The offseason Hot Stove season exploded into full gear after a stunning move: the New York Mets secured superstar Juan Soto with a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract, making it the largest deal in sports history. This high-profile signing was followed closely by a massive transaction involving left-handed pitcher Max Fried, who inked a record-breaking $218 million deal with the Yankees, marking one of the largest free-agent contracts ever signed by a southpaw.
As free agency heated up, the trade market also began to stir. The first significant trade of the offseason saw the White Sox deal lefty Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox, signaling the start of more major moves to come. Recent years have seen several high-profile trades shake up the league, including last year’s blockbuster deal sending Soto from the Padres to the Yankees, where he helped the team reach the World Series.
The offseason rumors surrounding both free-agent signings and trades are already abundant, with speculation about where some of the top players could end up in the coming weeks. MLB.com writers have offered potential trade packages for five high-profile stars who are likely to be moved before the start of the 2025 season.
Orioles Set Sights on an Ace Through Trade
Proposed Trade:
- Orioles receive: RHP Dylan Cease
- Padres receive: OF Heston Kjerstad, LHP Cade Povich, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Orioles’ No. 4 prospect)
Why it makes sense: In 2024, the Orioles acquired a proven ace in Corbin Burnes to solidify their rotation, but with Burnes still on the market and other teams likely to pursue him aggressively, Baltimore could look to make another deal to reinforce its pitching staff. With Max Fried and Blake Snell off the board, trading for Dylan Cease could be their best option. The Padres, already known for making proactive moves for players nearing free agency, have reportedly shown interest in trading Cease, making him an ideal target for the Orioles.
In exchange, the Padres would receive three strong prospects: Kjerstad, MLB Pipeline’s No. 32 overall prospect, Povich, a pitcher with the potential to join the Padres’ rotation in 2025, and Bradfield, a speedy outfielder who could be used as a trade capital in future deals. Though Kjerstad may be a tough player for Baltimore to part with, the opportunity to acquire an ace who can elevate their 2025 title aspirations might be too good to pass up.
Biggest obstacle: The Padres’ financial situation and their motivation to trade Cease could present challenges. With San Diego not under the same financial pressure as the Brewers were last offseason with Burnes, it may not be eager to part with Cease unless the deal is overwhelmingly favorable. Moreover, with Crochet now traded to the Red Sox, San Diego’s flexibility in making a deal for Cease may have been affected.
Rangers Seek Elite Closer to Complete World Series Contender
Proposed Trade:
- Rangers receive: RHP Devin Williams
- Brewers receive: RHP Jack Leiter (Rangers’ No. 4 prospect)
Why it makes sense: After their World Series win, the Rangers lost three key relievers to free agency, leaving a hole in their bullpen. While Jacob Webb is a solid addition, they need an elite closer like Williams to solidify their chances in 2025. The Brewers, in need of starting pitching, could take a chance on Leiter, a high-risk, high-reward prospect who has shown flashes of brilliance despite command struggles.
Leiter’s potential could make him an appealing target for the Brewers, especially considering his proximity to the big leagues. In return, the Rangers would get one of the best closers in baseball to complete their bullpen, bolstering their chances to defend their World Series title.
Biggest obstacle: Leiter’s potential and the Rangers’ reluctance to part with him, especially after their recent trade for Jake Burger, could make this deal difficult to finalize. Furthermore, Williams, though an elite closer, is a one-year rental, which may make the Rangers hesitant to part with a highly touted prospect like Leiter.
Phillies Shake Up Lineup with Trade for Outfielder
Proposed Trade:
- Phillies receive: RF Kyle Tucker
- Astros receive: 3B Alec Bohm, RHP Mick Abel (Phillies’ No. 6 prospect)
Why it makes sense: After a disappointing postseason performance, the Phillies are looking to shake up their lineup. While the team boasts MVP-caliber talent in Bryce Harper and Cy Young-caliber pitching in Zack Wheeler, their offense, particularly in the postseason, has struggled with streakiness. One of the biggest weaknesses has been third baseman Alec Bohm, who faced challenges in the 2023 postseason and has been inconsistent throughout his career.
In this hypothetical trade, the Phillies would acquire Kyle Tucker, a three-time All-Star outfielder with impressive offensive numbers, including an average of 28 homers, 20 steals, and 90 RBIs over the last three seasons. Tucker’s addition would bring balance to the lineup and help fill the void left by Bohm’s struggles. In return, the Astros would receive Bohm, an intriguing prospect in Abel, and some depth in the minor leagues to help bolster their roster.
Biggest obstacle: Despite the potential for change, the Phillies’ reluctance to move Bohm or their top prospects might complicate this deal. Team president Dave Dombrowski has indicated that the price the Red Sox paid for Crochet was too high, suggesting the Phillies may not be ready to make such a move yet.
Cubs and Mariners Swap Stars to Address Key Needs
Proposed Trade:
- Cubs receive: RHP Luis Castillo
- Mariners receive: 2B Nico Hoerner, 3B Cam Smith (MLB’s No. 73 prospect), RHP Brandon Birdsell (Cubs’ No. 22 prospect)
Why it makes sense: For the Cubs, the top priority coming out of the Winter Meetings is adding a reliable starting pitcher, and Castillo fits that need perfectly. A consistent performer with a sub-4.00 ERA and the ability to pitch deep into games, Castillo would provide stability in the rotation. The Mariners, on the other hand, have long struggled with their second base position and could address that issue by acquiring Hoerner, whose solid bat and elite defense make him a valuable asset. Smith and Birdsell would add depth to the Mariners’ farm system, with Smith potentially contributing at third base in the near future.
Biggest obstacle: A key issue is Castillo’s full no-trade clause, which gives him the power to block any potential trade. Furthermore, Hoerner’s recent forearm surgery and the Mariners’ uncertainty about his recovery could make them hesitant to proceed with this deal.
Reds Acquire Slugger to Bolster Outfield
Proposed Trade:
- Reds receive: CF Luis Robert Jr.
- White Sox receive: 3B Cam Collier (Reds’ No. 5 prospect), RHP Julian Aguiar (No. 11), INF Noelvi Marte
Why it makes sense: The Reds, poised for contention with a young core featuring stars like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Matt McLain, need to upgrade their outfield. Robert, a former All-Star with five-tool potential, could provide a major boost, both offensively and defensively, if he stays healthy. The Reds would be getting a player who can make an immediate impact, adding depth and power to their lineup. The White Sox, on the other hand, would receive a solid return of prospects, with Cam Collier providing long-term value at third base.
Biggest obstacle: The main hurdle in this deal would be the price the White Sox are asking for Robert. Despite his injury history, Robert’s potential as a game-changing player means the White Sox are unlikely to part with him unless they receive top-tier talent in return, which might be hard for the Reds to provide without including one of their top prospects.
These trade proposals highlight how teams are maneuvering to position themselves for success in the coming seasons. With both free-agent and trade markets heating up, expect more blockbuster deals to unfold in the coming weeks as teams look to improve their rosters for the 2025 season.
