As Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training draws near, with only 33 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report, anticipation grows for possible trades. This article explores eight trade scenarios that could plausibly unfold in the coming weeks, focusing on players reported to be available and potential partnerships that have emerged through various rumors and reports. While some scenarios are based on reported interest, others are purely speculative in nature.

Trade Proposal: The Oakland Athletics acquire left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery, while the Arizona Diamondbacks receive no immediate return. This trade makes sense for the Athletics as Montgomery is owed $22.5 million for the current season. Typically, the Athletics abstain from high salary commitments; however, they find themselves under pressure to allocate revenue-sharing dollars, potentially avoiding a grievance from the MLB Players Association. By adding Montgomery, they could reach a $105 million luxury-tax payroll, achieving their financial goal. Conversely, if Montgomery does not contribute to the club's competitiveness by 2025, he could be dealt again as a rental player at the trade deadline. For the Diamondbacks, Montgomery’s contract has been criticized by ownership due to his performance last season and the signing of Corbin Burnes, which renders Montgomery a surplus player. This trade would effectively allow Arizona to shed Montgomery’s salary without expecting an immediate return.

Trade Proposal: The Boston Red Sox receive third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for designated hitter Masataka Yoshida and shortstop Yoeilin Cespedes, the Red Sox’s number six prospect. This trade appears attractive for Boston, as Arenado is reportedly his preferred trade destination. If the Red Sox do pursue this trade, it could also enhance their infield defense, shifting Rafael Devers to first base and providing them with the right-handed power bat they reportedly seek. Although this move does deplete the Red Sox’s offense temporarily with Yoshida’s departure, it facilitates an opening for Triston Casas in the designated hitter role. For the Cardinals, moving Arenado may be a pragmatic decision given that his value has diminished and they could save on his substantial contract in exchange for Yoshida’s $55.8 million and a promising young prospect, Cespedes.

Trade Proposal: The Boston Red Sox acquire right-handed pitcher Jared Jones from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sending back first baseman Triston Casas and second baseman/shortstop David Hamilton. This deal makes sense for the Red Sox as reports suggest that they might be open to trading Casas for young pitching talent, aiding their roster adjustments. Jones, still just 23 years old, presents an opportunity for the Red Sox to bolster their rotation alongside new additions Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, despite having been a rookie with a 4.14 ERA. For the Pirates, moving Jones could strengthen their lineup with the arrival of Casas, who has shown considerable potential with an .830 OPS and 42 home runs over 222 MLB games. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s speed and base running could also add depth to their infield.

Trade Proposal: The New York Yankees look to acquire second baseman Luis Arráez from the San Diego Padres, offering right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, right-handed pitcher Will Warren, and cash in return. The Yankees seem interested in Arráez as a potential addition, with his impressive career batting average. While reports suggest a mismatch, Arráez might serve as a strong table-setter ahead of power hitters, also allowing the Yankees to maintain Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base. For the Padres, parting ways with Arráez could open up financial flexibility given his projected $14.6 million salary while acquiring Stroman could serve to cover some of that commitment. Additionally, including Warren, a promising pitcher, could be a move to build future depth.

Trade Proposal: The Toronto Blue Jays could acquire right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres, while the Padres receive right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez and left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, the Blue Jays' number two prospect. The Blue Jays have displayed an interest in bolstering their rotation, signaling a willingness to pursue top-tier talent like Cease. His consistent strikeout rate and effective pitching profile presents him as an appealing option for Toronto. Conversely, the Padres stand to benefit from lowering their payroll commitments, and while this move represents a downgrade from Cease, Rodríguez and Tiedemann could provide them with promising young players to develop.

Trade Proposal: The Baltimore Orioles would acquire right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Recent reports indicate ongoing discussions between the two teams regarding a possible Castillo trade. The Orioles have bolstered their pitching staff with recent signings, but Castillo retains the potential to be a significant contributor in rotation. Mountcastle, not on the list of untouchables, could provide immediate help for the Mariners in the wake of this move. Castillo’s departure would free up $63.5 million for Seattle as they prepare for future transactions.

Trade Proposal: The Atlanta Braves consider acquiring right-handed pitcher Pablo López and catcher Christian Vázquez from the Minnesota Twins, offering a package comprising catcher Drake Baldwin, the Braves’ number one prospect, along with right-handed pitchers Hurston Waldrep and J.R. Ritchie. With critical departures in their rotation, the Braves need to solidify their pitching staff, and López has maintained above-average performance in recent seasons. This deal would not only enhance the Braves’ depth existing with a solid backup catcher in Vázquez but also push them into a luxury tax situation. The Twins, despite their reluctance to part with López, may find this trade beneficial as it provides a much-needed replenishment of prospects, addressing their comparatively low farm system ranking.

Trade Proposal: The New York Mets aim to land center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, sending infielder Ronny Mauricio, their number five prospect, in return. The Mets may be seeking an upgrade at center field, given their aspirations following significant trades made this offseason. Robert, despite past injury issues, possesses compelling offensive potential and could offer a significant asset in the Mets’ lineup. The White Sox might face challenges retaining Robert through recovery, but moving him for Mauricio could represent a calculated risk given his previous prospect status and potential upside following recovery from injury.