The MLB Winter Meetings begin Sunday in Orlando, and trades and free agent signings will be made. Insiders predict that the 2025 Winter Meetings will be an active week compared to past iterations. Insiders also predict that with the weak free agent class, the trade market will be booming. Let’s break down the five names that are being rumored around the league and could be dealt this week or during the offseason.
Most Likely Trade Candidates at the MLB Winter Meetings
INF/OF Brendan Donovan – St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are open for business this offseason as they enter a fresh rebuild. Brendan Donovan is a player who has surfaced in trade talks over recent weeks. The Cardinals have made it clear that Donovan is not being moved unless a package blows the team away – something that teams might do this offseason. Donovan consistently posts a high batting average, around .280-.290, and excellent on-base percentage around .350+. Even more impressively, Donovan has a very low strikeout rate, around 13% in 2025.
Donovan is a gifted, true “super-utility” defender who is capable of playing nearly every position on the diamond. Primarily, he has logged innings at second base, third base, and left field. This adaptability significantly boosts his value for contenders. Donovan is under control through the 2027 season, giving an affordable option with some control. The Houston Astros and New York Yankees have been rumored as the main suitors for Donovan.
LHP MacKenzie Gore – Washington Nationals
Under a new PBO and a new manager, the Nationals are looking for a rebuild, yet again. One player who could be dealt to bring in big talent is lefty MacKenzie Gore. While Gore did not have the best year in 2025, the 26-year-old still possesses the potential to be a frontline starter. This is due to his swing-and-miss profile and high-velocity stuff. His FIP – sitting at 3.74 in 2025 – often suggests he pitches better than his surface ERA. Gore is under club control through the 2027 season. That makes him a highly valuable asset with two years of cost-controlled salary remaining. The Nationals are looking for a big return, including a headliner prospect, plus a second top-100 prospect and an MLB-ready piece.
RHP Edward Cabrera – Miami Marlins
The Marlins are open to trading at least one of their starters from their rotation, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Friday. Marlins ownership has been outspoken about keeping former NL Cy-Young winner Sandy Alcantara, so a trade for him is unlikely. The next most highly valued option for the Marlins to deal is Edward Cabrera. Cabrera possesses an exciting arsenal highlighted by a high-velocity fastball that can reach 100+ mph and a plus-slider/changeup mix.
New notes w/ @Ken_Rosenthal:
— state of SP trade market
— Marlins with pitching to trade
— Ryan Weathers attracting interest
— Bichette, Red Sox chatter
— Athletics’ plans https://t.co/DClt1TE8JX— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) December 5, 2025
Cabrera is coming off what many consider the best season of his career. In 2025, Cabrera posted a 3.53 ERA over 137 2/3 innings, which boosted his trade value. His biggest question mark is command. At times, Cabrera can run high walk rates, posting an 8.3 walk rate in 2025. He also has a concerning injury history, having dealt with multiple arm/shoulder issues since 2021. The Yankees, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs are among the many teams that could make a deal for Cabrera.
RHP Shane Baz – Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are an interesting team to watch as the offseason heats up. After the sale of the team to a new ownership group in October and acquiring outfielder Cedric Mullins on a $7 million free agent contract, the Rays are not done yet. While it has not been rumored much, sources indicated that Shane Baz could be dealt for the right price this offseason. A former first-round pick, Baz has some of the best pure stuff in baseball, featuring a mid-to-high 90s fastball and a plus slider. Baz missed substantial time following Tommy John surgery in 2022. He was able to pitch a healthy, full season in 2025, which significantly rebuilt his value and answered key durability questions. The 26-year-old has a lot of potential for further development into a front-end starter. He is arbitration-eligible and is under club control for a few more seasons.
RHP Freddy Peralta – Milwaukee Brewers
Moving Freddy Peralta is something the Brewers do not want to do, but might have to, due to business. Payroll is tightening up in Milwaukee, and Peralta can yield the team the best return. Peralta has been a consistently reliable starter since 2021, posting a strong ERA and FIP, while averaging nearly a 30% strikeout rate in that span. Coming off a career-best season, posting a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts, Peralta could be the best starter moved this offseason. Peralta will draw immense interest due to his high-quality, high-strikeout production, durability, and excellent cost-to-value ratio. The expectation is that the Brewers will only move him if they are blown away with an offer, but the expectation is that they will.
Main Photo Credit: G Fiume/Getty Images
