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Following the Milwaukee Brewers’ victory in the 2026 World Series, Major League Baseball has officially entered the 2026-27 offseason. Although ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations create uncertainty regarding the timing and pace of roster moves, player transactions are expected to build momentum ahead of the next campaign. CBS Sports Headlines compiled a breakdown of 25 prominent trade candidates, categorizing them by roster dynamics, contract statuses, and organizational goals.
Bold Possibilities From Contending Teams
Several key players on postseason contenders could become available as organizations manage escalating salaries, roster redundancies, or prospect promotions.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is coming off a difficult campaign after earning an All-Star selection and a top-10 American League MVP finish in 2024. With Boston featuring a crowded outfield that includes Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony, the 30-year-old represents a potential trade chip. According to CBS Sports Headlines, there is an estimated 50% chance Duran moves, with potential landing spots including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, 34, showed signs of regression last season. Los Angeles could look to clear playing time for top prospect Josue De Paula, putting Hernández’s trade probability at 45% with fits for the Phillies, Cubs, and Mariners.
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is entering his final year before free agency after putting up a 5.0-WAR season for the second time in his career. Cleveland has historically traded core players prior to their walk year, giving Kwan an estimated 30% trade chance with interest potentially coming from the Phillies, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Mariners.
Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane McClanahan returned from Tommy John surgery to post a strong age-29 season. Facing rising arbitration costs, Tampa Bay may market the left-hander to rotation-needy contenders like the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers, carrying a 35% trade estimate.
Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill, turning 33, features a high-velocity fastball and knuckle curve. Free agent-eligible after 2027, Megill fits Milwaukee’s pattern of moving relievers before peak salary years. CBS Sports Headlines projects a 55% likelihood of a trade, listing the Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Cubs as fits.
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller remains under team control through 2029. Despite his dominance, San Diego could explore trades to address roster voids created by Michael King opting out. The Padres carry a 20% trade probability, with the Cubs, Yankees, and Dodgers named as candidates.
Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider is owed at least $49 million over the next two seasons. Persistent injury concerns make him a question mark, but his top-tier upside keeps him in trade conversations for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Padres, Orioles, Tigers, and Dodgers, with a 25% trade chance.
Controllable Assets Requiring High Trade Returns
Players with multiple years of team control remaining carry significant trade value, meaning their current clubs will only move them for substantial returns.
Washington Nationals infielder C.J. Abrams has two full years of team control left after recording a 30-30 season at age 26. While shifting from everyday shortstop to second base, he fits potential needs for the Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Rangers.
Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers reached over 4.0 WAR and recorded 211 strikeouts across 185 innings. Controlled through 2028, the 27-year-old southpaw could attract interest from the Cardinals, Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Padres.
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman delivered 41 home runs in 2026, hitting 25 on the road with a .564 slugging percentage away from Coors Field compared to .490 at home. Controlled for three more years, the 27-year-old All-Star is a target for the Giants, Chicago White Sox, Yankees, and Orioles.
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene, the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, is signed through 2028 with a 2029 club option. Though health issues have limited his consistency, his fastball velocity makes him an appealing target for the Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Blue Jays.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera features a strong bat that projects at designated hitter, first base, or left field. Under control through 2029, Herrera could be made available due to St. Louis’s depth at catcher, fitting the Yankees, White Sox, Orioles, and Giants.
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez topped 6.0 WAR, led the National League in hits, and stole 34 bases while providing strong defense. Controlled through 2029, the 28-year-old holds high trade value for clubs like the Braves, Phillies, Red Sox, and Rays.
Los Angeles Angels infielder Zachary Neto posted 15.6 WAR over the past three seasons. Controlled through 2029, the 25-year-old stands out as a prime target for the Braves, Red Sox, Tigers, Cardinals, and Yankees.
Pending Free Agents in Their Walk Years
Players approaching free agency after the 2027 season represent classic trade candidates for teams evaluating their long-term rosters.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras, the 2026 World Series MVP, enters his final year before free agency. With Bo Naylor on the roster, Milwaukee could listen to offers, carrying a 15% trade probability with potential fits including the Yankees, Rangers, and Orioles.
Seattle Mariners starter Logan Gilbert will be a pending free agent in 2027 after compiling a 3.58 FIP and a 5.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio over the last four seasons. The 29-year-old fits the New York Mets, Braves, Orioles, Cubs, and White Sox.
Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes holds a $13.35 million option for 2027 before reaching free agency. Coming off a 4.0-WAR season, the 28-year-old fits the Phillies, Cardinals, and Yankees.
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña also enters his walk year in 2027. The 29-year-old remains one of the premier shortstops available on the market, matching needs for the Braves, Red Sox, and Phillies.
Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan reaches free agency after 2027. Over the last three seasons, the 30-year-old right-hander registered a 117 ERA+ and a 5.38 K/BB ratio, with fits including the Cubs, Astros, Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, and Blue Jays.
Players Subject to No-Trade Clauses
Trade negotiations involving players with full or partial no-trade protection require player approval, adding complexity to potential transactions.
Texas Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, 38, enters the final guaranteed year of his contract after using his no-trade clause to block a midseason move to Atlanta. Fits include the Braves, Dodgers, and Blue Jays.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor turns 33 and is owed $160 million through 2031 alongside a full no-trade clause. Potential fits include the Braves, Mariners, and Phillies.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte holds full no-trade protection via 10-and-5 rights under a deal running through 2030 with a 2031 player option. Fits include the Angels, Padres, and Tigers.
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager, 32, is owed $155 million through 2031, making him a potential candidate if Texas moves to lower payroll while seeking shortstop-needy contenders.
Longshot Trade Candidates
While persistent speculation surrounds top young stars, blockbuster trades remain unlikely for controllable franchise anchors.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, 24, is coming off his strongest season and remains under team control through 2029. Any move would require a massive package from suitors like the Yankees, Braves, or Dodgers.
Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes retains three full years of team control before free agency. Despite slight dips in run prevention and fastball velocity, the former rookie standout projects as an elite ace. CBS Sports Headlines places his trade probability at just 5%, noting that Pittsburgh is unlikely to trade him ahead of upcoming CBA adjustments.
