As the 2026-27 MLB offseason begins, speculation surrounds several high-profile players who could be moved via trade. Analysts have identified 10 stars from different teams — five pitchers and five position players — as prime trade candidates, projecting potential destinations for each.
Outfielder Steven Kwan, entering his final arbitration year with the Cleveland Guardians, is linked to the Philadelphia Phillies, who need a high-on-base leadoff hitter. Kwan posted a .382 OBP and 5.3 bWAR last season.
Starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, 27, under contract through 2027 with the Texas Rangers, could be dealt to the Chicago Cubs. Gore recorded a 4.58 ERA with a 23.2% strikeout rate over 34 starts.
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz, 24, not yet extended by the Cincinnati Reds, is a potential target for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could shift Mookie Betts back to second base. De La Cruz is controlled through 2030.
Closer Mason Miller, regarded as the game's best reliever, could move from the San Diego Padres to the Washington Nationals, whose bullpen ranked 28th in ERA (4.99) with 42 blown saves. Miller is under team control through 2029.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña, unlikely to re-sign with the Houston Astros, may fill the Atlanta Braves' glaring need at the position. Atlanta shortstops ranked 29th in OPS (.602) in 2026.
Right-hander George Kirby, 28, could be traded by the Seattle Mariners to the San Francisco Giants, who are desperate for rotation help. Seattle seeks a cost-controlled middle-of-the-order bat in return.
Catcher Hunter Goodman, 27, from the rebuilding Colorado Rockies, is projected to the New York Yankees, who have struggled at the position (.672 OPS, .208 average over two seasons). The Yankees could offer pitching prospects and Dax Kilby.
Left-hander Reid Detmers, 27, with a 3.51 ERA and 291-73 K-BB ratio over the last two seasons for the Los Angeles Angels, could bolster the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation as they chase a Wild Card spot.
Second baseman Ketel Marte, over 30 with declining production, may be moved by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Boston Red Sox, whose second basemen posted a .673 OPS last season.
Closer Trevor Megill, 33, entering a contract year with the Milwaukee Brewers after a 2.57 ERA and 60 saves over two seasons, could join the Minnesota Twins, who had the fifth-worst bullpen ERA (4.74) in 2026.
