As baseball eagerly awaits the signing of free agents at the Winter Meetings, trades are beginning to shape the offseason landscape. Following the weekend swap of Marcus Semien and Brandon Nimmo between the Rangers and Mets, and the Boston Red Sox’s acquisition of Sonny Gray from St. Louis on Tuesday, additional teams seem poised to join the trade fray.
Here are five key players likely to be traded soon and the reasons their current teams might be letting them go:
Nolan Arenado, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals
Nolan Arenado faces trade rumors once again this offseason. Last year, Arenado limited his trade options by vetoing a deal to the Houston Astros, and the Cardinals signed Christian Walker instead. After a disappointing 2025 season with a .237 batting average and just 12 home runs, Arenado appears more willing to consider new destinations. With Chaim Bloom now leading the Cardinals’ baseball operations, the team looks to reboot a roster that has plateaued, and trading Arenado seems mutually beneficial.
Mackenzie Gore, LHP, Washington Nationals
Left-hander Mackenzie Gore was a breakout star in 2025, racking up 185 strikeouts and earning his first All-Star nod. Despite the Nationals being in rebuild mode, Gore’s value as a top young lefty with three years of team control makes him an attractive trade asset. With the departure of former GM Mike Rizzo and the arrival of Paul Toboni as president of baseball operations, Gore’s trade becomes a more plausible option for Washington.
Steven Kwan, LF, Cleveland Guardians
Steven Kwan is a rare all-around talent: a skilled hitter, fast runner, and possibly the best defensive left fielder in the game, having earned multiple Gold Gloves. Yet, the Guardians might trade him due to an abundance of contact hitters and concerns that his arbitration costs will be prohibitive as his free agency approaches in two years. Though it’s unclear if the Guardians will move him this winter, several teams are already interested.
Freddy Peralta, SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Freddy Peralta is likely the most probable player on this list to be traded by Opening Day. Coming off a career-best season with 17 wins, 204 strikeouts, and a 2.70 ERA, Peralta has become one of baseball’s elite pitchers. However, the Brewers have a history of trading stars before their contracts expire, which means Peralta could be moved despite his value. Brewers president Matt Arnold acknowledged the strong interest but also emphasized the team’s commitment to competing next season.
Jalen Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox
Jalen Duran has long been on the trade radar, and this offseason might be when the Red Sox finally part ways with him. A dynamic player with 41 doubles, 13 triples, and solid defense in 157 games during 2025, Duran is highly sought after. Boston’s crowded outfield, featuring rising stars like Sedan Rafaela, Wylier Abreu, and Roman Anthony, means the team needs to trade one outfielder to bolster their starting pitching. Duran is the leading candidate, though Abreu is also considered.
Fan Take: These potential trades highlight how strategically teams are reshaping their rosters to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term success. For fans, it’s an exciting time filled with suspense and the possibility of game-changing moves that could redefine the 2026 MLB season.
