The MLB offseason hasn’t wasted any time heating up. Even before the winter meetings could officially kick off, front offices were already on the phones, wheeling and dealing.
The Blue Jays set the tone with a major early move, and other clubs quickly followed suit. Some are tapping into the KBO pipeline, others are eyeing top-tier international free agents-but one thing’s clear: the stove is already red hot, and we’re just getting started.
There’s still plenty of firepower left on the market. Big bats like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Bo Bichette are all still unsigned, and any one of them could shift the balance of power for a contender.
On the pitching side, the demand for starting arms is-as always-sky-high. Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez are leading the pack of available arms, and with so many teams looking to shore up their rotations, expect the bidding wars to get intense.
But one of the most intriguing situations right now? It’s in Milwaukee, where Freddy Peralta has become the center of trade buzz.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Peralta just wrapped up a season where he went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA-numbers that scream ace material.
So why would the Brewers even think about moving him?
Well, the short answer is: they probably won’t. Not unless someone comes knocking with an offer that’s too good to turn down.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Milwaukee is only listening if the return is massive-think franchise-altering. “Just like the Tigers, the Brewers would have to be presented a package impossible to ignore to move on from Peralta,” Nightengale reported.
And that tracks. Peralta was a cornerstone for the Brewers in 2025, and if they’re serious about making another postseason run in 2026, he’s a guy you build around-not ship out.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Red Sox are facing a different kind of roster crunch. Jarren Duran was dangled in trade talks last season, but nothing materialized.
Instead, the Sox shocked many by parting ways with Rafael Devers. Now, with a crop of young outfielders like Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu rising through the ranks, Duran’s future in Boston looks murky at best.
Nightengale noted that it makes “little sense to keep him” given the team’s current direction-and that’s hard to argue with.
The Red Sox aren’t standing still, either. They’re reportedly in the mix for big names like Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, signaling a clear intent to reload rather than rebuild. In that context, moving Duran could be more about clearing the path for new additions than anything else.
Then there’s St. Louis, where the Cardinals are fielding calls on multiple fronts.
While Nolan Arenado’s name always draws attention, it’s Brendan Donovan who’s quietly become one of the most attractive trade chips on the market. Donovan’s versatility-he can play just about anywhere-and his team-friendly contract make him a dream target for clubs looking to add flexibility without breaking the bank.
He’s an All-Star-caliber player who won’t eat up payroll, and that’s a rare combo in today’s game.
So whether it’s a frontline starter like Peralta, a change-of-scenery candidate like Duran, or a Swiss Army knife like Donovan, the trade market is buzzing with possibilities. And with the winter meetings just around the corner, the action is only going to ramp up from here. Buckle up-this offseason is already delivering, and we haven’t even hit December’s main event yet.