As the 2026 MLB offseason approaches, trade speculation surrounds several National League Central stars. One player from each division team could be moved before Opening Day 2027, according to analysis from Yahoo Sports.
Milwaukee Brewers: William Contreras
Catcher William Contreras, who reportedly declined a contract extension in 2025, is set to become a free agent in 2028. The 2026 World Series MVP posted a .373/.448/.588 slash line with three home runs and nine RBIs in the playoffs, adding to five consecutive seasons of 15-plus home runs and a .260-plus average. The Brewers, who won their first World Series title, have not historically spent heavily, making Contreras a potential trade candidate. Potential landing spots: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees.
Chicago Cubs: Colin Rea
Right-hander Colin Rea, 38, is owed $6.5 million in 2027 before free agency in 2028. He posted a 4.34 ERA over 137 innings in 2026 but finished strong with a 2.61 ERA in his final seven games and a 3.40 ERA over his last 15 appearances. The Cubs' rotation needs may make them reluctant to trade from weakness, but Rea could provide back-end depth for contenders. Potential landing spots: Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, San Diego Padres.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Ryan O'Hearn
First baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn hit 18 home runs with a .770 OPS in 2026, matching his 2025 career-best (17 HR, .803 OPS). He is in the second year of a two-year, $29 million deal — the largest average annual value in Pirates free-agent history — earning $15 million in 2027 before free agency in 2028. With Spencer Horwitz entrenched at first base, O'Hearn could be moved as a one-year rental. Potential landing spots: Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins.
St. Louis Cardinals: Alec Burleson
First baseman Alec Burleson led MLB with 116 RBIs in 2026 and has hit 20-plus home runs with a .275-plus average in two of the last three seasons. He posted an OPS above .800 each of the last two years and improved defensively with a +7 Fielding Run Value in 2026. Burleson is arbitration-eligible through 2029 and has played 150-plus games in two of the last three seasons. The Cardinals have a history of trading aging talent to restock their farm system. Potential landing spots: Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz, 24, turned down a massive extension in 2025 that would have surpassed Joey Votto's franchise-record $225 million deal. He recorded his first 30/30 season (30 home runs, 30 stolen bases) in 2026, becoming only the fourth Reds player to do so after Eric Davis (1987), Barry Larkin (1996), and Brandon Phillips (2007). De La Cruz has played 140-plus games in three straight seasons and is under team control until 2030, but Cincinnati might trade him for a massive prospect haul. Potential landing spots: Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees.
