The MLB offseason is in full swing, and we’ve already seen action with the Braves trading Jorge Soler to the Angels in exchange for Griffin Canning. The free-agent pool is strong this year, but many teams will inevitably turn to the trade market to fill gaps in their rosters. Here’s a look at 25 players likely to be dealt before the 2025 season begins, along with potential destinations:
1-2: Garrett Crochet & Luis Robert Jr., White Sox
The White Sox are poised for major changes, and these two stand out as prime trade assets. Crochet was an elite strikeout artist in 2024, with two years of team control remaining, while Robert Jr., despite injuries, offers a rare combination of power and defense in center field. His team-friendly contract makes him an appealing target.
Landing Spots: Crochet fits any playoff hopeful like the Rangers, Reds, or Red Sox. Robert’s market includes the Giants, Phillies, and Dodgers.
3: Devin Williams, Brewers
With free agency looming after 2025, Milwaukee could cash in on one of MLB’s top relievers. Williams’ elite ability to miss bats makes him a sought-after asset.
Landing Spots: Contenders such as the Dodgers, Mets, Orioles, Padres, or Yankees will likely make a push.
4: Expensive Rays (Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen, Jose Siri)
The Rays continue their tradition of shedding salary. While Springs may stay put after a limited post-Tommy John season, players like Rasmussen and Siri could be on the move.
Landing Spots: Teams like the Astros, Yankees, and Mariners could show interest, particularly in bolstering their pitching depth.
5: Jordan Montgomery, Diamondbacks
After owner Ken Kendrick criticized Montgomery’s signing, Arizona is likely to shop the lefty. With $22.5 million due in 2025, the D-backs may need to eat some salary in a deal.
Landing Spots: The Red Sox and Padres could be suitors, though a division-rival trade may complicate matters.
6: Red Sox Left-Handed Bats (Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, etc.)
Boston’s lineup skews heavily left-handed, and with prospects like Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony on the rise, the team has surplus bats to deal.
Landing Spots: The Mariners need offensive firepower, while the Cubs and Giants could also be in play.
7-8: Sonny Gray & Ryan Helsley, Cardinals
The Cardinals are retooling and could move Gray (owed $25 million in 2025) and Helsley (arbitration-eligible, final year of control) to save money and acquire younger talent.
Landing Spots: The Orioles, Reds, or Nationals might eye Gray, while Helsley’s closer appeal fits contenders like the Astros and Mets.
9: Jesús Luzardo, Marlins
A young lefty with elite stuff, Luzardo remains one of Miami’s few valuable assets with trade appeal. He’s under control through 2026.
Landing Spots: The Rangers, Twins, and Red Sox are logical fits for his talent and team control.
10: Brent Rooker, Athletics
Coming off a breakout year with a 165 OPS+ and 39 home runs, Rooker is an offensive force. However, his arbitration cost and Oakland’s financial constraints make a trade possible.
Landing Spots: The Phillies, Blue Jays, and Pirates could benefit from his bat.
11: Jonathan India, Reds
India’s bounce-back season makes him an appealing trade chip as the Reds juggle a crowded infield.
Landing Spots: The Giants need middle infield help, while the Yankees and Pirates could also be in the mix.
12: Josh Naylor, Guardians
With top prospect Kyle Manzardo ready, Cleveland might trade Naylor, who is a year away from free agency and set for a sizable raise.
Landing Spots: The Mariners have pursued Naylor before, and he would boost their offense significantly.
13: Adolis García, Rangers
Uncertainty in Texas’s broadcast revenues might lead the team to explore trading García, who underwhelmed in 2024 but still offers significant power potential.
Landing Spots: The Royals or Rockies might take a gamble, seeking a power bat for their outfields.
14-15: Ryan Mountcastle & Jorge Mateo, Orioles
With a wave of prospects ready, Baltimore could move on from Mountcastle and Mateo, who both remain affordable but occupy valuable roster spots.
Landing Spots: Mountcastle might intrigue the Giants, while Mateo’s elite defense appeals to the Braves or Twins.
16-17: Jameson Taillon & Nico Hoerner, Cubs
Taillon’s contract and solid performance make him a steady option for teams needing innings. Hoerner’s availability is more speculative but could spark interest if the Cubs opt to retool.
Landing Spots: The Mets or Rangers could pursue Taillon, while Hoerner would appeal to the Dodgers and Yankees.
18-19: Nestor Cortes & Jose Trevino, Yankees
Both are a year away from free agency, and with the Yankees eyeing payroll cuts, Cortes and Trevino could be on the move.
Landing Spots: Cortes fits teams like the Twins or Padres, while Trevino offers value to clubs like the Marlins with young pitching staffs.
20-21: Taylor Ward & Luis Rengifo, Angels
Despite a push to contend, the Angels may entertain offers for these versatile position players to address roster gaps elsewhere.
Landing Spots: Ward could land with the Royals or Astros, while Rengifo would suit the Tigers or Brewers.
22: Kyle Finnegan, Nationals
A reliable reliever with extensive closing experience, Finnegan’s high arbitration salary makes him expendable.
Landing Spots: The Mariners, Orioles, and Yankees are logical fits for bullpen reinforcements.
23: Brett Baty, Mets
The Mets might part ways with Baty, a once-touted prospect who has struggled at the MLB level.
Landing Spots: Rebuilding teams like the Athletics or White Sox could give him a fresh start.
24: Alec Bohm, Phillies
Bohm’s late-season slump and defensive struggles might prompt Philadelphia to consider offers, especially with Edmundo Sosa emerging as an option.
Landing Spots: Teams like the Giants or Royals may take a chance on a young corner infielder with upside.
