MLB trade rumors heat up as Winter Meetings approach, top 10 targets revealed and blockbuster signings reshape offseason landscape

MLB trade rumors are reaching a fever pitch as baseball’s Winter Meetings approach in Orlando this week, with elite talent dangling on the market. The 2025-26 offseason promises blockbuster trades that could reshape playoff contenders. Here’s everything you need to know about the top targets and major storylines.

The Tarik Skubal Saga: Baseball’s Ultimate Prize

Tarik Skubal stands head and shoulders above all other trade candidates in December 2025. The Detroit Tigers left-handed ace has won consecutive Cy Young Awards and represents exactly what championship contenders are desperately seeking.

However, acquiring Skubal will require an astronomical price tag. The Tigers have made it clear they will not part with their franchise cornerstone unless presented with an offer that’s impossible to refuse—likely in the neighborhood of $450 million just to buy him out. More realistically, teams with championship aspirations understand that trading for Skubal means surrendering multiple prospects and established players.

The reality is that Skubal will only move if the Tigers completely shift their competitive timeline. Otherwise, expect the Tigers to hold firm and defer this difficult decision until next summer’s trade deadline.

Elite Pitching on the Move: Peralta and Beyond

While Skubal remains a long shot, Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers presents a far more realistic option for contenders. After posting a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts, Peralta remains affordable at $8 million in the final year of his contract.

The Brewers, fresh off a National League Championship Series appearance, are hungry for a World Series title for the first time since 1982. They believe their rotation is primed for a championship run, making Peralta’s availability questionable. Still, the right blockbuster offer could change their calculus.

Other elite starters available include Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins (13-10, 3.42 ERA) and MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals. Pavel Zacha and top prospects represent additional pitching depth available for trade.

Top Trade Target	Team	Position/Details
Tarik Skubal	Detroit Tigers	LHP, Back-to-back Cy Young winner
Ketel Marte	Arizona Diamondbacks	2B, All-Star, 6-year/$116.5M deal
Freddy Peralta	Milwaukee Brewers	RHP, 17-6, $8M final year
Steven Kwan	Cleveland Guardians	OF, Four-time Gold Glove
Joe Ryan	Minnesota Twins	RHP, 13-10, 3 years control

Ketel Marte and the Diamondbacks’ Shopping Spree

The Arizona Diamondbacks are actively listening to trade offers for All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, according to multiple reports. The Diamondbacks signed Marte to a six-year, $116.5 million deal last spring but have decided he’s the team’s most tradeable asset.

After missing the playoffs despite a massive spending spree, the Diamondbacks now face severe pitching injuries heading into 2026. Ace Corbin Burnes will miss most of the season, while free agents Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly departed. The team is desperately seeking pitching reinforcements to remain competitive in the National League West.

The Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Tampa Bay Rays—teams loaded with young pitching talent—are reportedly on the Diamondbacks radar. A Marte deal could net Arizona multiple prospects or established starting pitchers.

The Full Elite Trade Market: Ten Players to Watch

Beyond the marquee names, USA TODAY ranks a complete top 10 of MLB’s most likely trade candidates. Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, a four-time Gold Glove winner, offers outfield production at a reasonable $8.8 million arbitration salary.

The St. Louis Cardinals are actively rebuilding, presenting All-Star Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado, and MacKenzie Gore as potential traders. Brandon Lowe and Luis Severino also headline the availability list. Each represents a realistic pathway for contenders seeking immediate impact additions.

The Boston Red Sox could trade Jarren Duran, while Minnesota weighs moving either Joe Ryan or Pablo López. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are considering moving Brandon Lowe for the first time in years, signaling management’s willingness to reset.

“Teams are envious of the heist the Boston Red Sox pulled off when they traded for Garrett Crochet, who finished second in Cy Young voting and led his new team to the playoffs.”

— Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports Columnist

What Will Actually Get Done at the Winter Meetings?

History suggests the Winter Meetings produce memorable trades. In 1990, the Blue Jays and Padres orchestrated a massive swap involving Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter—the media actually broke into applause. More recently, the Red Sox acquired Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, the Angels dealt Taylor Ward to the Orioles, and the Mets-Rangers swapped Brandon Nimmo and Marcus Semien.

This year, expect multiple mid-tier deals rather than one blockbuster. Ketel Marte, Freddy Peralta, Steven Kwan, and Brandon Lowe represent the most likely candidates to change hands. Meanwhile, Skubal will likely remain a Detroit Tiger, keeping the most tantalizing piece off the market.

Watch for teams with abundant pitching prospects—the Red Sox, Tigers, and Rays—to dominate the trade conversations. The Arizona Diamondbacks will command attention as sellers seeking immediate rotation help. This year’s Winter Meetings promise chaos, strategy, and the reshaping of several rosters before 2026 Spring Training.

Sources

• USA Today – Top 10 MLB trade targets analysis
• ESPN – Official trade candidate rankings
• MLB.com – Winter Meetings coverage and rumors