The 2025-26 MLB offseason is underway. With the World Series wrapped up, attention turns to qualifying offers, pending free agents, and how much money teams are willing to spend.
The trade market projects to be very active this winter. Some teams began teardowns at the trade deadline and will continue on that path. Other teams are looking to cut payroll or garner assets for a player before they leave for free at the end of the 2026 season.
Here are the 10 top trade candidates (in order) in the 2025-26 offseason:
Joe Ryan (Twins)
Named as one of the best starting pitchers available at the trade deadline, Joe Ryan should be on the block this winter. A free agent at the end of the 2027 season, Minnesota should be able to garner a serious haul for the right-hander.
So many teams are in need of an All-Star level starting pitcher. Ryan has two above-average pitches. He’s ninth in K-BB% since the start of the 2024 campaign.
He gave up a bit too much hard contact in 2025, but there’s a blueprint there for a Cy Young-contending season.
Freddy Peralta (Brewers)
Freddy Peralta only has less trade value than Ryan because he’s got one less year of control. Peralta is a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.
With a 3.27 ERA and a high innings count since the start of 2021, durability has been Peralta’s biggest strength. His slider is nasty and he doesn’t concede much hard contact compared to some aces.
Milwaukee is clearly looking to see what it can get for its ace. The price shouldn’t be too high with only one year of team control remaining.
Brendan Donovan (Cardinals)
A second baseman with experience on the outfield corners and at shortstop, Brendan Donovan pairs versatility with a high-floor offensive game.
There are similarities with Alex Bregman in the low-strikeout approach. Donovan hits for more contact and less power than Bregman, and he’s not as valuable on the defensive side of the ball, but he can still be an important player on a contender.
The Giants, Mariners, and Padres could be fits if the Cardinals make Donovan available. It’s important to note he’s not a free agent until after the 2027 season.
Brandon Lowe (Rays)
Like with the two starting pitchers atop this list, Brandon Lowe falls behind Donovan because he’s got one less year of control. Lowe is also far less valuable as a defender, as he is no longer a viable option in the outfield and plays subpar second base.
The offensive production is far superior to Donovan, however. Where Donovan is a supplementary hitter, Lowe would slot into the middle order of most contending teams.
He sports a career 123 OPS+ and ranked in the 70th percentile in xwOBA last season. A high strikeout rate and decreasing walk rate are medium-term concerns.
Edward Cabrera (Marlins)
Sandy Alcantara has been the popular player to speculate about if the Marlins are to deal a pitcher for offensive support. Edward Cabrera, a free agent after the 2028 season, would deliver a far greater haul for Miami.
Cabrera fixed his command issues in 2025, taking his walk rate down to 8.3%. He had a 3.99 xERA and pitched a career-high in innings. A total of 87 big-league starts in his career is a worry for any potential suitors, though.
Teams with a track record of pitching development will surely be all over Cabrera as a trade candidate. Imagine what he could become as a Guardian, Ray, or Astro.
MacKenzie Gore (Nationals)
Washington hoped MacKenzie Gore would be the ace of their next playoff team when they traded Juan Soto. It hasn’t worked out like that, and it seems unlikely the Nats will be in contention before Gore hits free agency at the end of the 2027 season.
Perhaps, then, the Nationals should look to move the left-hander. He has a high-90s fastball and was getting swinging strikes for fun in the first half. Consistency remains an issue, but he’s been durable, and has shown the upside to be a legitimate ace.
There would be a long queue if new general manager Paul Toboni was taking calls on Gore.
Steven Kwan (Guardians)
What do front offices make of Steven Kwan? Several, including the Phillies and Dodgers, wanted to trade for the high-contact outfielder at the deadline, even amid a season that saw Kwan post a 99 wRC+.
He’s one of the hardest players to strike out in the majors. His glove is elite. Cleveland isn’t under drastic pressure to trade Kwan away, but they might seize this opportunity before his value declines ahead of his free agency at the end of 2027.
A lack of power at the plate means Kwan only appeals to teams that are already covered in that department. It would be fascinating to see what return Cleveland could get.
Josh Jung (Rangers)
A former top prospect, Josh Jung finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and was an All-Star in 2023. He’s regressed since, with injuries contributing to 2.0 bWAR and a 102 OPS+ since the start of 2024.
Jung is a good defender at the hot corner and makes plenty of hard contact. The question is whether a Rangers team built around Corey Seager and Marcus Semien can afford to wait for Jung to develop further.
A change of scenery might benefit both parties, particularly if Texas can acquire a veteran third baseman.
Nolan Gorman (Cardinals)
Nolan Gorman should be at the top of the shopping list for teams searching for upside. He’s under team control through 2028 and has a great eye.
The 2025 season was poor after trade rumors floated around throughout last winter. Gorman, though, has a knack for hitting the ball hard and posted one of the best barrel rates in the majors in 2023.
The 34% strikeout rate needs to come down and the defense hasn’t been anything to excited about, but it’s not far-fetched that Gorman is an All-Star in 2026.
Jo Adell (Angels)
Jo Adell is striking out less than he was earlier in his career. He’s still being sat down on strikes in almost 30% of his plate appearances, however, and his low walk rate (which isn’t going to change at this stage) kept him below a .300 OBP.
That didn’t stop him hitting 36 home runs. He’s only 26 years old with 99th percentile bat speed and a 90th percentile xwOBA. While he was overmatched in center field out of necessity, he’s a passable right fielder.
Under control for two more years, the Angels could get a better return for Adell than Taylor Ward. The Reds, Rays, Mariners, and Dodgers are potential trade partners.
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