Potential Trades Shaping Up As Spring Training Approaches
With just a week remaining before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, Major League Baseball's offseason continues to unfold. Notably, players like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman remain free agents, while several others are being considered as trade candidates. As teams prepare for Grapefruit and Cactus League play, there are a number of trades that could benefit all parties involved.
A report from Dan Hayes and Dennis Lin of The Athletic suggested that the Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in acquiring San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease. Although a deal for Cease would not provide the Twins with a player of his level, they might seek out Jordan Montgomery, a bounce-back candidate whose current contract ties him for just one more year. After a disappointing 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he posted a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, Montgomery appears to be seeking a change of scenery before the start of the new season. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has openly criticized the performance of Montgomery. Despite this, Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million option for 2025, knowing he likely wouldn't achieve that figure on the open market. Given the Diamondbacks' recent signing of former NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, an addition like Montgomery alongside Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober could set the Twins up for a competitive season in a playoff-dominated division.
Additionally, the San Francisco Giants face challenges in attracting free agents capable of producing power at the plate, having not seen a player hit 30 home runs in a season since Barry Bonds did in 2004. Buster Posey, the new president of baseball operations, may consider pursuing former No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson, who currently doesn't project to be in the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day lineup. Torkelson's situation could shift if the Tigers integrate Gleyber Torres into their lineup, potentially pushing him to first base and leaving Torkelson with limited opportunities. The Giants could view a trade for Torkelson as a chance to revitalize his career while addressing their own power output needs. If successful, Torkelson could break the Giants' 30-home run drought and fulfill the expectations set during his time at Arizona State.
Another potential trade scenario involves Marcus Stroman joining the Atlanta Braves. The Braves, who lost both Max Fried and Charlie Morton to free agency, have a starting rotation that is heavy on upside, including reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale. With some uncertainty around other starters like Spencer Strider, who is recovering from surgery, additional depth is crucial. Stroman, a two-time All-Star, has demonstrated a tendency to perform better outside of Yankee Stadium. Although the Braves have experienced injury setbacks, adding Stroman could bolster their rotation and provide flexibility. For the Yankees, moving Stroman would primarily focus on alleviating their financial commitments while potentially acquiring a player with upside.
Should the Giants successfully trade for Torkelson, it could make LaMonte Wade Jr. a more expendable asset. The Cincinnati Reds might present a suitable trade partner, as they currently have Spencer Steer listed as their starting first baseman, yet Steer's versatility could be utilized across various positions. Wade, who has performed well since the start of 2023, would add much-needed depth to the Reds while benefiting from playing at Great American Ball Park, a more favorable hitting environment compared to Oracle Park. Wade’s ability to get on base could enhance the Reds’ lineup, especially considering the uncertainties within their roster as they approach the new season. With Wade entering his final year of arbitration eligibility and slated to earn approximately $5 million, the Reds would likely not need to surrender significant assets to acquire him.
Lastly, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in need of pitching after losing Corbin Burnes to free agency. With their rotation's viability in question—given the injury histories of Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, and Kyle Bradish's recovery from Tommy John surgery—they must seek additional arms to compete in the AL East. Reports indicate that the San Diego Padres are open to offers for Michael King, who recently finished seventh in NL Cy Young Award voting. Although King may only serve as a temporary solution for the Orioles, his presence could facilitate a strong competitive push for a postseason berth. Baltimore's general manager Mike Elias is known for effective drafting and could view the acquisition of King as a strategy to claim compensatory draft picks following free agent departures, enhancing their long-term prospects.