As the dust settles on the MLB postseason, the landscape for the offseason is rapidly taking shape. Four teams remain in pursuit of the coveted World Series title, while the rest of the league's 26 clubs are already turning their focus towards the upcoming season. With the MLB free-agent market looking sparse, a flurry of trade activity is expected as teams seek to bolster their rosters for 2027.
The offseason gains complexity with looming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations and the potential for a work stoppage to clash with teams’ plans. Under the assumption that a standard offseason follows, experts have compiled a list of the top 25 trade candidates, highlighting the players most likely to be on the move this winter.
The Trade Failures and Opportunities
With a mixed bag of results during the 2026 season, some teams couldn't finalize trades at the deadline, but the opportunity for a mid-winter shuffle looms large. Here are a few players primed for potential trades based on their contracts, performance, and the teams' plans moving forward.
At the bottom of the list, we find San Francisco Giants’ third baseman Matt Chapman, who has been hampered by injuries but possesses significant trade value if he proves his health prior to next season. Following Chapman is Atlanta Braves’ second baseman Ozzie Albies, whose recent performance may prompt a re-evaluation from the organization that has nurtured his talent over the last decade.
Pitching Prospects on the Move
Several pitchers are expected to see their names floated in trade rumors due to market demand. Tampa Bay Rays’ Griffin Jax, who has shown promise in his transition to the starting rotation, could be targeted by teams in need of reliable arms. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals’ veteran Michael Wacha, coming off a career-best season, is likely to attract interest as the Royals could shop him to maximize value.
Other potential starters moving up the list include:
- **Shane McClanahan** - His impressive recovery from Tommy John surgery and continued strong performance make him an appealing option for teams looking to enhance their rotations.
- **George Kirby** - After a rocky season, he remains a valuable option for teams looking to shore up their starting pitching depth.
Star Power and Future Stars
The trade market isn’t strictly limited to veterans. Players like Houston Astros' Jeremy Peña and Milwaukee Brewers' William Contreras are seen as attractive trade pieces, both with solid backing from their performances and untapped potential. Peña stands out in the list amid rumors about his long-term future with the Astros, especially after hiring super-agent Scott Boras.
Several under-the-radar players could also capture attention:
- **Xavier Edwards** - The Miami Marlins' second baseman has seen a solid season, and his defensive capabilities coupled with his offensive output make him a potential trade chip.
- **Trevor Megill** - The Brewers’ closer has consistently performed, and with the historical precedent of Milwaukee trading closers, he may be on the move.
The Elite Talent at Risk
Among the biggest names potentially on the block is the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., who faced scrutiny during the NLDS. With his strong resume and reasonable contract options, his mobility speculation could lead to one of the largest trades in MLB history if a team meets the expected asking price.
Another headline talent in the mix includes: Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers. His history and prior no-trade clause make his situation a topic of speculation as the team considers retooling.
Preparing for the Offseason Shuffle
The trade market will remain dynamic as teams prepare for what could be an unpredictable offseason due to CBA negotiations. Teams will need to evaluate their current rosters, upcoming free agents, and potential trade scenarios as they seek to gain ground in a competitive landscape.
Keeping a close eye on the top 25 trade candidates, fan expectations will be high as clubs look to shake things up in search of success for the next season. While four teams currently battle in October, the rest of the league is anticipating an exciting winter of trades and negotiations.
