20 MLB players who could be traded this winter

We rank the top 20 players who could be dealt during the offseason despite uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement. Current performance, position, age, and years of control were taken into consideration.

1. Yordan Alvarez, Astros

Position: DH/OF
Age: 29
Contract: Signed through 2028 (owed $53.66M)

Although chances are slim that Houston will trade the soon-to-be AL MVP, it's definitely possible. Alvarez's value is at an all-time high, so he could bring in MLB-ready talent or top prospects to replenish one of baseball's worst farm systems. The Astros almost never go past six years on a contract, but they would likely have to do so to prevent the four-time All-Star from testing free agency in two years. A long-term commitment to a full-time DH probably isn't very appealing to a team that's declined for five seasons in a row.

Trade probability: 10%

2. Elly De La Cruz, Reds

Position: SS
Age: 24
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2029

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall poured cold water on trade rumors involving De La Cruz. However, he left some room for interpretation when he added, "I'm never going to say never." The Red Sox reportedly pursued the star shortstop before the trade deadline, and De La Cruz has been connected to the Dodgers as well. He also turned down a massive extension in 2025. A deal remains unlikely - for now.

Trade probability: 10%

3. James Wood, Nationals

Position: OF
Age: 24
Contract: Pre-arbitration through 2030

The Nationals reportedly want to extend Wood but will also listen to offers for the two-time All-Star. The price should be astronomical: The young slugger's best years are ahead of him, and he'd come with plenty of team control and a low payroll hit before he becomes arbitration-eligible. Washington hasn't had a winning season since capturing the 2019 World Series. Trading Wood probably isn't wise, but it's not out of the question.

Trade probability: 20%

4. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles

Position: SS
Age: 25
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2028

Henderson's regressed since finishing fourth in 2024 AL MVP voting. Not coincidentally, the once-ascendant Orioles haven't made the playoffs since. Baltimore is reportedly willing to listen on every player except Pete Alonso in trade talks. A Henderson deal would require a big haul. However, it's become easier to envision with the star shortstop two years away from free agency.

Trade probability: 35%

5. CJ Abrams, Nationals

Position: SS
Age: 26
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2028

Abrams has been on the trade block for quite some time, and his value is higher than ever after the best campaign of the 26-year-old's career. The infielder said he wasn't thrilled about being asked to switch from shortstop to second base, which could prompt a trade request. Washington's top prospect, Eli Willits, is still about a year away from debuting, but if the Nationals decide to trade Abrams, they could roll with Nasim Nuñez until Willits is ready.

Trade probability: 50%

6. Zach Neto, Angels

Position: SS
Age: 25
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2029

There was lots of chatter about Neto leading up to the trade deadline, and Angels interim general manager John Mozeliak acknowledged that interest in the shortstop has ramped up even more during the offseason. It's not surprising based on Neto's age, years of team control, and talent - he's recorded three straight 20-20 campaigns. He could fetch a huge return, allowing Los Angeles to start a long-overdue rebuild.

Trade probability: 50%

7. Jeremy Peña, Astros

Position: SS
Age: 29
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2027

Astros owner Jim Crane said he doesn't envision a teardown in Houston, but Peña hasn't agreed to an extension, and the shortstop could be due for a big payday next offseason. With a new general manager in place and Houston now lacking a championship-caliber roster, the Astros might deal Peña before he can walk away in order to replenish their dwindling assets.

Trade probability: 50%

8. Mason Miller, Padres

Position: RP
Age: 28
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2029

Baseball's best closer could be a prime sell-high candidate after he was reportedly a hot commodity at the trade deadline. The Padres badly need rotation help, and they've already made significant long-term financial commitments to Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Jackson Merrill. As a result, San Diego could dangle Miller for a starter with team control.

Trade probability: 25%

9. Otto Lopez, Marlins

Position: SS
Age: 28
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2030

Lopez is coming off his best season by a wide margin, with his 5.9 fWAR surpassing his previous career high of 2.5. This makes the NL hits leader a prime trade candidate, as teams are always on the hunt for cost-controlled players at premium positions. The Marlins were reportedly willing to listen to offers for Lopez at the trade deadline, so those conversations could resume this winter.

Trade probability: 50%

10. Steven Kwan, Guardians

Position: OF
Age: 29
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2027

It's hard to envision the Guardians extending Kwan before his walk year unless the four-time Gold Glover takes a team-friendly deal. The two-time All-Star recorded a career-best .382 on-base percentage in 2026 despite hitting a career low in homers. He's been arguably the best defensive outfielder in baseball since 2022, finishing in the 100th percentile in arm value in 2024 and 2025.

Trade probability: 75%

11. William Contreras, Brewers

Position: C
Age: 28
Contract: Signed through 2027 (owed $15.5M)

The World Series MVP has been a huge part of the Brewers' success on both sides of the ball, but status didn't stop Milwaukee from dealing stars like Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes. Contreras, who will earn $15.5 million in his final season before free agency, denied a report that he turned down a three-year extension worth around $35 million.

Trade probability: 25%

12. Corey Seager, Rangers

Position: SS
Age: 32
Contract: Signed through 2031 (owed $157.5 million)

The Rangers are reportedly trying to dump Seager's contract because of payroll limitations, but the two-time World Series MVP has a no-trade clause due to his 10-and-5 rights. The fact that he'll need to approve any deal makes things a little tricky. Seager comes with injury risk: He hasn't played more than 123 games in any season since 2022. However, he still provides power and a solid glove at a premium position.

Trade probability: 60%

13. Hunter Brown, Astros

Position: SP
Age: 28
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2028

Brown is the Astros' only dependable starter at this point. So why trade him? He's projected to make over $10 million in 2027 and is in line for a big extension, and the franchise historically isn't fond of handing those out. Still, Houston is much more likely to move one of its infielders to bolster the rotation.

Trade probability: 20%

14. Jacob deGrom, Rangers

Position: SP
Age: 38
Contract: Signed through 2027 (owed $37M)

The two-time NL Cy Young winner has a no-trade clause in his contract and nixed a move to the Braves at the deadline. The Rangers may still have an appetite to deal the right-hander, but he's got the final say. Although deGrom isn't the ace he once was, he remains effective, placing in the 90th percentile in fastball velocity this year while recording his first 200-strikeout season since 2019.

Trade probability: 50%

15. Isaac Paredes, Astros

Position: 3B
Age: 27
Contract: Signed through 2027 (owed $13.35M)

The Astros have an infield logjam with Paredes, Christian Walker, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa, but they didn't have to address it in 2026 because Correa missed most of the campaign with an injury. However, Houston could act this winter following the best season of Paredes' seven-year career. His defensive versatility and affordable contract could appeal to clubs as well.

Trade probability: 75%

16. Logan Gilbert, Mariners

Position: SP
Age: 29
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2027

Teams should be lining up for Gilbert's services if the Mariners decide to trade another piece of their vaunted rotation for offensive help. The 2024 All-Star has the fifth-highest fWAR among AL starters over the last five years. Seattle might consider him expendable because top pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan are ready to contribute at the MLB level.

Trade probability: 50%

17. Reid Detmers, Angels

Position: SP
Age: 27
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2028

Detmers posted a breakout campaign amid constant trade buzz, although the Angels opted to move José Soriano instead. Detmers is still an attractive option for clubs seeking a young, controllable starter for at least the next two years. Los Angeles could also be motivated to acquire high-end prospects coming off a 100-loss campaign.

Trade probability: 50%

18. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks

Position: 2B
Age: 33
Contract: Signed through 2030 (owed $76M)

Marte has been a D-Backs cornerstone for a decade. He helped them win the NL pennant in 2023 and has twice finished top four in NL MVP voting as a Diamondback. In recent years, however, his off-field behavior has created unnecessary drama for the team, and the D-Backs seem to be tired of it. Trade rumours involving the second baseman have intensified this offseason after reports that Arizona's front office is motivated to move the three-time All-Star. However, Marte has 10-and-5 rights and would have to approve any deal.

Trade probability: 75%

19. Joe Ryan, Twins

Position: SP
Age: 30
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2027

Ryan's name has been prevalent in trade rumours for a couple of seasons, and the Mets and Red Sox have previously shown interest. The right-hander has one year of arbitration left before becoming a free agent. After back-to-back All-Star campaigns, he should have a strong market if the Twins decide to deal him.

Trade probability: 75%

20. George Kirby, Mariners

Position: SP
Age: 28
Contract: Arbitration-eligible through 2028

The Mariners are coming off a disastrous campaign that led to the removal of their coaching staff. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto will be looking for ways to improve an offense that finished 28th in runs scored, and dealing a pitcher like Kirby could be on the table. The right-hander owns a 3.39 FIP since 2022. He could fetch a nice haul and open up a rotation spot for Anderson.

Trade probability: 25%