Introduction

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, baseball enthusiasts can't help but speculate about potential trades that could shake up the league. With the 2025 trade deadline having seen major moves, including players like Mason Miller and Carlos Correa changing teams, the offseason buzz hints at more exciting trades ahead. This article explores some way-too-early predictions for the 2026 MLB trade deadline, examining key players and teams that may be involved in the action.

The San Diego Padres: Seeking Starting Pitching

Currently, the San Diego Padres are staring down a competitive NL West, made even more formidable by the two-time reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. To bolster their roster and solidify their playoff chances, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller may look to acquire a top-of-the-rotation starter. Michael King and Nick Pivetta, both likely to opt out of their contracts after the 2026 season, heighten the need for a reliable arm.

A notable name that fits this criterion is Ryan, who has shown impressive stats, sporting a 3.50 ERA and 10 strikeouts per nine innings since the 2024 season. Notably, Ryan is under contract until after the 2027 season, making him an appealing insurance policy for San Diego should they lose King or Pivetta.

Washington Nationals: Sellers at the Trade Deadline

In the nation's capital, the Washington Nationals appear to be in a rebuilding phase. With their recent trade of ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers, they signal a willingness to start fresh. This makes the Nationals one of the most likely teams to be selling at the upcoming trade deadline. In light of this, many teams will have their eyes on shortstop CJ Abrams, who has flashed star potential but has yet to reach consistent performance.

Abrams has maintained significant playtime, with over 600 plate appearances in three consecutive seasons. Encumbered by team and contract factors, he offers a young upside that contenders will be eager to tap into, particularly with his contract extending until after the 2028 season.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Infield Dilemmas

Despite the Dodgers' recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker, questions around their middle infield remain. Speculation swirled about their interest in Bo Bichette, who ended up joining the New York Mets. As the season approaches, Los Angeles may consider trading for Abrams, whose talents could provide much-needed stability in the infield. The Dodgers could even slide Mookie Betts to second base to alleviate some defensive pressure.

Oakland Athletics: Offensive Power vs. Pitching Woes

The Oakland Athletics boast a promising lineup with players like Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, and Jacob Wilson, positioning themselves as a formidable offensive team in 2026. However, their pitching staff remains a significant concern, especially at Sutter Health Park, notorious for being a hitter-friendly venue.

Veteran pitcher Luis Severino, who struggled with a 6.01 ERA at home, faces pivotal decisions about his future. His dissatisfaction with the park could contribute to a trade, especially since he can opt out after the 2026 season. Teams like the Yankees or Mets could engage in trade talks to bring Severino back to a more favorable pitching environment.

Right-Handed Bats: A Scarce Commodity

As the offseason unfolds, many executives, including the Philadelphia Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski, have noted the scarcity of quality right-handed hitters available. The recent acquisition of Taylor Ward by the Baltimore Orioles illustrates this dilemma, as they gave up promising young pitcher Grayson Rodriguez for him. With options limited, teams might overvalue right-handed hitters, making substantial trades trickier.

While some big names like Ronald Acuña Jr. are “secured” due to team-friendly options, others like Bo Bichette and Gleyber Torres will attract interest, but teams might prefer to hold onto these players to bolster their lineups for a postseason run.

Detroit Tigers: Unlikely to Trade Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers find themselves in a precarious position regarding their ace, Tarik Skubal. Having won the AL Cy Young Award twice, Skubal's value is enormous. However, with the team striving for improvement, trading him mid-season seems improbable. The evaluation of how the Tigers proceed during his contract year significantly affects their strategy. If Skubal stays healthy and performs at his best, he will likely remain with Detroit, where they can issue a qualifying offer next offseason.

Conclusion

With the 2026 MLB trade deadline on the horizon, teams are evaluating their strategies, looking to bolster their rosters for a shot at the postseason. While predictions are inherently uncertain, the potential for significant moves—much like those witnessed in 2025—remains high. As teams assess their needs, particularly for starting pitching and right-handed bats, anticipation builds for the trades that will once again shape the landscape of Major League Baseball.