MLB Trade Market Update: Potential Moves Before Spring Training

The calendar has flipped to 2025 and we are in the dog days of the hot stove. January and February are typically when teams sit back and wait for free agents and potential trade partners to get desperate. Seven of our top 10 and 25 of our top 50 free agents have signed. Teams will put the squeeze on the remaining unsigned free agents with spring training approaching.

That also applies to teams with players they want to trade. Several significant players have been traded in January and February in recent years. The Corbin Burnes trade was last Feb. 1. The Luis Arraez/Pablo López trade was a January deal two years ago. Nolan Arenado was a January trade. Mookie Betts was a February trade. Big moves happen after New Year’s. Here is a trade market reset with the 10 players (or 10 groups of players) most likely to move between now and spring training.

Potential Trades Involving Arenado and Gray

St. Louis already had a trade in place to send Arenado to the Astros last month, but the deal fell through. The Cardinals may need to eat more money to facilitate a trade before spring training. Arenado might be willing to switch positions to help a trade move forward. As for Gray, he is owed $65 million over the next two years, making him an attractive trade piece for teams with room in their budgets.

For Arenado, potential landing spots include the Red Sox, Yankees, and Angels. The Mets could be interested in Gray, but obtaining him may be challenging due to his no-trade clause and past experience.

Montgomery’s Trade Possibility and Potential Landing Spots

Jordan Montgomery’s future with the Diamondbacks seems uncertain, especially after critical comments from team management. Despite his struggles in 2024, Montgomery’s track record could make him an appealing trade target. The Giants and Nationals are mentioned as possible landing spots for Montgomery.

Seattle’s Need for Payroll Clearance and Potential Trades

Seattle is looking to clear payroll space to improve its offense. Trading Castillo could be the key to achieving this goal. Potential landing spots for Castillo include the Orioles and Reds. Similarly, the Padres may seek to reduce payroll by trading Arraez and Cease before the season starts.

Cease’s market may be limited to contenders due to his one year of control, with possible landing spots at teams like the Astros, Cubs, Mets, and Orioles.

Potential Trade Scenarios for Lowe, Díaz, Paddack, and Vázquez

The Rays are open to trading Lowe and Díaz, their highest-paid players in 2025, to stay within budget. Lowe could be a good fit for the Pirates or Dodgers, while Díaz’s bat may interest teams like the Yankees or Dodgers.

As for the Twins, Paddack and Vázquez could be on the trading block as the team looks to shed salary. Potential landing spots include the Athletics, who are aiming to increase their payroll, and other teams looking for pitching help.

Potential Trade involving Stroman and Japanese Sensation Sasaki

The Yankees may look to trade Stroman to free up funds for other roster moves. Various teams like the Angels, Giants, and Rangers could benefit from Stroman’s experience and pitching capabilities.

Excitement surrounds the potential signing of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki by the Dodgers. Adding Sasaki and finalizing a deal with Kershaw would provide the Dodgers with a surplus of starting pitchers, potentially leading to trades involving Gonsolin and others.

Potential Landing Spots for Pressly

Pressly is a sought-after late-inning reliever with valuable playoff experience. Teams like the Cubs, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Mets, and Royals are potential landing spots for Pressly due to his contractual situation.

With these potential trades on the horizon, MLB fans can expect exciting player movements before the start of spring training.