Bob Nightengale, USA TODAYTue, December 2, 2025 at 10:46 AM UTC·7 min readThere’s nothing but turkey bones, sweet potato scraps and stale biscuits left over from Thanksgiving.
Black Friday has come and gone and Cyber Monday has passed.
But now is the time for Major League Baseball executives to jump on the phones, letting everyone know this week who is actually available on the trade market. It's shopping season for teams to make their best offers before the winter meetings.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTeams are envious of the heist Craig Breslow and the Boston Red Sox pulled off a year ago when they traded for Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet, who finished second in Cy Young voting and led his new team to the playofs.
Who can forget Dave Dombrowski sending six players to the Florida Marlins in the winter of 2007 for young Miguel Cabrera, who spent the next 16 years of his career in Detroit becoming one of the greatest hitters in history?
Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols' 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 WAR. See the rest of the top 25.Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols' 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 WAR. See the rest of the top 25.Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
2. Alex Rodriguez - 89.7Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
3. Adrian Beltre - 89.7Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
4. Mike Trout - 87.5Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
5. Justin Verlander - 82.2Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
6. Clayton Kershaw - 78.1Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
7. Mookie Betts - 75.2Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
8. Max Scherzer - 74.7Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
9. Zack Greinke - 72.4Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
10. Robinson Cano - 68.7Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
11. Miguel Cabrera - 67.2Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
12. Carlos Beltran - 65.1Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
13. Chase Utley - 64.6Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
14. Freddie Freeman - 64.2Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
15. Paul Goldschmidt - 63.8Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
16. Joey Votto - 63.6Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
17. Roy Halladay - 62.4Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
18. Aaron Judge - 62.3Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
19. CC Sabathia - 61.8Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
20. Manny Machado - 61.7Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
21. Ichiro Suzuki - 60Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
22. Mark Buehrle - 60Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
23. Barry Bonds - 59.1Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
24. Evan Longoria - 58.9Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement
25. Chipper Jones - 58.3There was no greater winter-meeting blockbuster the last 40 years than the 1990 trade between the Blue Jays and Padres. First baseman Fred McGriff and shortstop Tony Fernandez went from Toronto to San Diego for second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter. The trade was so sensational that the assembled media actually broke into applause. Alomar and McGriff went into the Hall of Fame and Carter hit the biggest home run in Blue Jays history.
And no one rebuilt their team at the winter meetings using a series of trades more than St. Louis Cardinals GM Whitey Herzog in 1980, who engineered three trades involving 23 players, including future Hall of Famers Bruce Sutter, Rollie Fingers and Ted Simmons. Two years later, the Cardinals won the World Series with Herzog as manager.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn an offseason in which we’ve already seen the New York Mets and Texas Rangers swap the big contracts of Brandon Nimmo and Marcus Semien; the Los Angeles Angels trade slugger Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles for starter Grayson Rodriguez; and the Red Sox acquire starter Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, here are the top 10 trade candidates heading into baseball’s winter meetings that commence Monday in Orlando:
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
He’s the ultimate prize on every contender’s wish list. He’s easily the finest pitcher available with Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes going nowhere. What team wouldn’t want Skubal leading the way to the World Series? The trouble is that the price tag will be enormous for only one year of service, unless someone is willing to offer $450 million on the spot. The Tigers will trade Skubal only if they get completely blown away, delaying any tough decision until next summer. But it doesn’t hurt to ask – and the Tigers are willing to at least listen.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2. Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers
Peralta, who went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts, can certainly fit into anyone’s budget. He earns only $8 million in the final year of his contract and would cost less than Skubal in terms of a trade. Yet, after reaching the NLCS last year, the Brewers are hungry for more and believe they have the rotation that could vault them to their first World Series appearance since 1982. Just like the Tigers, the Brewers would have to be presented a package impossible to ignore to move on from Peralta.
3. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks continue to have operators standing by ready to field your phone calls. They have told anyone and everyone they are willing to listen to offers for their All-Star second baseman, who signed a six-year, $116.5 million deal last spring with $46 million in deferred money. The D-backs want pitching, and lots of it, in return. They spent a franchise-record last winter, missed the playoffs and will open next season without free agents Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly – and ace Corbin Burnes on the injured list for most of the season. They need help, and Marte is their most valuable trade chip. The Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays, who have plenty of pitching, are all on the radar.
2025 World Series: All the best moments from Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 7
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) prays before Game 7.2025 World Series: All the best moments from Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 7
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) prays before Game 7.2025 World Series: All the best moments from Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 7
Shohei Ohtani (17) warms up before Game 7.2025 World Series: All the best moments from Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 7
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) warms up before Game 7.4. Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians
They nearly traded him at last year’s deadline, and it was the best move they didn’t make with their dramatic comeback to win the AL Central. Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove winner, is projected to earn $8.8 million in his second year of salary arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Certainly, the Guardians are a better team with Kwan, but he’s the best outfielder on the trade market and would be a much more reasonable option than high-priced free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement5. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
The Red Sox nearly pulled off a deal for Ryan at last year’s deadline, only for them to run out of time. He’s one of the premier starters on the market with three years of control and projected to earn just $5.8 million in his first year of salary arbitration. He was 13-10 with a 3.42 ERA last season despite his struggles down the stretch, going 1-5 with a 6.47 ERA in his last seven starts. The biggest question is whether Ryan really is available this winter. The Twins, trying to reduce their debt, are trying to decide whether to move Ryan or starter Pablo Lopez, who has two years left at $21.5 million a season.
6. MacKenzie Gore, Washington Nationals
He’s controllable, he’s cheap, and he still has the talent that every team believes they unlock and turn into a front-line starter. If Paul Toboni, the new man in charge, wants to rebuild the farm system, Gore is the perfect player to kick-start the project. Gore, 5-15, 4.17 ERA last season, earned $2.9 million last season and is projected to earn $4.7 million in 2026. He still is under club control two more years.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays raised eyebrows by picking up Lowe's option, considering it will cost them $11.5 million a year before he hits free agency. After resisting trade offers for him the past two seasons, this is the ideal time to move the All-Star. The question now is whether the Rays’ new ownership would really want to move a fan favorite as they try to generate some good will as the team returns to Tropicana Field.
8. Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox listened, but never came close to trading Duran at last year’s deadline. Now, it makes little sense to keep him. They already have Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu in the outfield, and have engaged on free agents Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso. Duran, who hit 16 homers with 84 RBIs, is still under control for three more years.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement9. Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals’ rebuild began last week with the trade of Sonny Gray, and before spring training, will dump Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado, who plans to waive his full no-trade clause. Yet, their biggest trade piece will be Donovan, their All-Star who can play second base, shortstop and the outfield, with two more years of club control.
10. Luis Severino, Athletics
The Athletics, who celebrated his arrival a year ago when they signed him to a three-year, $67 million contract, now could be cheering his departure. Severino has not been shy letting everyone know how much he hates pitching at home in Sacramento, and has the stats to prove it. He was 2-9 with a 6.01 ERA in 15 home starts, and was 6-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 14 road starts. He is scheduled to earn $20 million in 2026 with a $22 million player option in 2027. Could a change of scenery make the difference? The A’s are trying to persuade teams to believe it.
Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale
Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 6, 2025: The Phillie Phanatic interacts with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Tugger during a break in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 6, 2025: The Phillie Phanatic interacts with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Tugger during a break in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 7, 2025: Jackie Hornung and her Samoyed dog, Lumi (also known as Little Bear Lumi), throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins at Citi Field.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 6, 2025: A dog is seen at the game between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 3, 2024: Fans bring their dogs during the Bark in the Park night prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: Decoy, the dog of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, waits for instruction before delivering the first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: A dog gets close to the camera during the Bark at the Park event before the Colorado Rockies' game against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: Television actress Caitlin O'Connor holds her dog Bubbles on the field prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 24, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood (left) and manager Mark Kotsay (right) pet Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, in the dugout before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 12, 2024: Dogs walk on the warning track for Bark in the Park day before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2024: A dog takes the ball from Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Quintin Berry following a first pitch prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Bark at the Park night at American Family Field.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 5, 2024: Oakland Athletics infielder Max Schuemann shares a moment with Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, before a game against the Miami Marlins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 16, 2024: Chase Field, ArizonaBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 31, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood's dog Reba plays with a baseball on the field before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 29, 2024: Oakland Athletics groundskeeper Clay Wood and his dog rake the infield before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 29, 2024: A dog dressed in New York Mets apparel sits in front of Citi Field before the Opening Day game between the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Oct. 8, 2023: Camden YardsBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 19, 2023: Citi Field (Mets)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2023: Great American Ball ParkBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 11, 2023: Citi FieldBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 28, 2022: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Oklahoma CIty Dodgers)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger StadiumBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: A dachshund gives a Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw doll a ride around the field during the Pups at the Park Parade at Dodger Stadium.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger StadiumBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger StadiumBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 16, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Brooks, a 2-year-old Dalmatian owned by Sarah Paukert of Ames, enjoys the action during the Dog Days at Principal Park as the Iowa Cubs hosted Columbus in a minor league baseball game on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Des Moines.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2022: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brent Suter throws out a first pitch for his dog on Bark at the Park night prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. Suter wrote a children's book "The Binky Bandit" inspired by his mini golden doodle.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 19, 2022: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 28, 2021: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 3, 2020; Minute Maid Park (Astros)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 10, 2020: Dodger StadiumBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug 7, 2020: Dodger StadiumBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 2, 2020: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 10, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox).Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 8, 2019: Marlins ParkBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 16, 2019: Brewers pitcher Jeremy Jeffress pets his dog.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 16, 2019: Josh Hader shows fans his dog at Miller Park.Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 17, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 29, 2019: Camden Yards (Orioles)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 29, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 6, 2019: Salt River Fields (Rockies spring training)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Feb. 21, 2019: Padres outfielder Hunter Renfroe with his dog on media dayBark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 24, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 16, 2018: Tropicana Field (Rays)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 2, 2018: Minute Maid Park (Astros)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 20, 2018: SunTrust Park (Atlanta)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 5, 2018: Citi Field (Mets)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 23, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 6, 2017: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 29, 2017: Petco Park (Padres)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 10, 2017: Tropicana Field (Rays)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 20, 2016: Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 29, 2015: AT&T Park (Giants)This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB trade top 10 targets as rumors swirl before winter meetings
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