MLB Trade Rumors: Top 4 Position Player Trade Candidates Heading Into 2026 Season

The MLB trade deadline is still a few months into the future, but that doesn't mean there can't be a big, splashy deal or two before then. We had a look at the top 4 pitching trade candidates, now we'll check out the top 4 position players who could be dealt, sooner or later, in 2026.

C.J. Abrams, SS, Washington Nationals

His name has been bandied about endlessly this past offseason, and in fact it's surprising that he hasn't been dealt yet. He's still expected to go into the season as the Nationals' starting shortstop and lead-off hitter, but with another rebuild underway in DC, Abrams doesn't seem to be long for the nation's capital.

The 2024 All-Star has been strikingly consistent over the past three seasons at the plate, hitting 18, 20, & 19 homers, with 64, 65, & 60 RBIs. His average? .245, .246, .257. He's stolen 47, 31, & 31 bases. His bWAR? 3.5, 3.4 & 3.4 Hard to be more consistent than that.

Isaac Paredes, INF, Houston Astros

Another name we've heard ad nauseam on the rumor mill this past offseason. The Astros have a backlog of starting-caliber talent on the infield, and with Paredes forced off third base by the re-acquisition of Carlos Correa last year, he seems to be the odd man out. But with 20-30 home run power, it would be surprising to see the Astros give up this two-time All-Star without a legit return.

Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox

We heard his name floated all last season, but nothing came of it. Duran, another 2024 All-Star, had a slight dip in his offensive numbers last season, but should still be able to land Boston a nice return, and unclog their four-man outfield (5-man, if you include Masataka Yoshida. We looked at 3 potential destinations for him.

Jake Cronenworth, San Diego Padres

It's clear that the versatile Cronenworth has been shopped by the Friars (as always), as the team looks to cut payroll, while at the same time trying to boost their pitching depth. It's a lengthy contract to take on for any interested team: five years and $60 million. But he's been called a "serviceable" player due to his versatility to play several positions fairly well. The 32-year-old seems to be a long way removed from his two All-Star seasons back in 2021 and '22, as he's pretty much just a league-average hitter in recent seasons.

Who would take over second base in San Diego in the absence of Cronenworth, however, remains to be seen.