Introduction

As Major League Baseball gears up for the upcoming season, teams are buzzing with activity ahead of spring training. With pitchers and catchers set to report in a matter of weeks, various rosters still show several unresolved gaps that need to be addressed. Central to this evolution is the ongoing free agency of several marquee players, including Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen. As the dominoes fall, teams that miss out on these key signings will need to pivot to trade options, making the trade market a focal point of this offseason.

Trade Proposal Overview

Below, we’ve outlined five trade proposals that target specific roster needs across various teams. Each proposal includes potential trade partners, logical justifications, and an analysis of how these trades could benefit each side, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of MLB.

1. New York Mets Acquire Lars Nootbaar

Trade: To NYM: OF Lars Nootbaar; To STL: IF Ronny Mauricio

Mets Projected Outfield: LF Carson Benge, CF Tyrone Taylor, RF Juan Soto

The Mets remain in the hunt for high-profile free agents Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, yet they face the practical need to solidify their outfield depth. Lars Nootbaar, with a 109 OPS+ over five seasons and an average of 2.8 WAR per 162 games, presents a viable fallback option. At just 25 years old, he’s controllable through 2027. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, aiming for a multi-year rebuild, could acquire top prospect Ronny Mauricio, a 24-year-old with untapped potential ready for extended major league play.

2. Oakland Athletics Trade for Mitch Keller

Trade: To ATH: SP Mitch Keller; To PIT: OF Colby Thomas, SS Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, IF/OF Brennan Milone

A's Projected Rotation: RHP Luis Severino, LHP Jeffrey Springs, RHP Luis Morales, LHP Jacob Lopez, RHP Luis Medina

Despite having one of the most promising offensive cores in baseball, the A’s have lagged in their starting pitching, ranking 27th in the majors last season with a 4.85 ERA. Acquiring Keller, who signed a five-year extension with the Pirates, provides them an established arm as they navigate their rebuilding phase. In exchange, the Pirates can replenish their system with MLB-ready prospect Colby Thomas and other promising minor leaguers.

3. Seattle Mariners Land Yandy Díaz

Trade: To SEA: DH Yandy Díaz; To TB: SS Nick Becker, C Josh Caron

Mariners Projected DH: Dominic Canzone

The Mariners face lineup pressure as they consider a mix at second and third base. By acquiring Yandy Díaz, they bolster their depth with a seasoned designated hitter while allowing breakout performer Dominic Canzone to transition to right field. On the other hand, the Rays aim for a younger and more cost-effective roster and can utilize the trade to acquire promising talent like Nick Becker and Josh Caron.

4. Baltimore Orioles Trade for Freddy Peralta

Trade: To BAL: SP Freddy Peralta; To MIL: OF Dylan Beavers, LHP Cade Povich, LHP Joseph Dzierwa

Orioles Projected Rotation: LHP Trevor Rogers, RHP Kyle Bradish, RHP Shane Baz, RHP Dean Kremer, RHP Zach Eflin

As the Orioles pursue additional starting pitching, Freddy Peralta stands out as a suitable addition to their rotation. His addition would provide stability alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. Conversely, the Brewers, adept at executing trades, can replenish their farm system with OF Dylan Beavers, LHP Cade Povich, and LHP Joseph Dzierwa, who collectively mirror the previous return for Corbin Burnes.

5. Boston Red Sox Get Nico Hoerner

Trade: To BOS: 2B Nico Hoerner; To CHC: LHP Connelly Early

Red Sox Projected 2B: Romy González

With Alex Bregman now a part of the Cubs, the Red Sox shift focus to Nico Hoerner, a player known for his elite defense and impressive offensive capabilities following a 6.2-WAR season. Although they face a steep cost in trading Connelly Early, who showed promise in the majors, the Red Sox’s potential upturn with Hoerner could enhance their competitiveness. For the Cubs, trading Hoerner keeps them agile while loading their depth chart for upcoming seasons.

Conclusion

The MLB offseason is rife with opportunities and challenges as teams strategize for the 2026 season. While free agency remains the marquee storyline, the impending trades could reshape entire rosters and competitive dynamics across the league. Each proposed trade not only fulfills immediate roster needs but also sets a foundation for future successes, making it an exciting time for baseball fans as they anticipate the next wave of impactful moves.