The MLB Trade Market: Unlocking the Top 8 Remaining Candidates and Their Potential Destinations
The MLB offseason trade market is buzzing with activity, and the recent moves by the New York Mets and Texas Rangers have set the stage for more exciting deals. With two blockbuster trades already in the books, fans are eager to know who's next on the trading block. Let's dive into the top eight remaining trade candidates and explore their potential landing spots.
Shortstop CJ Abrams: A Washington National on the Move?
After trading away MacKenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals seem poised to part ways with CJ Abrams as well. While Abrams plays a different position and has an additional year of control, the logic behind a potential trade is similar. The Nationals traded Gore due to his high market value and their lack of competitiveness by the time he'd reach free agency. Abrams' value is also high, and the Nationals' chances of contending by 2028 seem slim.
Predicted Landing Spot: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners could be willing to meet the Nationals' high asking price. With Jorge Polanco gone and Eugenio Suarez potentially departing in free agency, the Mariners have two infield vacancies. Trusting young players like Cole Young or Colt Emerson is reasonable, but relying on both for regular Opening Day play might be a stretch. Abrams would provide a much-needed upgrade to their infield, and joining a lineup featuring Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor could unlock his full potential.
First Baseman Ryan Mountcastle: A New Home in San Diego?
It was surprising to see the Baltimore Orioles tender Ryan Mountcastle a contract, especially given their recent moves this winter. With Pete Alonso taking over at first base, Mountcastle's role in Baltimore is unclear. Could he be a platoon partner with Samuel Basallo at the DH spot? It seems like the only justifiable role, but the Orioles also have Coby Mayo, who should be at the big-league level.
Predicted Landing Spot: San Diego Padres
Trading Mountcastle makes sense for the Orioles, especially with his $6.7 million price tag. The San Diego Padres have a clear need at first base, and Mountcastle could be a perfect fit. The Padres reportedly pursued Nolan Arenado with the intention of moving him to first, and Mountcastle's hitting abilities might even surpass Arenado's current level. While the Orioles might not get much for Mountcastle after a down year, any return is better than nothing. The Padres get a cost-effective stopgap at first base with some much-needed power, and the Orioles can reinvest in pitching.
Third Baseman Isaac Paredes: A Power Hitter for the Boston Red Sox?
The Houston Astros have an infield logjam with five players for four spots, and trading Isaac Paredes could make sense. While they'd prefer to trade expensive veterans like Carlos Correa or Christian Walker, it seems unlikely. Paredes, on the other hand, could bring good value on the trade block.
Predicted Landing Spot: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a potential landing spot for Paredes for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they desperately need an infielder with Paredes' skill set, as he brings power and a love for pulling fly balls. Fenway Park, with its short right field, would be a perfect fit for his style of play. Secondly, the Red Sox have what the Astros need, including outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, and starting pitchers like Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and Brayan Bello. A trade between the two teams could be mutually beneficial, even if it's more complex than a straightforward one-for-one deal.
Outfielder Jarren Duran: A Perfect Fit for the Astros?
Speaking of Duran, the Boston Red Sox should consider trading him. With four outfielders for three spots, Duran is the most expendable. Given Ceddanne Rafaela's center field defense, Roman Anthony's star power, and Wilyer Abreu's additional year of club control, Duran might be the odd man out.
Predicted Landing Spot: Houston Astros
The Astros might prefer Abreu, but Duran would also be a great addition. He's a left-handed hitter, which the Astros desperately need, and an outfielder, which addresses their current options of Zach Cole, Cam Smith, Jesus Sanchez, and Jake Meyers. The Astros would likely need to include something extra in a deal, but a swap sending Duran to Houston and Paredes to Boston makes sense and is worth keeping an eye on.
Left-Handed Pitcher Kris Bubic: A New York Yankee?
The Kansas City Royals have an impressive rotation, but their lineup, which ranked 26th in runs scored in 2025, needs work. Trading a starting pitcher to bolster their lineup could be a smart move. With the recent additions of Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas in the outfield, and a full season of Carter Jensen, the Royals could use some pitching depth.
Predicted Landing Spot: New York Yankees
The New York Yankees, having re-signed Cody Bellinger, now have a complete outfield, leaving Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones without clear playing time. The Yankees would likely want to keep at least one, if not both, outfielders, but one could be traded for a starting pitcher. The rotation is a clear need, especially with Gore and Peralta off the market. Bubic, coming off an All-Star year and in his final season of club control, could be a valuable addition without costing too much.
Second Baseman Nico Hoerner: Staying Put in Chicago?
The Chicago Cubs' future came into question after signing Alex Bregman, as it's unclear where Nico Hoerner fits in. Bregman is set for third base, and the Cubs also have Matt Shaw, a top prospect who performed well at the hot corner last season. While Shaw could be a utility player, moving him to second base in place of Hoerner, whose contract is expiring, seems unlikely.
Predicted Landing Spot: Chicago Cubs
The Cubs shouldn't and probably won't shut down trade talks entirely, but Hoerner is a valuable asset they can't easily replace. He had an impressive season, ranking 20th among all qualified position players with 4.8 fWAR, ahead of stars like Ketel Marte and Kyle Tucker. Hoerner's contact hitting and defensive skills make him one of the most valuable infielders in the sport. Trading Hoerner would be more about getting something for him before he potentially leaves in free agency rather than trying to win games in 2026. With the odds of an immediate improvement being practically zero, Hoerner is likely to stay in Chicago.
Utility Player Brendan Donovan: A New Home in San Francisco?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been active this offseason, trading Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado. They might not be done yet, as team president Chaim Bloom has signaled a rebuild. While they don't have to trade Donovan, an All-Star infielder with a couple of years of control, now is the time to do so while his value is high and he can bring a significant return.
Predicted Landing Spot: San Francisco Giants
Donovan, a versatile 29-year-old, is a fit for many teams, but the San Francisco Giants make a lot of sense. They lack an established leadoff hitter in front of Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman, and have needs at second base and in their corner outfield. Donovan can fill either role exceptionally well. While he won't come cheap, the Giants should consider making a move for Donovan if they're serious about a playoff push.
Left-Handed Pitcher Tarik Skubal: Staying Put in Detroit?
The Detroit Tigers haven't publicly shut down trade talks for two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, and trade rumors persist. Skubal and the Tigers couldn't agree on a deal to avoid arbitration, which only fuels the speculation. The argument for trading Skubal is clear: it's better to get something for him than to lose him for a draft pick in free agency. Even with his expiring contract, Skubal would command a significant return.
Predicted Landing Spot: Detroit Tigers
The Tigers will likely ask for a king's ransom for Skubal, and rightfully so. However, I don't believe their asking price will be met. While we can debate whether the Tigers should trade Skubal, it's highly unlikely to happen. The Tigers will want to keep their star pitcher, and Skubal will likely remain in Detroit.
Stay tuned for more MLB news and analysis as the offseason trade market continues to heat up!
