{"id":110376,"date":"2025-12-05T23:45:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T04:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=110376"},"modified":"2025-12-05T23:45:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T04:45:06","slug":"mlb-winter-meetings-players-most-likely-to-be-traded","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/05\/mlb-winter-meetings-players-most-likely-to-be-traded\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB Winter Meetings Chatter: Players Most Likely to be Traded"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s break down the five names that are being rumored around the league and could be dealt this week or during the offseason.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most Likely Trade Candidates at the MLB Winter Meetings<\/h2>\n

INF\/OF Brendan Donovan \u2013 St. Louis Cardinals<\/b><\/h3>\n

The St. Louis Cardinals are open for business this offseason as they enter a fresh rebuild. <\/span>Brendan Donovan<\/span><\/a> 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 \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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May 31, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) puts out Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) on the double play during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

LHP MacKenzie Gore \u2013 Washington Nationals<\/b><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>MacKenzie Gore<\/span><\/a>. 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 \u2013 sitting at 3.74 in 2025 \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RHP Edward Cabrera \u2013 Miami Marlins<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Marlins are open to trading at least one of their starters from their rotation, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of <\/span>The Athletic<\/a> reported Friday. Marlins ownership has been outspoken about keeping former NL Cy-Young winner <\/span>Sandy Alcantara<\/span><\/a>, so a trade for him is unlikely. The next most highly valued option for the Marlins to deal is <\/span>Edward Cabrera<\/span><\/a>. Cabrera possesses an exciting arsenal highlighted by a high-velocity fastball that can reach 100+ mph and a plus-slider\/changeup mix.<\/span><\/p>\n

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New notes w\/ @Ken_Rosenthal<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u2014 state of SP trade market
\n\u2014 Marlins with pitching to trade
\n\u2014 Ryan Weathers attracting interest
\n\u2014 Bichette, Red Sox chatter
\n\u2014 Athletics\u2019 plans https:\/\/t.co\/DClt1TE8JX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Will Sammon (@WillSammon) December 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n