The 2025 MLB trade deadline marked one of the most active periods in recent history, featuring numerous transactions alongside a variety of notable players who were rumored to be on the move yet ultimately remained with their current clubs. Among those players are Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, both of whom will conclude the 2025 season with their respective teams. However, this does not preclude the possibility of future trades. Below are ten players who stayed with their teams at the deadline but could still be traded before the start of the 2026 season. Each player generated interest from other clubs leading up to the deadline, indicating that potential trades are more than mere speculation.

Age 29, Sandy Alcantara is signed through 2026 with a club option for 2027. His performance this season includes 22 starts, a 6.44 ERA, 86 strikeouts, and a -1.4 WAR. Alcantara has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery, causing his lackluster performance to contribute to him remaining a Marlin. While the club maintained a high asking price during the deadline, contenders were hesitant to invest in a pitcher with an ERA exceeding six. Should Alcantara have a strong finish to the season, his $17.3 million salary for 2026 may place him back in trade discussions this winter. Despite his recent struggles, he has shown potential for positive regression given his past dominance, including a 2.28 ERA over 228.2 innings in 2022.

At age 34, Nolan Arenado’s contract runs through 2027. With 394 plate appearances this season and a line of .235/.294/.366, he has 26 extra-base hits and 1.0 WAR. The St. Louis Cardinals have been seeking to move Arenado since the previous offseason. Although he blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros in December, he has not entirely ruled out a move elsewhere. His contract is structured such that his salary decreases from $32 million this year to $27 million in 2026, fostering a more favorable financial situation for potential trade suitors. While he is not the offensive powerhouse he once was, Arenado brings valuable experience and a strong defensive presence to any team.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ 33-year-old Yandy Díaz is signed through a club option for 2026. This season, he has a 126 OPS+ over 477 plate appearances with a .282 average, 41 extra-base hits, and 65 RBIs, contributing 2.2 WAR. The Rays often extend players with team-friendly contracts and later trade them while their value remains controlled. Díaz’s current salary of $10 million, coupled with a club option of $12 million for next season, positions him as a viable trade candidate during the offseason for teams looking to bolster their first base options. His superb contact-hitting ability will draw attention from multiple teams, particularly those looking to fill the first-base gap.

Age 28, Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran still has a club option for 2026 and is arbitration-eligible through 2028. He has amassed an OPS+ of 118 in 498 plate appearances, showcasing a .262 batting average and 54 extra-base hits. The Red Sox have a crowded outfield, creating a logjam with players like Wilyer Abreu and rookie Roman Anthony also vying for time. Given this situation, Duran could be the most logical candidate for trade, especially if the Red Sox consider moving him to acquire a controllable pitcher to enhance their starting rotation.

At 26, MacKenzie Gore has a contract running through arbitration eligibility until 2027. In 22 starts, he has achieved a 3.80 ERA with 148 strikeouts and 2.9 WAR. The Washington Nationals should ideally retain Gore as they transition from rebuilding to competing, yet his proximity to free agency could complicate matters. With Scott Boras as his agent, reaching an extension may be difficult, and the odds of the Nationals being outbid once he becomes a free agent are high. Gore’s development into a competitive starter capable of making robust contributions to a contending team could make him a target this offseason.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have chosen to retain Mitch Keller, a 29-year-old pitcher signed through 2028. In 23 starts, he registered a 3.89 ERA and 104 strikeouts. While the Pirates maintained their hold on him at the trade deadline, he may see a more concerted effort to shop him this winter following a five-year, $77 million extension signed before the 2024 season. Although his contract has significant terms, it may exceed the budget preferences of the Pirates moving forward. Keller's ability to serve as a No. 2 starter would be an asset to any contending roster, even if his inconsistency poses questions.

At 27, Steven Kwan has arbitration eligibility through 2027. The Cleveland Guardians reportedly sought to trade him before the deadline, indicating serious considerations were made regarding his future with the team. As a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, dealing Kwan this winter could maximize his value unless the team intends to extend him. His exceptional ability as a contact hitter, coupled with his WAR ranking among outfielders, positions him as a player of interest for many franchises looking to enhance their squad.

The Tampa Bay Rays also have Brandon Lowe, a 31-year-old whose contract includes a club option for 2026. He has produced 371 plate appearances with a 119 OPS+, showing a .271 batting average and 19 home runs. With a high salary of $10.5 million this year and an expected increase to $11.5 million next season, he could also become a trade candidate. Having stayed healthy for the current season, Lowe's trajectory offers him more trade appeal, making him a desirable target for teams needing reinforcement at second base.

Lars Nootbaar, at 27 years of age, boasts arbitration eligibility through 2027. He has a 99 OPS+ with 396 plate appearances this season, resulting in a line of .226/.328/.376. The Cardinals received interest in Nootbaar, who is among a group of players including Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson. Given Nootbaar’s lessened club control compared to Donovan, he emerges as a significant trade candidate. Despite a drop in production this season, Nootbaar possesses past offensive prowess that could make him a valuable addition to another team's lineup.

Lastly, the Minnesota Twins' 29-year-old Joe Ryan has crafted a reputation as a capable starter, recording a 2.83 ERA across 21 starts this season. Despite being one of the few trade assets not moved at the deadline, Ryan's request for a trade signals potential movement this winter. His performance reflects considerable upside, as he has demonstrated his status as a solid No. 2 starter, making him an enticing asset for contenders looking to strengthen their rotations.