Although major trades during MLB spring training are uncommon, impactful deals remain achievable as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. With the spring training period underway, every franchise should evaluate potential moves to strengthen or reshape their squads. This analysis highlights possible trade targets and candidates for all 30 teams, using the MLB spring training trades as a focal point for strategic considerations.
Potential Trade Options in the American League East
The Baltimore Orioles face challenges with key infielders Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg sidelined by injuries, which has intensified the need for offensive reinforcement. Houston Astros’ Isaac Paredes emerges as a viable option. While defensive inconsistencies exist, Paredes offers notable power, averaging 29 home runs per 162 games since 2022, making him an asset worth pursuing.
In contrast, the Boston Red Sox have shown preference for defensive solidity following their acquisition of Caleb Durbin. Therefore, targeting Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner at second base, could help Boston enhance defensive capabilities across most infield positions.
The New York Yankees are reevaluating their shortstop situation after Anthony Volpe’s injury and José Caballero’s lack of impact. Washington Nationals‘ CJ Abrams, an All-Star in 2024 known for his speed and power potential (a solid 20-20 threat and around 3 WAR yearly), represents a high-upside trade target, despite off-field concerns during his time in Washington.
The Tampa Bay Rays, currently underdogs in their division and limited financially despite new ownership, may need to trade high-salary player Yandy Díaz. At $12 million per season, Díaz’s consistent offensive contributions (.300 average with 25 homers in 2025) could make him attractive to contenders aiming to bolster their lineup.
Defending AL champions Toronto Blue Jays face rotation depth issues due to injuries to Bowden Francis and Shane Bieber. Miami Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara stands out as an ideal addition for Toronto. Alcantara is a durable workhorse capable of providing around 180 innings and, if recapturing his 2022 ace form, could significantly bolster the Blue Jays’ starting rotation.
Trade Considerations Within the American League Central
The Chicago White Sox carry the burden of Andrew Benintendi’s remaining $32.2 million contract through 2027, despite his limited production over the past three seasons. Although an unlikely move, the White Sox might consider a salary dump to recover a prospect, turning an expensive contract into a future asset.
The Cleveland Guardians, who have made minimal offseason changes, especially to their outfield, may seek to add the versatile Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals. Nootbaar’s solid batting when healthy and energetic presence could improve Cleveland’s outfield performance and align well with the team’s resilient culture.
The Detroit Tigers are advised to keep star pitcher Tarik Skubal but remain open to blockbuster offers that include controllable major league talent and multiple top prospects. Such a trade could be considered only if the package is transformative enough to accommodate the value of a two-time Cy Young winner.
Kansas City Royals, seen as potential sleepers, need additional hitting depth. Cubs’ Matt Shaw brings versatility as a third baseman with experience at second base and the outfield. After demonstrating offensive improvement to a .839 OPS in late 2025, Shaw could fill critical lineup gaps.
The Minnesota Twins, no longer realistic contenders following Pablo López’s sudden Tommy John surgery, may consider trading starter Joe Ryan. Controlled through 2027, Ryan has maintained a steady 3.78 ERA over four seasons and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him an attractive target for teams looking to strengthen rotation.
Evaluations of Trade Targets in the American League West
The Oakland Athletics are unlikely to part ways with ace Luis Severino, especially as they prepare for relocation to Las Vegas and seek competitive footing before the move. However, given Severino’s dissatisfaction during a tough 2025 season in Sacramento and a $25 million salary, a trade could be a practical option to offload payroll while gaining assets.
The Houston Astros, eyeing left-handed power and speed, consider Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran despite salary concerns. While a direct Paredes-for-Duran deal is less likely now, other arrangements involving players like Caleb Durbin may facilitate creative solutions to improve roster balance.
The Los Angeles Angels might seek to trade Jo Adell following his breakout 2025 campaign, marked by 37 homers but built on a .293 on-base percentage, which raises questions about consistency. Despite ownership’s inclination toward immediate contention, moving Adell could align with a longer-term rebuild strategy.
The Seattle Mariners, with a strong roster and farm system, have little immediate need but could trade Ryan Bliss, whose injuries hindered his recent opportunities. Providing Bliss a fresh start elsewhere would benefit the player and open roster flexibility for Seattle.
The Texas Rangers, who boasted MLB’s best starting rotation ERA at 3.41 last year and recently added MacKenzie Gore, are ideal candidates to pursue Joe Ryan from the Twins. Ryan’s addition would deepen their staff and offer age insurance for veterans Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, both in their late 30s.
National League East: Strengthening and Addressing Needs
The Atlanta Braves face uncertainties past veteran Chris Sale in their rotation, stemming from offseason inactivity and injuries. Joe Ryan, currently with the Twins, fits as a critical need to solidify their pitching staff and reestablish their competitive edge in the division.
Miami Marlins are facing financial constraints despite nearing contention last season. Sandy Alcantara, heading into the last guaranteed year of his contract, could be moved to reduce payroll and acquire promising returns.
The New York Mets balance the potential of Mark Vientos, who covers third and first base but remains less critical due to the presence of Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco. Evaluating offers involving pitching in exchange for Vientos may prove prudent.
Philadelphia Phillies, presenting a “must-win-now” profile with aging stars, emerge as the only viable trade partner seriously pursuing Tarik Skubal from Detroit. Offering prospects such as Andrew Painter could entice the Tigers to consider this high-impact move.
The Washington Nationals might prioritize trading James Wood over CJ Abrams as a key asset to accelerate their rebuild. Wood’s power and control up to 2030 make him valuable, although his swing-and-miss tendency challenges his long-term viability.
National League Central Teams Eyeing Adjustments
The Chicago Cubs are advised to retain and possibly extend Nico Hoerner, their superior infielder, while considering trade of Matt Shaw. Shaw’s qualifications as a super-utility player make him tradable for pitching talent, which the Cubs require.
The Cincinnati Reds, with a strong pitching core featuring Chase Burns, could improve their offense by acquiring Jo Adell, who has power potential suitable for Great American Ball Park’s hitter-friendly environment despite defensive limitations.
Milwaukee Brewers seek increased power after a low home run total and playoff shortcomings. Mark Vientos, with 27 home runs in 2024 and pre-arbitration eligibility until next year, fits the Brewers’ financial and performance criteria well, strengthened by existing front office rapport.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in Isaac Paredes to address a shaky third base position. Despite Pirates and Astros having few trading alignments, Paredes’ unique power hitting style adapts across ballparks, making him a viable candidate to help Pittsburgh’s offense.
St. Louis Cardinals, depleted by several departures, have limited trade assets left besides Lars Nootbaar and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero. Despite recent struggles related to injury, Nootbaar’s past consistency and on-field energy maintain his attractiveness to contending teams.
National League West: Bullpen Reinforcements and Roster Depth Moves
Arizona Diamondbacks improved their rotation by retaining Merrill Kelly and postponing Zac Gallen‘s market entrance. However, their bullpen remains an issue. JoJo Romero, a lefty reliever known for inducing ground balls and limiting hard contact, represents a prime trade candidate to bolster Arizona’s relief corps.
The Colorado Rockies have minimal trade assets, but reliever Victor Vodnik stands out as a sellable piece with a high-velocity fastball and effective changeup generating exceptional swing and miss rates. Moving Vodnik aligns with the Rockies’ rebuilding status.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ need focuses on bullpen depth rather than starters like Tarik Skubal. Griffin Jax fits their profile as a reliever with solid command and potential for elite performance, even if his career numbers have been moderate.
San Diego Padres continue to show interest in Boston’s Jarren Duran, with whom there has been persistent trade speculation. While a straightforward deal remains uncertain, the Padres’ appetite for a dynamic outfielder reflects ongoing roster refinement.
San Francisco Giants require contingency at second base due to Luis Arraez’s defensive weaknesses and inconsistent playing time. Ryan Bliss’s speed and versatility offer the Giants both depth and base-stealing ability, which is essential given the team’s league-low stolen base totals in 2025.
Statistics in this analysis derive from Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, and Baseball Savant, providing a comprehensive look at player performances and trade potentials as the 2026 MLB season approaches.
