With the Milwaukee Brewers crowned 2026 World Series champions, the 2026-27 MLB offseason is underway amid ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. CBS Sports has identified 25 leading trade candidates, grouped by the underlying reasons they could be moved. Not all will be traded, but each is considered a distinct possibility based on reporting, service time, payroll considerations, and organizational history.
Bold possibilities from contenders
Core contributors on playoff-caliber teams who may be dealt due to salary escalation, roster needs, or prospect readiness. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (.207 BA, 20 HR, 21 SB) faces a crowded outfield; trade chance estimated at 50%. Los Angeles Dodgers' Teoscar Hernández (.267 BA, 16 HR) may make room for prospect Josue De Paula (45%). Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan (.282 BA, 5.0 WAR) enters his walk year (30%). Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (3.36 ERA, 118 IP) could be shopped due to arbitration costs and injury history (35%). Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill (2.63 ERA, 30 saves) follows a pattern of dealing closers early (55%). San Diego Padres' Mason Miller (1.67 ERA, 38 saves, control through 2029) might be moved to fill roster holes (20%). Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider (5.31 ERA, $49M owed over two years) carries ace upside but medical concerns (25%).
Only if the price is right
Players with years of team control remaining, commanding high returns. Washington Nationals shortstop C.J. Abrams (.261 BA, 33 HR, 34 SB, two years control) – 25%. Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (3.36 ERA, 211 K, control through 2028) – 30%. Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (.245 BA, 41 HR, 25 HR on road, three years control) – 50%. Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (6.83 ERA, 27.2 IP, signed through 2028) – 25%. St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Iván Herrera (.241 BA, 19 HR, control through 2029) – 30%. Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (.305 BA, 6.0 WAR, control through 2029) – 20%. Angels shortstop Zachary Neto (.239 BA, 15.6 WAR over three years, control through 2029) – 30%.
Walk-year players
Pending free agents on teams not in full contention. Brewers catcher William Contreras (.270 BA, 18 HR, 94 RBI, free agent after 2027) – 15%. Seattle Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (3.73 ERA, 205 K, free agent after 2027) – 45%. Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (.262 BA, 25 HR, $13.35M option for 2027) – 45%. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (.277 BA, 22 HR, free agent after 2027) – 35%. Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (3.79 ERA, 159 K, free agent after 2027) – 35%.
No-trade clause targets
Players who must approve any deal. Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (4.2 ERA, 201 K, final guaranteed year, full NTC) – 25%. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (.225 BA, 21 HR, $160M owed through 2031, full NTC) – 15%. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (.249 BA, 22 HR, full NTC via 10-and-5 rights) – 30%. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (.227 BA, 20 HR, $155M owed through 2031, full NTC) – 20%.
Longshots
Players subject to persistent speculation but unlikely to move. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (.283 BA, 30 HR, 30 SB, control through 2029) – 15%. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes (3.82 ERA, 200 K, control through 2029) – 5%.
