Once the World Series ends, teams begin to prepare for free agency. At the same time, trades are possibilities for many teams. Not only do teams need to spend money, but they can also look into trades. Here are some major trade candidates for this off-season:
MLB Offseason Trade Candidates
Garrett Crochet, SP
The Chicago White Sox know for a fact that they have no chance of competing in 2025 after an abysmal 121-loss campaign. Right now, Garrett Crochet is the Juan Soto of trading- he remains to be a pitcher who will likely be traded but for a heavy price. Whatever occurs, there is no reason for the White Sox not to consider trading their ace, as they desperately need major prospects.
Alec Bohm, 3B
The Philadelphia Phillies know that they were a great team in 2024. However, great, and amazing are two different things. The Phils began to suddenly die late in the season, which carried over into the postseason, where they were crushed by the New York Mets relatively easily. Alec Bohm remains a great player offensively, as in back-to-back seasons, Bohm has driven in at least 97. However, regardless, the Phils are interested in trading Bohm and exploring big free agents like Alex Bregman. As a result, Bohm joins the trade block and is easily one of the best players to acquire via a trade right now.
Jeff McNeil, 2B
Right now, it seems like people are already moving on from Jeff McNeil and the Mets. Already, fans are calling for Luisangel Acuna to take the helm at second. McNeil possesses the ability to hit for average and power, so in any situation, a team in need of a second baseman is presented with potential. McNeil has been able to hit for power and average at the same time. The Mets know that a trade is probably the best way to go for the soon-to-be 33-year-old. Acuna looked good in September for the Mets, so it probably wouldn’t be surprising to see McNeil be traded away.
Yandy Diaz, 1B
Yandy Diaz isn’t Freddie Freeman or even Pete Alonso. However, Diaz remains a consistent, reliable first baseman. In 2023, Diaz hit 22 homers with an excellent .330 average, which saw him win the AL batting title. Although his numbers deflated in 2024, Diaz was still productive, and teams will see that. Diaz can still affect games and is still a prime trade candidate.
Brent Rooker, OF/1B
Brent Rooker was one of the first names mentioned in trading in the offseason. Although the Athletics claimed that Rooker would not be traded, he isn’t far from becoming a costly player. The A’s had the lowest payroll in 2024, and as they continue to build, they may want to keep it that way. Plus, a mind-boggling trade for Rooker might change the mind of the A’s, who remains to be in a rebuild.
Jordan Montgomery, SP
Jordan Montgomery made himself look horrible in 2024. With a 6.23 ERA, he became the worst starting pitcher in the league. Even though he was 8-7, he eventually left the rotation. He struck out only 83 and walked a career-high 44 in 25 games. Yet, at the same time, Montgomery began the year late, and thanks to his history, Montgomery may have gained attention in the trade market. Montgomery will be relatively easy to acquire as he wouldn’t cost much in a trade. Montgomery is definitely a pitcher who can be traded for this off-season.
The Wild-Card: Bo Bichette?
Is Bo Bichette able to be traded this offseason? This is a good question since the Toronto Blue Jays GM said a trade is an “easy no.” However, Bichette, 27, is a free agent next season and is coming off an abysmal season. It may be too late by the time it is next season to get revenue from Bichette. Bichette has injury problems and had a .225 average with just four homers in 81 games. These sad numbers can be ignored for now, thanks to previous great seasons, so trading him now may be a way to get rid of money and get something from him before it is too late.
In conclusion, trading is a way to improve your team massively—almost as much as free agency. Certain trade candidates can shake up a team for more than just 2025.
Main Image: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
