MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
- Story by
- MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
The 2026-27 MLB offseason has arrived, and while the majority of focus rightfully centers on free agency, we do anticipate seeing a few blockbuster trades this winter. So, before the offseason begins, we’re highlighting 10 MLB players who could be traded this offseason.
Let’s dive into the top 10 MLB trade candidates this winter and attempt to predict which teams acquire them. Our list will focus on highlighting players from 10 different teams, with five pitchers and five everyday players.
When a team repeatedly shows you who they are, believe them. The Cleveland Guardians develop All-Star talent and then trade them away before said players can depart in free agency. Steven Kwan is a fan-favorite in Cleveland, but he’s entering his final year of arbitration, and the market for his services in 2028 will be pushed outside the Guardians’ comfort zone. Kwan, who posted a .382 OBP this past season with a 5.3 bWAR, is everything the Philadelphia Phillies need. The club has rightfully been criticized for making moves that effectively signal it is running it back. However, we think the Phillies front office will put together a package that convinces the Guardians to part ways with Kwan in the final year of his contract.
Read More: 2027 MLB Power Rankings
The Texas Rangers roster is one of the oldest in MLB, and they clearly aren’t close enough to get back into contention, especially if payroll is going to be reduced. Instead, we’d keep an eye on MacKenzie Gore being traded for the second winter in a row. Gore, age 27, is under contract through 2027 and is coming off a season where he registered a 4.58 ERA with a 23.2 percent strikeout rate across 34 starts. He very much fits what the Chicago Cubs would be looking for in a starting pitcher. Chicago has also shown a tendency for prioritizing short-term additions with only one full season of control, with Gore probably preferred given the Cubs’ weaker farm system.
The Cincinnati Reds have to make a decision this winter. Either they fully commit to rebuilding by trading Elly De La Cruz, or ownership finally lets the front office spend the money necessary to build a quality roster. The latter seems unlikely, and with De La Cruz not signed to a contract extension, the former becomes the best option. De La Cruz, who turns 25 in January, is one of the most exciting players in baseball. He won’t be a free agent until 2030, so he would be a very affordable superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles can once again tap into one of the deepest farm systems in MLB to acquire a perennial All-Star shortstop, allowing Los Angeles to move Mookie Betts back to second base.
We’ve predicted the Washington Nationals to splurge in free agency on a front-line starter. One thing that flies a bit under the radar nationally, however, is a Nationals bullpen that ranked 28th in ERA (4.99) this past season with the most blown saves ( 42 ). This team needs a lights-out reliever if it wants to become a contender in 2027; Mason Miller is the best closer in baseball. ESPN ranked the Nationals’ farm system as the 10th-best in MLB this summer, boasting both the depth and top-end talent to entice the San Diego Padres to move Miller. The beauty of acquiring Miller for Washington: he’s under team control through 2029.
In 2026, Atlanta Braves shortstops ranked 29th in OPS (.602) and 27th in FanGraphs ‘ Wins Above Replacement (0.6). Suffice to say it’s a need for this club, and it has been for a while. Elly De La Cruz or Zach Neto would be ideal for Atlanta, but acquiring an All-Star shortstop with multiple years of contract control could prove difficult given the Braves’ farm system. So, the best alternative is Jeremy Peña. The Houston Astros have to know he won’t re-sign with the team next winter, so the time to move him is this offseason. He fits in the Braves’ price range, and he would be a monumental upgrade at shortstop for the club.
The Seattle Mariners have a surplus of quality starting pitching, which will attract the interest of clubs like the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. Seattle will want the centerpiece of a deal to be a cost-controlled hitter who can hit near the middle of the order in the Mariners’ lineup. An added incentive for the Mariners would be moving George Kirby out of the American League. St. Louis (Alec Burleson) and San Francisco (Casey Schmitt) both stand out in that regard, but we think there would be a greater level of desperation from the Giants’ front office to add the 28-year-old righty.
Over the last two seasons, New York Yankees’ catchers have combined for a .672 OPS (17th in MLB) with a .208 batting average (28th). The organization has demonstrated patience with Austin Wells, but it’s clearly just not going to work out with the former top prospect. There’s an obvious solution. The Colorado Rockies are years away from contending, and Hunter Goodman is already 27 years old. The Yankees can package multiple top pitching prospects along with Dax Kilby, helping out Colorado’s rebuilding efforts while the Yankees finally get an All-Star catcher.
The Los Angeles Angels are finally headed in a positive direction with new ownership taking over in 2027. One of the first priorities should be trading Reid Detmers. The 27-year-old southpaw has been great on the bump in the last two seasons, registering a 3.51 ERA with a 291-73 K-BB ratio in 248.2 innings. He’s a viable No. 2 starter with upside, and that’s precisely what the St. Louis Cardinals need to challenge for a Wild Card spot in 2027. Acquiring Detmers is very doable given the depth of minor-league talent in the Cardinals’ farm system, and his presence would allow the team’s young arms in the minors to be brought along slower.
It seems pretty clear at this point that a change of scenery is necessary for Ketel Marte. Fortunately for MLB teams, it also feels obvious that the Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to move on from him. He is on the wrong side of 30, and his production dipped this past season, so his trade value has fallen considerably from its peak. He’s the kind of buy-low target with upside that a team like the Boston Red Sox should take a chance on coming off a season where the team’s second basemen produced a meager .673 OPS.
Trevor Megill is entering a contract year at 33 years old, which is more than enough reason for the Milwaukee Brewers to explore his market this winter. It also helps that Megill is coming off a two-season stretch featuring a 2.57 ERA and 60 saves in 108.2 innings, and Milwaukee’s bullpen is deep enough that it can afford to trade him away without losing much. Megill could be a nice one-year addition for a Minnesota Twins bullpen that had the fifth-worst bullpen ERA (4.74) in 2026. Perhaps the Brewers could pick up one of the Twins’ top catching prospects, Eduardo Tait or Khadim Diaw, in exchange.
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
MLB Trade Candidates 2026-27: Predicting Landing Spots for 10 Stars Who Could Be Traded This Winter
The 2026-27 MLB offseason has arrived, and while the majority of focus rightfully centers on free agency, we do anticipate seeing a few blockbuster trades this winter. So, before the offseason begins, we’re highlighting 10 MLB players who could be traded this offseason.
Let’s dive into the top 10 MLB trade candidates this winter and attempt to predict which teams acquire them. Our list will focus on highlighting players from 10 different teams, with five pitchers and five everyday players.
Steven Kwan, Outfielder: Philadelphia Phillies
When a team repeatedly shows you who they are, believe them. The Cleveland Guardians develop All-Star talent and then trade them away before said players can depart in free agency. Steven Kwan is a fan-favorite in Cleveland, but he’s entering his final year of arbitration, and the market for his services in 2028 will be pushed outside the Guardians’ comfort zone. Kwan, who posted a .382 OBP this past season with a 5.3 bWAR, is everything the Philadelphia Phillies need. The club has rightfully been criticized for making moves that effectively signal it is running it back. However, we think the Phillies front office will put together a package that convinces the Guardians to part ways with Kwan in the final year of his contract.
Read More: 2027 MLB Power Rankings
MacKenzie Gore, Starting Pitcher: Chicago Cubs
The Texas Rangers roster is one of the oldest in MLB, and they clearly aren’t close enough to get back into contention, especially if payroll is going to be reduced. Instead, we’d keep an eye on MacKenzie Gore being traded for the second winter in a row. Gore, age 27, is under contract through 2027 and is coming off a season where he registered a 4.58 ERA with a 23.2 percent strikeout rate across 34 starts. He very much fits what the Chicago Cubs would be looking for in a starting pitcher. Chicago has also shown a tendency for prioritizing short-term additions with only one full season of control, with Gore probably preferred given the Cubs’ weaker farm system.
Elly De La Cruz, Shortstop: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cincinnati Reds have to make a decision this winter. Either they fully commit to rebuilding by trading Elly De La Cruz, or ownership finally lets the front office spend the money necessary to build a quality roster. The latter seems unlikely, and with De La Cruz not signed to a contract extension, the former becomes the best option. De La Cruz, who turns 25 in January, is one of the most exciting players in baseball. He won’t be a free agent until 2030, so he would be a very affordable superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles can once again tap into one of the deepest farm systems in MLB to acquire a perennial All-Star shortstop, allowing Los Angeles to move Mookie Betts back to second base.
Mason Miller, Closer: Washington Nationals
We’ve predicted the Washington Nationals to splurge in free agency on a front-line starter. One thing that flies a bit under the radar nationally, however, is a Nationals bullpen that ranked 28th in ERA (4.99) this past season with the most blown saves ( 42 ). This team needs a lights-out reliever if it wants to become a contender in 2027; Mason Miller is the best closer in baseball. ESPN ranked the Nationals’ farm system as the 10th-best in MLB this summer, boasting both the depth and top-end talent to entice the San Diego Padres to move Miller. The beauty of acquiring Miller for Washington: he’s under team control through 2029.
Jeremy Pena, Shortstop: Atlanta Braves
In 2026, Atlanta Braves shortstops ranked 29th in OPS (.602) and 27th in FanGraphs ‘ Wins Above Replacement (0.6). Suffice to say it’s a need for this club, and it has been for a while. Elly De La Cruz or Zach Neto would be ideal for Atlanta, but acquiring an All-Star shortstop with multiple years of contract control could prove difficult given the Braves’ farm system. So, the best alternative is Jeremy Peña. The Houston Astros have to know he won’t re-sign with the team next winter, so the time to move him is this offseason. He fits in the Braves’ price range, and he would be a monumental upgrade at shortstop for the club.
George Kirby, Starting Pitcher: San Francisco Giants
The Seattle Mariners have a surplus of quality starting pitching, which will attract the interest of clubs like the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. Seattle will want the centerpiece of a deal to be a cost-controlled hitter who can hit near the middle of the order in the Mariners’ lineup. An added incentive for the Mariners would be moving George Kirby out of the American League. St. Louis (Alec Burleson) and San Francisco (Casey Schmitt) both stand out in that regard, but we think there would be a greater level of desperation from the Giants’ front office to add the 28-year-old righty.
Hunter Goodman, Catcher: New York Yankees
Over the last two seasons, New York Yankees’ catchers have combined for a .672 OPS (17th in MLB) with a .208 batting average (28th). The organization has demonstrated patience with Austin Wells, but it’s clearly just not going to work out with the former top prospect. There’s an obvious solution. The Colorado Rockies are years away from contending, and Hunter Goodman is already 27 years old. The Yankees can package multiple top pitching prospects along with Dax Kilby, helping out Colorado’s rebuilding efforts while the Yankees finally get an All-Star catcher.
Reid Detmers, Starting Pitcher: St. Louis Cardinals
The Los Angeles Angels are finally headed in a positive direction with new ownership taking over in 2027. One of the first priorities should be trading Reid Detmers. The 27-year-old southpaw has been great on the bump in the last two seasons, registering a 3.51 ERA with a 291-73 K-BB ratio in 248.2 innings. He’s a viable No. 2 starter with upside, and that’s precisely what the St. Louis Cardinals need to challenge for a Wild Card spot in 2027. Acquiring Detmers is very doable given the depth of minor-league talent in the Cardinals’ farm system, and his presence would allow the team’s young arms in the minors to be brought along slower.
Ketel Marte, Second Baseman: Boston Red Sox
It seems pretty clear at this point that a change of scenery is necessary for Ketel Marte. Fortunately for MLB teams, it also feels obvious that the Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to move on from him. He is on the wrong side of 30, and his production dipped this past season, so his trade value has fallen considerably from its peak. He’s the kind of buy-low target with upside that a team like the Boston Red Sox should take a chance on coming off a season where the team’s second basemen produced a meager .673 OPS.
Trevor Megill, Closer: Minnesota Twins
Trevor Megill is entering a contract year at 33 years old, which is more than enough reason for the Milwaukee Brewers to explore his market this winter. It also helps that Megill is coming off a two-season stretch featuring a 2.57 ERA and 60 saves in 108.2 innings, and Milwaukee’s bullpen is deep enough that it can afford to trade him away without losing much. Megill could be a nice one-year addition for a Minnesota Twins bullpen that had the fifth-worst bullpen ERA (4.74) in 2026. Perhaps the Brewers could pick up one of the Twins’ top catching prospects, Eduardo Tait or Khadim Diaw, in exchange.
