As Major League Baseball teams prepare for the onset of spring training in Arizona and Florida, several franchises still have critical gaps on their rosters that need addressing before Opening Day. With the free-agent market offering a limited number of impactful players, a significant amount of activity is expected to occur via trades. This analysis presents seven potential trade scenarios for teams in search of roster enhancements, ranging from minor adjustments to significant deals that could reconfigure the league's landscape.

One proposed trade involves the Toronto Blue Jays acquiring relief pitcher Andrew Nardi from the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitching prospect Fernando Perez. Nardi, 26, has served in a setup role for the Marlins, posting a 5.07 ERA last season, which is less impressive against a more favorable FIP of 3.33. He previously recorded a 2.67 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP in the prior season. With the Blue Jays' bullpen ranking low in ERA during the last season, adding Nardi could alleviate their need for a left-handed option, particularly after their attempts to sign Tanner Scott. On the other hand, the Marlins would gain a promising prospect in Perez, whose value aligns with Nardi's remaining club control for four more seasons.

Another trade worth considering involves the Washington Nationals acquiring third baseman Brett Baty from the New York Mets in exchange for starting pitcher Cade Cavalli. Both players have been recognized on prospect lists, with Baty showing considerable power potential since being drafted 12th overall in 2019. However, he has struggled at the major league level with a subpar batting average. Meanwhile, Cavalli was once a promising pitcher who faced setbacks due to injury last season but is now healthy. This trade could serve both teams, allowing the Nationals to fill their third-base void while the Mets bolster their pitching depth.

In a potential exchange between the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, the Braves might pursue SP Erick Fedde, while the Cardinals could receive SP Bryce Elder. Fedde, who recently returned from a successful run in the KBO, posted strong stats in his return to the major leagues last season. The Braves, needing to augment their rotation with the absence of key pitchers like Max Fried, could view Fedde as a valuable addition. Conversely, the Cardinals may be interested in acquiring Elder, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled last season.

The New York Yankees could also consider reacquiring infielder Josh Smith from the Texas Rangers while sending a package that includes SP Marcus Stroman and catching prospect Rafael Flores. Smith had a breakout season and could serve as a dynamic infielder for the Yankees. On the other side of the deal, the Rangers would benefit from acquiring Stroman, who brings substantial rotation experience, and Flores, who had a strong offensive output during the previous season.

In a potential trade between the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres, the Tigers could target starter Michael King while offering notable prospects, including 1B Spencer Torkelson and SP Ty Madden. King could address the Tigers' need for pitching depth behind Tarik Skubal, while Torkelson could add significant power to the Padres' lineup. The Padres might also gain a strong minor league prospect in Madden, which could complement their pitching strategy moving forward.

Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Pirates may pursue a high-profile acquisition in outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, potentially trading pitchers like Thomas Harrington and Tony Blanco Jr. Robert has showcased star potential when healthy, making him a pivotal addition to the Pirates' evolving roster. The White Sox would focus on acquiring depth in their rotation by seeking prospects from the Pirates' talent pool, which is rich in starting pitchers.

Lastly, the San Francisco Giants could express interest in veteran starter Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr., infielder Marco Luciano, and outfielder Dakota Jordan. Castillo, with three years remaining on his contract, is seen as a sought-after piece in the trade market. The Mariners, paying close attention to their offensive deficiencies, could welcome Wade's immediate contributions along with promising prospects in Luciano and Jordan who have ample development potential.