Addressing the Most Pressing Roster Issues in MLB: Five Strategic Trades
As the countdown to spring training quickens, with just weeks remaining until pitchers and catchers report, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are facing significant roster challenges that must be addressed before the new season begins.
The free agency saga surrounding notable players such as Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen is capturing attention. The unfolding of these situations could have a ripple effect, igniting the trade market as teams that do not secure these star players will need to explore alternative options.
In this article, we present five insightful trade proposals designed to effectively resolve some of the glaring roster deficiencies across the league. Each proposal includes detailed trade elements and a rationale for both parties involved.
1. Lars Nootbaar Heads to the New York Mets
- To NYM: OF Lars Nootbaar
- To STL: IF Ronny Mauricio
Projected Outfield for the Mets: LF Carson Benge, CF Tyrone Taylor, RF Juan Soto
Mets' Perspective: The Mets are still vying for the signatures of coveted free agents Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger this offseason. However, making this trade would strategically bolster their outfield, which is still in need of more depth. While Nootbaar has yet to have his breakout season, he brings a solid career OPS+ of 109 over five years in the majors and an average of 2.8 WAR per 162 games. Additionally, he remains under team control until 2027, making him a valuable asset.
Cardinals' Perspective: For the Cardinals, trading two years of Nootbaar for four years of the promising Mauricio makes sense as they embark on a multi-year rebuilding phase. At just 24 years old, Mauricio has not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate his full potential over an extended period in the major leagues, but his pedigree as a top prospect suggests he has significant upside.
2. Mitch Keller Joins the Athletics
- To ATH: SP Mitch Keller
- To PIT: OF Colby Thomas, SS Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, IF/OF Brennan Milone
Projected Rotation for the A's: RHP Luis Severino, LHP Jeffrey Springs, RHP Luis Morales, LHP Jacob Lopez, RHP Luis Medina
A's Perspective: The Athletics have quietly built one of the most formidable offensive lineups in baseball but have yet to make significant improvements to a starting rotation that ranked 27th in the majors with a 4.85 ERA last season. If they are unable to attract any of the remaining top-tier pitchers on the market to join their rebuilding project, pursuing trades becomes their next logical step.
Pirates' Perspective: Keller, who secured a five-year, $77 million extension prior to the 2024 season, still has $55.7 million owed over the final three years of his contract. This trade package allows the Pirates to relieve themselves of that financial burden while acquiring a major league-ready outfielder in Colby Thomas, who boasts an impressive minor league history, along with promising prospects Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Brennan Milone.
3. Yandy Díaz Moves to the Seattle Mariners
- To SEA: DH Yandy Díaz
- To TB: OF Brailer Guerrero, RHP T.J. Nichols
Projected DH for the Mariners: Dominic Canzone
Mariners' Perspective: With the Mariners considering a combination of Cole Young, Ben Williamson, and Colt Emerson at second and third base, there is added pressure on the overall lineup to perform. After a breakout year in 2025, Dominic Canzone could transition to right field, allowing Victor Robles to take on a fourth outfielder role, while Díaz would step in as the primary designated hitter.
Rays' Perspective: The Tampa Bay Rays are consistently looking to infuse youth and cost-effectiveness into their roster. After trading Brandon Lowe and declining the club option on Pete Fairbanks, they may still want to offload salary. At 34 years old, Díaz is projected to be the highest-paid player on the team in 2026 with a $12 million salary. Meanwhile, Guerrero presents tremendous offensive potential with strong hitting and power stats, and T.J. Nichols offers a reliable arm who ended the 2025 season at Double-A.
4. Freddy Peralta Goes to the Baltimore Orioles
- To BAL: SP Freddy Peralta
- To MIL: OF Dylan Beavers, LHP Cade Povich, LHP Joseph Dzierwa
Projected Rotation for the Orioles: LHP Trevor Rogers, RHP Kyle Bradish, RHP Shane Baz, RHP Dean Kremer, RHP Zach Eflin
Orioles' Perspective: Despite acquiring Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin, the Orioles are still in pursuit of a top-tier starting pitcher to complement Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, both of whom are aiming for completely healthy seasons in 2026. If they are not entirely sold on Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez, they have the capability to orchestrate a "Corbin Burnes 2.0" trade with Milwaukee using their rich farm system.
Brewers' Perspective: The Brewers have been proactive in trading away key players like Corbin Burnes, Josh Hader, and Devin Williams before losing them to free agency, so they are familiar with such strategic decisions. By acquiring outfielder Dylan Beavers and left-hander Cade Povich, they get a similar return to what they received for Burnes, as both are former Top 100 prospects who can contribute right away. Adding another prospect, Joseph Dzierwa, who was a second-round pick in 2025, enhances this trade package in a competitive market.
5. Nico Hoerner is Traded to the Boston Red Sox
- To BOS: 2B Nico Hoerner
- To CHC: LHP Connelly Early
Projected 2B for the Red Sox: Romy González
Red Sox's Perspective: The anticipated reunion with Alex Bregman is no longer possible after he signed with the Cubs, prompting the Red Sox to explore other avenues. While they might consider Bo Bichette for second base or Eugenio Suárez for third, acquiring Nico Hoerner would provide them with an exceptional defensive second baseman and an asset capable of setting the table offensively at the top of their batting order. Although Connelly Early represents a considerable price for a player nearing free agency, Hoerner’s impressive performance last season, marked by a 6.2-WAR, justifies the investment.
Cubs' Perspective: The Cubs could opt to retain Hoerner and utilize Matt Shaw in a super-utility role. However, moving Hoerner provides them with a high-value trade asset, especially since his free agency is approaching next winter. Early, who is only 23, showcased his capabilities with a 2.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 19.1 innings during four starts as a September call-up, proving himself worthy of starting Game 3 of the AL Wild Card against the Yankees. Acquiring him would add vital depth to the roster, particularly with Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon also set to become free agents next offseason.
