive attention.
Ketel Marte, Arizona’s skilled second baseman under a contract extending five years plus an option, stands out for his offensive consistency and versatility. Contenders such as the Mets, Orioles, Giants, Astros, and Padres consider Marte a valuable addition, with a 50% chance he moves during the offseason.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Freddy Peralta, versatile reliever who can start, is a high-impact pitcher on the trade radar given contenders’ ongoing pitching needs. Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene offers youthful starter upside as well, drawing interest across the league.
Tampa Bay Rays’ Anticipated Seller Role
The Rays emerge as a major selling club, with relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks, infielder Brandon Lowe, and first baseman Yandy Díaz among the prime candidates. Fairbanks’ 2026 club option, salary considerations, and career-best saves total of 27 in 2025 make him appealing to teams requiring bullpen bolstering. Díaz’s affordable $12 million salary and Lowe’s $11.5 million option reflect a roster overhaul likely driven by payroll management and a desire to acquire pitching prospects.
Veterans and Emerging Prospects
The market also includes veteran figures like Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals and several high-profile Astros players such as Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. The Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber and Mets’ Pete Alonso have surfaced in trade and free-agent discussions.
Among younger pitching talents, Miami’s Edward Cabrera impresses with a high-velocity arm and significant innings workload, despite injury risks raising valuation complexities. Similarly, Dodgers’ Ryan Pepiot projects as a payroll-sensitive arbitration candidate who either may be retained or included in trade talks.
Contract and Arbitration Factors Shaping Trades
A key dynamic influencing trade fluidity involves arbitration control and contract status. Players like Gore, Marte, and Ryan enjoy cost certainty for upcoming seasons, making them more attractive despite high price points. Conversely, teams are assessing performance trends and injury histories to balance long-term contract commitments against immediate roster impact.
Looking Ahead to Winter Meetings and Negotiations
As winter meetings loom, front offices will weigh prospects’ talent against fiscal constraints and competitive strategy. These trades will not only affect team payrolls and prospect stocks but also signal intentions for rebuilding or contending.
The evolving trade landscape underscores a marketplace in flux, where pitching remains at a premium and flexible contracts with control years command top consideration. Industry observers anticipate several high-profile moves will emerge by January 2026, shaping MLB’s competitive structure for seasons ahead.