The 2024-25 MLB offseason has begun, and we’ve already had a trade. The Braves sent veteran slugger Jorge Soler to the Angels for right-hander Griffin Canning on Thursday, less than 24 hours after the final out of the 2024 World Series. We’ll have to wait for the winter’s first blockbuster, though that’s not unusual. Like the regular season itself, baseball’s offseason is a marathon, not a sprint. Things will pick up soon enough.
Here’s a list of MLB’s top 25 free agents. It’s a strong free-agent class at the top with Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes, and there’s more depth among the second- and third-tier free agents than last offseason. Free agency doesn’t always have the right answer though, and inevitably some teams will shift their focus to the trade market throughout the winter.
With that in mind, here are MLB’s top 25 trade candidates for the 2024-25 offseason, ranked in order of how likely they are to be moved and how attractive they are to potential trade suitors.
The question is not will the White Sox trade Crochet and Robert, it’s when. Andrew Vaughn fits here too, though a righty-hitting and righty-throwing first baseman with a league-average bat isn’t the hottest commodity. Crochet pitched at something close to an ace level in 2024 and led all starters in strikeout rate, plus he has two years of team control remaining. Robert had injuries this past season and a rough year overall, but he’s only 27, he’s a year removed from hitting 38 homers, and he’s a high-end defensive center fielder. Also, Robert’s contract is team friendly and flexible. He’ll make $15 million in 2025 with affordable club options for 2026 and 2027. Crochet was not dealt at the deadline and it was a surprise. Robert did not move and that was less of a surprise given his season and injuries. It would be a surprise if either is on Chicago’s 2025 Opening Day roster though.
Possible landing spots: Every team could use Crochet. He would have the greatest impact on a team on the postseason bubble. Think Rangers, Reds, Red Sox, etc. Crochet could push a team like that over the threshold and into October. The Giants and Phillies stand out as potential landing spots for Robert. The Dodgers too.
GM Matt Arnold did not mince words in October when he said the Brewers will “stay open-minded” about trading Williams because they are in the “smallest market in the league.” Williams is a year away from free agency. The Brewers traded Corbin Burnes a year before free agency last offseason, and they traded Josh Hader a year-and-a-half prior to free agency. Williams is perhaps the big-name player most likely to be traded this winter. It’s too bad his Brewers career is likely to end with Pete Alonso’s go-ahead homer in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series. Williams remains one of the game’s premier bat-missers and hardest-to-hit relievers.
Possible landing spots: With free agency a year away, only contenders figure to show interest in Williams. All the usual suspects then: Dodgers, Mets, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Yankees, etc.
4. Expensive Rays
The annual “the Rays are going to trade their most expensive players” section. We keep doing it because they keep doing it. Last offseason, it was Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot. Two offseasons ago, it was Ji Man Choi and Brooks Raley. Three offseasons ago, it was Austin Meadows and Joey Wendle. On and on we could go.
Here are some notable expensive Rays:
Jeffrey Springs (owed $21 million from 2024-25) is another candidate to move, though he made only seven starts after coming back from Tommy John surgery this past season, so the offers may not be there this winter. Springs might be more of a trade deadline or 2025-26 offseason candidate. Drew Rasmussen and Jose Siri have smaller salaries, but they are Rays, so they’re trade candidates.
Tampa got a head start on their offseason payroll purge when they shipped out Jason Adam, Randy Arozarena, Aaron Civale, and Isaac Paredes at the trade deadline. It will continue this offseason. It always does. Littell and Poche are a year away from free agency and thus most likely to be moved.
Possible landing spots: The Astros and Yankees had interest in Díaz at the trade deadline and could rekindle their interest this offseason. The Mariners certainly make sense for him and Lowe as well. The pitchers could go just about anywhere. Littell could appeal to the Cardinals and Mets, among others.
What an unusual start to the D-backs’ offseason. Owner Ken Kendrick took the blame for what he called the “horrible decision” and “biggest mistake” to sign Montgomery last spring, when the former World Series champion was one of the Scott Boras Four and had to take a one-year contract with a player option(s). Despite what Kendrick said, Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option (per MLB.com) rather than enter free agency off a 6.28 ERA.
There is a strong possibility that a trade would benefit both the team and Montgomery, with Arizona likely needing to take on some financial burden or accept a bad contract to make a deal happen. The Red Sox and Padres are potential landing spots for Montgomery, with the Red Sox having shown interest in him previously and in need of pitching, while the Padres are dealing with the loss of Joe Musgrove to injury.
The Red Sox have a surplus of left-handed hitters, which could present an opportunity for them to trade for pitching. Players like Abreu, Casas, Devers, Duran, and Yoshida, along with prospects like Anthony, Mayer, and Teel, make up a lefty-heavy lineup. Trading one or more of these left-handed hitters could help address other areas of the Red Sox roster, such as pitching. Possible landing spots for these left-handed hitters could include teams like the Mariners, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Giants.
The Cardinals are expected to undergo a reset in 2025, with Gray likely to be traded this offseason. Gray had a strong first season with the team and is owed a significant amount of money in the coming years. Helsley is also a potential trade candidate for the Cardinals, with his final season of team control approaching. Possible landing spots for Gray could include a return to the Reds or a move to the Orioles or Nationals, while Helsley may be a fit for contenders like the Astros, Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees.
The Marlins have traded away most of their veterans, with Luzardo and Burger remaining on the roster. Alcantara has been told he will not be traded this offseason, but Luzardo could be a trade target for teams looking for a young left-handed pitcher. Possible landing spots for Luzardo could include the Rangers, Reds, Red Sox, and Twins, among others.
Rooker has emerged as one of the top hitters in baseball, posting impressive numbers despite playing in a pitcher-friendly ballpark. His projected arbitration cost may be a concern for the A’s, who typically avoid expensive players. Possible landing spots for Rooker could include the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Pirates, with the Phillies potentially willing to overlook his defensive limitations in order to add his bat to their lineup. It is time to move forward, and Rooker would be a great addition to complement Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds in the middle of the order. The Reds suddenly found themselves in need of infielders last year, despite having a surplus. With players like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jeimer Candelario in the mix, it’s likely that Jonathan India could be traded, given his age and salary.
Potential landing spots for India could include the Giants, Pirates, and Yankees. As for Josh Naylor, his impending free agency and high arbitration salary make him a potential trade candidate for the Guardians, especially with Kyle Manzardo ready to step in at first base. The Mariners and possibly the Pirates could be interested in acquiring Naylor.
The Rangers are in search of a new television home, which may impact their spending in the offseason. Adolis García, despite his power at the plate, could be moved to clear salary space for younger outfielders. Teams like the Rockies and Royals could be interested in adding García for his power potential.
The Orioles may look to consolidate their talent by moving players like Jorge Mateo and Ryan Mountcastle to make room for younger players like Heston Kjerstad and Coby Mayo. Mateo’s defensive skills could make him an attractive option for teams like the Braves and Twins, while Mountcastle’s right-handed hitting style could interest teams like the Giants or Royals.
Jameson Taillon was a hot commodity at the trade deadline, with interest from multiple teams. With a manageable contract and a partial no-trade clause, Taillon could be on the move this offseason. The Cubs, with prospect Matt Shaw waiting in the wings, may consider trading Nico Hoerner to make room for Shaw at second base. Rather, they might consider moving Taillon aggressively rather than actively shopping Hoerner. Possible landing spots for Taillon could include the Mets, Rangers, and Red Sox. On the other hand, Hoerner could attract interest from teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Blue Jays due to his appeal at second base.
As for Cortes and Trevino, the Yankees could look to trade them to reduce payroll and make room for other players. Possible landing spots for Cortes could include the Padres, Rangers, Reds, and Twins, while Trevino might be a good fit for rebuilding teams like the Marlins and White Sox.
Rengifo and Ward of the Angels could be trade candidates, although they are key position players for the team. Possible landing spots for Ward could include the Royals, Astros, Blue Jays, Reds, and Yankees, while Rengifo might be a good fit for the Tigers and Brewers.
Finnegan, despite his saves total, may not bring back as much in a trade due to his age, projected salary, and average underlying skills. Possible landing spots for Finnegan could include teams in contention or desperate to contend, such as the Mariners, Orioles, and Yankees.
Baty, who has struggled to perform at the MLB level, could benefit from a change of scenery. Possible landing spots for him could include rebuilding teams like the Athletics, Marlins, White Sox, and potentially the Brewers.
As for Bohm, his performance declined towards the end of the season, and he may need to bounce back after being replaced in the postseason. The Phillies may not be actively seeking to trade Bohm, but they are open to the idea as part of a larger series of moves. This could include signing Alex Bregman to play third base and then moving Bohm for pitching or prospects. While the chances of this happening are slim, they are not zero.
Potential landing spots for Bohm could include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Royals, and Diamondbacks, as they have room in their lineups for him.
On the other hand, Bichette may not be moved this offseason, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. With a year left until free agency and no long-term extension in sight, the Blue Jays might consider making a change. Teams looking for a shortstop like Willy Adames but unable to meet his asking price could turn to Bichette, who might come at a discount due to recent injuries and a dip in performance.
Possible landing spots for Bichette could be the Giants, Guardians, Rays, and Padres, as they could benefit from his talents. While it’s uncertain if he will be traded, his name could be circulating in trade talks in the coming weeks.