One trade candidate for every MLB team

The hot stove is active again during the MLB offseason. These players are top trade candidates for their respective teams.

Arizona transitioned to a younger outfield in 2023. While Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas saw major progress, McCarthy regressed after a breakout rookie campaign. He still possesses elite speed and defensive range but is miscast in a corner outfield spot without more power to offer. The Diamondbacks could swap the controllable McCarthy for more power or pitching.

Fletcher was acquired as a throw-in from the Angels before getting outrighted to Triple-A. The veteran doesn't provide much these days beyond defensive versatility and contact hitting, but his veteran leadership could be attractive.

It doesn't sound as if the Orioles are going to spend significantly in the near future, so Santander could become a trade candidate. He's the most prominent power bat in the lineup but is limited defensively and set to earn a pay raise in his final season before free agency. Baltimore needs more pitching depth and should be able to net a solid return after another strong season from Santander.

Yoshida is only through one year of a five-year deal, but it's become clear this offseason that the Red Sox are prioritizing athleticism. Given his on-base potential, Yoshida's contract remains reasonable and could allow the team to cut salary.

Smyly got off to a fast start for the Cubs in his first season of a two-year deal, but his 2023 season was ultimately a disappointment. Chicago has more pitching talent on the way from their farm system, but $8.5 million is a significant figure to spend on a swingman. The Cubs could trade Smyly where he will find a better opportunity to start regularly.

Cease has been a hot name in trade rumors, with the White Sox seemingly playing for the future. He has a blue chip arm despite his 4.58 ERA last season, and could help revamp Chicago's farm system.

India has been unable to match the elite offensive performance he showed as NL Rookie of the Year in 2021, missing significant time with injuries again. The promotions of infielders Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte leave India without a position to play when everyone is healthy, and the Reds desperately need more starting pitching. India's power and club control through 2026 should be attractive to other teams.

Cleveland has rarely been able to retain their stars, with Jose Ramirez the lone recent exception. Bieber had a sub-par 2023 season due in part to injury, but retains plenty of value as he enters his final season before free agency. With the potential for the team to get younger following the retirement of manager Terry Francona, a Bieber trade could help address other team needs.

As is often the case under manager Bud Black, Montero entered the doghouse early in the year due to poor defense at third base. His bat started to settle in after multiple demotions, but the team has shifted Montero to first base full time. That creates an issue with the team also having young Hunter Goodman and Michael Toglia capable of playing first base. While Montero has shown terrible plate discipline with Colorado, he's done nothing but hit in the minors and would be a viable addition for a young team with more patience to develop Montero's bat.

Baddoo was a breakout performer as a rookie in 2021, but hasn't been able to hit consistently since then. The presence of Riley Greene and promotion of Parker Meadows made it difficult for Baddoo to carve out a role at times this year, but he's only 25 years old. Baddoo could be  a trade option for teams looking for a developmental center fielder.

Pressly finished the second with his worst ERA since 2017 due in large part to the long ball. While his K/BB ratio was still excellent, a declining strikeout rate and home runs show some reason for concern in Houston. It wouldn't be a surprise if the team gives Bryan Abreu a longer look at closer next season after consecutive dominant seasons, and the Astros could opt to more Pressly if that decision is made.

A Royals got a lot of innings out of Lyles in the first season of his two-year deal, but that was the best they could say. He led the AL in losses, earned runs, and home runs allowed in a year he'd like to forget. It's clear Lyles could use a change of scenery, if the Royals can find a team willing to take his $8.5 million salary next season.

With the loss of Shohei Ohtani, it would make sense for the Angels to rebuild and move their other franchise player. Trout played only 82 games in another injury-plagued season and is owed over $37 million in each of the next seven years. Trout is still a major asset when healthy, so it's likely the Angels would be able to find a taker for his contract if they ask around.

The Dodgers rebuild was relatively smooth in 2023, but several of their hitting prospects didn't established themselves in the majors. Busch struggled with the Dodgers despite an outstanding year at Triple-A, and his prospects of playing time in LA next year look bleak with the presence of Miguel Vargas and return of Gavin Lux from injury. The Dodgers should be able to fill a different need on their roster by trading the young power-hitting Busch.

Garcia has been a disaster in two seasons with the Marlins, spending most of the time on the IL and failing to hit when he's been healthy. Miami might have to cut their losses with two years remaining on Garcia's contract, but another team might take a flier on Garcia with his history as a plus hitter.

The relationship between Burnes and the Brewers wilted after an arbitration hearing in Spring Training, and the right-hander's performance declined this year. Burnes did return to form during the second half of the season, but enters his final year under contract. The 2022 trade of Josh Hader showed Milwaukee's willingness to trade their stars to revamp the rest of the roster, so it wouldn't be a shock if they follow the same strategy with Burnes this offseason.

Minnesota is likely to pick up Polanco's $10.5 option for next season despite his struggles staying on the field, but that doesn't mean they will keep him. The Twins are loaded with infield depth, and likely need to address their starting rotation with multiple free agents. Polanco's track record at the plate and relatively affordable price tag should make him a prime trade piece.

Coming off an injury-plagued season, Marte still has two seasons remaining on his four-year deal. The Mets are revamping for 2025 and beyond, and have the money to cover Marte's contract if they can get a viable prospect in return.

Acquired along with Juan Soto, Grisham is basically a defensive replacement on the Yankees roster. He hasn't hit enough over the last two seasons to clearly earn a starting role, but his defense could be better utilized with another club while the Yankee search for pitching.

Recent seasons have shown that any valuable player is likely to be traded by Oakland before expenses become too high. Blackburn could be looking over his shoulder as he enters arbitration, especially after another solid season with an ERA near 4.00.

Strahm had an excellent season in Philly after signing in free agency, filling in almost every role. His work early in the season as a starter could be intriguing to other teams after posting a 4.18 ERA in nine starts. Philadelphia could gauge his trade value as they try to revamp their farm system.

Pittsburgh had another disappointing season, but saw several of their top prospects make an impact. Bednar has established himself as an elite closer over the last two seasons, but it could be time to move him as he enters arbitration on a low-budget team not quite on the cusp. Pittsburgh could net a promising prospect package in return.

The Padres already moved Juan Soto, and their cost-cutting measures could lead to Cronenworth going elsewhere, as well. Unfortunately, the team would be selling low on Cronenworth after a sub-par season, but the infielder has proven himself in the past.

Pitching was the strength of the Giants again this season, and the bulk of their pitching staff remains under contract next year. The emergence of Keaton Winn, Kyle Harrison, and other young pitchers could allow San Francisco to move veterans like Stripling. He had a disappointing first year of a two-year deal, though Stripling's control remained elite. It's likely the team would find a market for the right-hander with one more year under contract.

Seattle has been elite at developing pitching recently, and the addition of Anthony DeSclafani from the Giants creates an excess in the starting rotation. Gilbert is a fine No. 2 starter, and his youth could allow the M's to add the elite hitter they covet.

The Cardinals already moved Tyler O'Neill, and Carlson could be next. The former top prospect has failed to develop in St. Louis, and like O'Neill, could do well with a change of scenery.

Lowe rebounded from a back injury to hit 21 home runs, but he struggled to stay on the field for the second straight year due to injuries. The promotions of top prospects Curtis Mead, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero, among others, give Tampa Bay plenty of alternatives if they opt to trade Lowe and his $8.75 million salary for next season.

Duran had a breakout 2023 season at the plate, and helped Texas with his play all over the field. However, it's unclear where Duran can play regularly in the future with multiple outfield promotions and a set infield. He's a valuable bench piece, but could be even more valuable via trade as the team looks to bolster its pitching.

Jansen had another strong season before a season-ending injury. He's become a plus offensive catcher over the last three seasons, but the future at catcher in Toronto appears to be Alejandro Kirk. Jansen enters his final season before free agency, and could be trade as the team addresses other needs.

Thomas was mentioned as a trade candidate at the trade deadline in the midst of a breakout season. The 28-year-old was never a top prospect, so there remains skepticism he can maintain the offensive numbers he showed this year. Washington seems nowhere close to competing, so a trade of Thomas is a possibility.