Spring training is underway but that doesn’t mean the trade and free-agent markets get put on hold. A handful of our top 50 free agents remain unsigned, and there are trades every spring. Dylan Cease got traded last March 13. Jon Berti, Manuel Margot, and Ben Rortvedt were also traded last spring, among others. Trades don’t stop until the trade deadline each summer.
With that in mind, here are five notable players with a chance to get traded this spring. They might not want to get too comfortable in their spring training condos, if you catch my drift.
Stroman took his spring physical Tuesday because it was mandatory and finally arrived at camp Friday after missing the team’s first two workouts. He has been on the trade block just about all offseason, and, at one point, the Yankees reportedly floated a Stroman for Arenado trade. Could the Yankees and Cardinals get desperate enough to revisit that? I would not close the door on it until Arenado or Stroman are playing elsewhere. Point is, Stroman is very available.
Marcus Stroman arrives at Yankees camp, defiant about bullpen possibility: ‘Been a starter my entire career’
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The obstacle in the way of a Stroman trade is the free-agent market. Similar back-end veterans like Kyle Gibson, Andrew Heaney, and Jose Quintana remain unsigned. The Yankees have reportedly expressed a willingness to eat some of the $18 million they owe Stroman in 2025, though he gains an $18 million player option for 2026 with 140 innings pitched this year. That’s an issue. Stroman turns 34 in May and his game has declined enough that the possibility of owing him $18 million in 2026 will steer teams away. The Yankees may have to eat so much money to get a trade done that it’s not worth it.
Possible landing spots: There aren’t many. The best chance for a Stroman trade involves another team losing a starter or two to injury in spring training, and having to scramble to add innings. Even then, guys like Gibson and Quintana are available for just cash. To list a team, I’ll say the Angels.
On Thursday, Cardinals POBO John Mozeliak said Arenado is “likely going to be a part of our club,” though these things can change with one phone call, and there’s a long way to go between now and Opening Day. St. Louis wants to unload as much of his contract as possible and Arenado wants out, and presumably wants to play for a contender and not a team entering a “reset,” as Mozeliak put it earlier this offseason. I’m not saying a trade will be easy or will happen soon. Just that I won’t close the door on one.
Furthermore, Alex Bregman is off the board now, which unclogs the market a bit. Teams interested in Arenado no longer have Bregman as a fallback plan. Arenado is signed through 2027 and his game has steadily declined the last few years. It’s normal age-related stuff for the soon-to-be 34-year-old. His glove is merely great rather than all-world, the bat is closer to league average, etc. How desirable a trade target is he, really? Ultimately, there are few alternatives available, and it only takes one team to blink for Arenado to get moved.
Possible landing spots: The Tigers and Yankees seem most likely, though a) it’s unclear whether Arenado would waive his no-trade clause to join either team, and b) neither team’s home ballpark is well-suited for his pull-heavy profile as a righty. The Yankees have the greater need at third base and are more likely to take on Arenado’s contract.
It’s been a fairly quiet offseason for the Padres, who made Nick Pivetta their big addition. Otherwise they’ve added veterans Elias Díaz, Kyle Hart, Jason Heyward, and Connor Joe on low-cost one-year contracts totaling only a few million. All indications are the Padres cannot add to payroll significantly as the infighting at the ownership level rages on. FanGraphs estimates the team’s competitive balance tax payroll at $259 million, above the $241 million penalty threshold and well above last year’s $227 million CBT payroll.
GM A.J. Preller may have to shed money before he can further reinforce his roster, or even to balance the books before Opening Day. Suarez is San Diego’s most expendable expensive player.
The star closer on the team is set to earn $10 million in 2025, followed by $8 million in both 2026 and 2027. However, there is a possibility for him to opt out of his contract after the 2025 season. Moving his contract might prove to be challenging, as if he performs well, he will likely opt out, but if not, the team will be stuck with him. Nevertheless, it may be a less daunting task compared to trading Cease, Arraez, or King, who have higher salaries and are more crucial to the team’s success this season.
Potential landing spots for the closer include the Cubs and the Mets, with the Cubs showing some interest recently.
The team’s roster has undergone significant changes under the leadership of POBO Peter Bendix, with only a few valuable assets remaining. While there are quality relievers on the team, it is advisable to trade them as soon as possible during a rebuilding phase. Players like Bender, Cronin, Faucher, and Nardi could be available for trade this spring.
Possible destinations for these relievers could include the Brewers, Mariners, and Royals, among others.
The Twins have recently made some acquisitions, but these players are considered role players and do not account for significant payroll. Vázquez, who has been on the trade block, has struggled in recent years and is owed a substantial amount in 2025. The team is likely to trade him to offset other signings.
The Athletics could be a potential suitor for Vázquez, given their lower payroll and the need for a backup catcher. The Twins are expected to actively pursue a trade involving Vázquez this spring. following sentence:
“The cat jumped onto the table and knocked over a glass of water.”
The cat leaped onto the table and toppled a glass of water.