As the 2026 MLB offseason approaches, each National League Central team faces decisions on potential trade candidates ahead of the 2027 season. Analysts highlight one player per club who could be moved, based on contract status, performance, and team needs.
Milwaukee Brewers: William Contreras
Catcher William Contreras, who reportedly declined a contract extension in 2025, is set to become a free agent in 2028. The 2026 World Series MVP posted a .373/.448/.588 slash line with three home runs and nine RBIs in the playoffs, adding to five consecutive seasons of 15-plus home runs and a .260-plus batting average. With the Brewers historically reluctant to spend heavily, Contreras could be traded this offseason. Potential landing spots include the Phillies, Red Sox, and Yankees.
Chicago Cubs: Colin Rea
Right-hander Colin Rea, 38, is owed $6.5 million in 2027 before unrestricted free agency in 2028. He recorded a 4.34 ERA over 137 innings in 2026 but finished strong with a 2.61 ERA in his final seven games and a 3.40 ERA over his last 15 appearances. The Cubs' rotation concerns may make them hesitant to deal from weakness, but Rea could provide back-end depth for contenders. Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Mets, Padres.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Ryan O'Hearn
First baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn hit 18 home runs with a .770 OPS in 2026, matching his 2025 career-best (17 HR, .803 OPS). He is in the second year of a two-year, $29 million deal — the largest average annual value in Pirates free-agent history — earning $15 million in 2027 before free agency in 2028. With Spencer Horwitz entrenched at first base, O'Hearn could be moved as a one-year rental. Potential destinations: Diamondbacks, Mets, Twins.
St. Louis Cardinals: Alec Burleson
First baseman Alec Burleson, the 2026 RBI leader with 116, is under team control through arbitration until 2029. He has hit 20-plus home runs with a .275-plus average in two of the last three seasons, posting an OPS above .800 each of the past two years. His defense improved to +7 Fielding Run Value in 2026 after -5 in 2025, and he has played 150-plus games in two of the last three seasons. The Cardinals have a history of trading aging talent for prospects. Potential fits: Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamondbacks.
Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz, 24, turned down a massive extension in 2025 that would have surpassed Joey Votto's franchise-record $225 million deal. He just completed his first 30/30 season — only the fourth in Reds history — and has played 140-plus games in three straight years. Though not a free agent until 2030, Cincinnati might trade him for a massive prospect haul. Teams with prospect capital and shortstop needs, such as the Braves, Mariners, and Yankees, are potential landing spots.
