5 Trades to Address MLB's Most Obvious Roster Problems
The baseball season is fast approaching, and teams are gearing up for spring training. With the free agency period in full swing, the MLB landscape is buzzing with speculation. The ongoing free agency of Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen is a major storyline, and it could spark a wave of trades as teams pivot to their fallback plans.
In this article, we explore five trade proposals that could effectively solve some of the league's most obvious roster holes. Each proposal includes full trade details and a breakdown of the logic for both sides, offering a comprehensive look at how these moves could shape the upcoming season.
Lars Nootbaar to the New York Mets
Trade Details:
- To NYM: OF Lars Nootbaar
- To STL: IF Ronny Mauricio
Mets' Perspective:
The Mets are still in the running to sign Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, but this trade would provide a hedge, ensuring they have a solid outfielder in place. Nootbaar, despite not yet having a breakout season, boasts a 109 OPS+ over five years in the majors and has averaged 2.8 WAR per 162 games. He is also under team control through 2027, offering stability.
Cardinals' Perspective:
For the Cardinals, embarking on a multi-year rebuild, trading two years of Nootbaar for four years of Mauricio is a calculated risk. Mauricio, at 24, has yet to showcase his potential over an extended major league run, but his top prospect status adds value.
Mitch Keller to the Athletics
Trade Details:
- To ATH: SP Mitch Keller
- To PIT: OF Colby Thomas, SS Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, IF/OF Brennan Milone
A's Perspective:
The Athletics have a strong offensive core, but their starting rotation needs reinforcement. With a 27th-ranked ERA in 2025, they are seeking impact arms. The trade market becomes a logical pivot if they can't secure the remaining impact arms on the market.
Pirates' Perspective:
Keller's $77 million extension before the 2024 season presents a challenge. This trade package allows the Pirates to shed payroll while acquiring MLB-ready talent. Colby Thomas, a promising outfielder, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, a quality shortstop prospect, are part of a robust deal.
Yandy Díaz to the Seattle Mariners
Trade Details:
- To SEA: DH Yandy Díaz
- To TB: OF Brailer Guerrero, RHP T.J. Nichols
Mariners' Perspective:
With a focus on second and third base, the Mariners need to boost their lineup's productivity. Yandy Díaz, projected to be the highest-paid player on the team in 2026, could slot in as the primary DH, allowing Dominic Canzone to move to right field.
Rays' Perspective:
The Rays, always seeking to get younger and cheaper, might be looking to shed salary. Díaz, at 34, carries a significant salary, but Brailer Guerrero, with his 55-hit, 60-power offensive profile, and T.J. Nichols, a high-floor arm, offer valuable assets.
Freddy Peralta to the Baltimore Orioles
Trade Details:
- To BAL: SP Freddy Peralta
- To MIL: OF Dylan Beavers, LHP Cade Povich, LHP Joseph Dzierwa
Orioles' Perspective:
The Orioles, despite recent acquisitions, seek a proven frontline starter. Freddy Peralta, a top arm, could join Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, providing a strong foundation for the rotation.
Brewers' Perspective:
The Brewers, who traded Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader proactively, are familiar with such moves. Dylan Beavers and Cade Povich, both former Top 100 prospects, mirror the package that brought back Burnes. Adding Joseph Dzierwa, a 2025 second-round pick, enhances the deal.
Nico Hoerner to the Boston Red Sox
Trade Details:
- To BOS: 2B Nico Hoerner
- To CHC: LHP Connelly Early
Red Sox' Perspective:
With Alex Bregman's departure, the Red Sox need a defensive second baseman and an offensive player to set the tone. Nico Hoerner, coming off a 6.2-WAR season, fits the bill. Connelly Early, despite being a steep price, offers depth for the Cubs.
Cubs' Perspective:
The Cubs could retain Hoerner, but trading him for Early provides depth and a potential trade chip. Early, with a strong showing in September, adds value to the organization, especially with Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon's impending free agency.
