Top 5 Trade Candidates As Spring Training Approaches

While some big-money teams (attn: LA Dodgers, NY Yankees) are still dreaming of possibly trading for Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, or infielder Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks, those two are just not available. But there really are, in truth, five big names who could still be traded before Opening Day. Let's take a look, with the help of Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox

Duran was on the rumor mill for much of the 2025 season, being largely linked to the San Diego Padres. With a projected Boston starting outfield of the future of Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddanne Rafaela in center and Roman Anthony in left, do they really want to keep Duran as a DH with all the trade value he has?

"It’s not that they want to trade Duran, but if the return was either an infielder or starting pitcher who better fits with their current roster, they’d be open to it," writes Bowden, although he admits that a deal has not been close yet this off-season.

CJ Abrams, SS, Washington Nationals

Abrams had another exciting season for the Nationals—when he was able to put the ball in play and get on base. That's the trick for the speedy shortstop. He has elite speed, and surprising power for his frame. For the second year in a row, however, his on-base percentage was stuck at around the .315 mark. He simply refuses to take walks, which keeps his potential offensive production somewhat capped.

"That said, with his speed/power combination and his prime years ahead of him, his trade value may never be higher," says Bowden. The insider admits that Washington isn't actively shopping Abrams, but they will listen if the right package comes along.

Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami Marlins

We've heard the former Cy Young winner's name on the rumour mill for well over a year now. He came back this past season from Tommy John surgery, and while the results weren't tremendous, he earned enough credit pre-surgery around the league to still be a much sought-after arm.

"If he has a dominant spring training and looks closer to his 2022 self, then I believe he will be moved by Opening Day," writes Bowden.

Brendan Donovan, INF/OF, St. Louis Cardinals

He has felt like the most likely player to be traded amongst all these names throughout the offseason. Yet, Donovan is still in St. Louis.

"I’ve been told by several executives the asking price is too high to consider at this point, but that could drop between now and Opening Day."

With a .361 OBP, he's the antithesis of Abrams. Donovan is without a ton of power or speed, yet provides significant traffic on the bases. The scrappy utility guy can play so many positions, and play them well, that he would be a big boost to any lineup.

Luis Severino, RHP, Athletics

The A's pitcher is not often talked about when looking at the top trade prospects around baseball, but his excellent road ERA of 3.02 last season has several teams intrigued. "If he pitches well in spring training or the first half of the season, I can see the A’s trying to trade him if they can get a decent return," writes Bowden.