10 NL players who could be traded this winter

In this two-part series, we identify 10 players who could be dealt in each league this offseason and rate their likelihood of being traded.

Freddy Peralta, Brewers, SP

Remaining contract: 1 year, $8 million
Trade probability: ★★★
Potential fits: Blue Jays, Orioles, Red Sox, Astros, Phillies, Padres, Giants, D-Backs

The Brewers trading their ace might seem inconceivable after posting an MLB-high 97 regular-season wins and earning a trip to the NLCS, but they have a modus operandi of acquiring young, controllable assets in trades for stars nearing free agency. Milwaukee also brought back veteran starter Brandon Woodruff on a one-year, $22.025-million qualifying offer. And although Peralta's 2026 salary is manageable for a cost-conscious club like the Brewers, it also makes him very attractive to other teams.

Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks, 2B

Remaining contract: 5 years, $92M (2031 player option)
Trade probability: ★★★
Potential fits: Red Sox, Blue Jays, Royals, Mariners, Dodgers

The D-Backs need to weigh whether keeping Marte and his great offensive production is worth a potentially divided clubhouse. The 2024 NL MVP finalist reportedly rubbed some teammates the wrong way by asking for days off during important games. Manager Torey Lovullo and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo publicly defended Marte, but where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Arizona would surely get a huge haul, since Marte's salary is still team-friendly for the next two seasons before it jumps significantly in his mid-30s.

MacKenzie Gore, Nationals, SP

Remaining contract: 2nd-year arb (FA after 2027)
Trade probability: ★★★
Potential fits: Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Astros, Padres, Giants, Cubs, D-Backs, Athletics

The Nationals could deal Gore if the front office doesn't believe the team can turn the page on a stalled rebuild over the next two years. The All-Star left-hander is still just 26 years old and can put up big strikeout numbers, but Washington reportedly dangled him at the trade deadline amid a 96-loss campaign.

Kodai Senga, Mets, SP

Remaining contract: 2 years, $30M
Trade probability: ★★★★
Potential fits: Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Astros, Padres, Giants, D-Backs, Cubs

Senga is a prime candidate for a change of scenery. Some teams reportedly view the 2023 All-Star as a buy-low candidate after he was demoted to the minors in September following a string of poor outings in his return from a hamstring strain. The Mets also have a surplus of potential rotation options with Senga, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, and Christian Scott.

Nolan Arenado, Cardinals, 3B

Remaining contract: 2 years, $31M
Trade probability: ★★★★★
Potential fits: Red Sox, Mets, Mariners, Tigers, D-Backs, Angels, Pirates

Arenado is willing to waive his no-trade clause to more clubs this offseason than last winter, when the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner vetoed a deal to the Astros. Cardinals ownership is also open to sending more cash to cover the remainder of his contract. Although the 34-year-old is coming off the worst season of his 13-year career, another team could be convinced he has at least one more productive campaign left in him. Arenado put up a 3.2 fWAR in 2024 despite being basically league-average with the bat.

Sonny Gray, Cardinals, SP

Remaining contract: 1 year, $40M (2027 club option)
Trade probability: ★★★★★
Potential fits: Red Sox, Phillies, Giants

The Cardinals will likely need to kick in some cash to move the 36-year-old since he's owed a whopping $35 million in 2026, which includes a $5-million buyout if a team doesn't pick up his option. While that's a lot of money for a guy who isn't a No. 1 in a rotation, the three-time All-Star can be a useful piece for a contender. St. Louis continues to prioritize a youth movement, and Gray is one of its best trade chips if he waives his NTC.

Brendan Donovan, Cardinals, 2B

Remaining contract: 2nd-year arb (FA after 2027)
Trade probability: ★★★★★
Potential fits: Mariners, Royals, Dodgers, Red Sox, Guardians, Astros, Yankees

Donovan's name has surfaced in trade rumors to begin the offseason amid the Cardinals' apparent looming roster purge. The 28-year-old All-Star is relatively inexpensive at a projected value of $5.75 million for 2026. He also provides defensive versatility, as he can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.

Sandy Alcantara, Marlins, SP

Remaining contract: 1 year, $19.3M (2027 club option)
Trade probability: ★★★★
Potential fits: Blue Jays, Orioles, Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, Phillies, Padres, Giants, D-Backs

Alcantara struggled in his first full season following Tommy John surgery but finished the year strong by posting a 3.70 ERA with 3.88 FIP and 8.4 K/9 in his final 10 starts. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner's stellar performances in August and September, combined with his resume, should attract suitors seeking pitching help. The Marlins would likely love to shed the 30-year-old's salary for 2026.

Edward Cabrera, Marlins, SP

Remaining contract: 2nd-year arb (FA after 2028)
Trade probability: ★★★
Potential fits: Orioles, Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, Astros, Padres, Giants, D-Backs, Athletics

Teams should be lining up for a young, cheap, and controllable starter like Cabrera. The Marlins could certainly keep the right-hander, as he fits their identity as a rising team with payroll constraints. However, Miami's front office could command a big return for a 27-year-old who's logged 100-plus innings only once over his five-year career due to injuries.

Alec Bohm, Phillies, 3B

Remaining contract: Final year of arb
Trade probability: ★★★★
Potential fits: Angels, Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, Pirates, Athletics, Angels

The Phillies and Bohm need to shake things up. Philadelphia's pursuit of a World Series has stalled after flaming out of the playoffs early over the last few campaigns, while the third baseman took a step back in 2025 following a 2024 All-Star season. Bohm has been rumored to be on the trade block for years, and the Phillies could leverage the 29-year-old to shore up other parts of the roster, especially with the potential departure of Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez, and J.T. Realmuto in free agency.