The MLB trade market is heating up early in the offseason, following swaps like Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo between the Rangers and Mets, and the Red Sox's acquisition of Sonny Gray from the Cardinals. Analysts highlight five key players as prime candidates to move: Nolan Arenado, MacKenzie Gore, Steven Kwan, Freddy Peralta and Jarren Duran.
As teams gear up for the winter meetings, recent deals signal an active trade period. The Texas Rangers and New York Mets exchanged infielder Marcus Semien and outfielder Brandon Nimmo over the weekend. On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox obtained starting pitcher Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Experts point to several players whose teams may seek to reshape rosters. St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, 34, batted .237 with 12 home runs in 2025, his lowest homer total since his rookie year. After vetoing a trade to the Houston Astros last offseason—leading the Astros to sign Christian Walker instead—Arenado appears more open to relocation. New Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom aims to rebuild a stagnant roster, making an Arenado deal beneficial for both sides.
Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 26, emerged as a 2025 All-Star with a career-high 185 strikeouts. With three years of club control remaining, Gore appeals to pitching-needy teams. Following the firing of GM Mike Rizzo, new president Paul Toboni may facilitate a trade from the rebuilding Nationals.
Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan excels in contact hitting, baserunning and defense, winning an AL Gold Glove at the position annually. However, with two years until free agency and Cleveland's lineup heavy on contact hitters, the Guardians have fielded offers and could move him if the price is right.
Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta had a standout 2025, leading the NL with 17 wins, posting a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 33 starts. With one year of control left, Milwaukee's history of trading such players—like Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams—suggests a deal is probable. "Clearly, there’s a lot of interest in Freddy," said Brewers president Matt Arnold at the GM meetings. "He means a lot to our group, but certainly a ton of interest there."
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran slashed .256/.332/.442 in 2025 over 157 games, with 41 doubles, 13 triples, 16 homers and 84 RBI. He ranks fourth in MLB extra-base hits (153) since 2024 and led in triples the past two seasons, adding strong defense (+32 DRS, +8 OAA). Boston's crowded outfield, including Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and prospect Roman Anthony, may force a trade to bolster the rotation.