The MLB trade market is heating up, and the spotlight is on pitching! With teams scrambling for rotation depth, let's dive into the potential deals that could shake up the league. But first, a bold statement: the 2025 season saw a staggering 369 pitchers start games, yet only 53 reached the 30-game mark. This trend highlights the growing importance of rotation depth and the challenges teams face in finding it.
ESPN's David Schoenfield delves into the trade possibilities, focusing on three key pitchers: Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and Hunter Greene. But here's where it gets controversial—should teams prioritize trading for established starters or take a chance on free agents?
Tarik Skubal: The Unlikely Trade Candidate
Skubal, a star pitcher with the Detroit Tigers, is an unlikely trade candidate, but the right offer could change everything. The Seattle Mariners, with their strong farm system and controllable starters, could be a perfect fit. They have the depth to acquire Skubal without sacrificing their future, especially with young pitchers like Kirby and Miller. However, the New York Yankees, despite their weak farm system, are always a team to watch, given their history of surprising moves.
Freddy Peralta: The Milwaukee Dilemma
Peralta, in his final year before free agency, is a hot commodity. The Boston Red Sox, with their deep pitching prospects, could be a great landing spot. The Red Sox have already added Gray and Oviedo to their rotation, and trading for Peralta would strengthen their chances in the competitive AL East. But the Baltimore Orioles, who have a history of trades with the Brewers, could also be in the mix.
Hunter Greene: The Dodgers' Big Move?
The Los Angeles Dodgers, with their deep pockets, could make a splash by acquiring Greene from the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds, in need of outfielders, could benefit from the Dodgers' top prospects, who are all outfielders. However, the Dodgers already have a strong rotation, so this move might be more about flipping Tyler Glasnow to create space and trim salary.
Other Potential Trades to Watch
- Nick Pivetta: The San Diego Padres are listening to offers for Pivetta, who had an outstanding season. The Chicago Cubs, seeking a right-hander with swing-and-miss stuff, could be a good fit. The Arizona Diamondbacks, needing a top-of-the-rotation starter, are another team to watch.
- MacKenzie Gore: The Washington Nationals might consider trading Gore, who had a strong first half in 2025 but slumped in the second. The Detroit Tigers, with their infield depth and catchers among their top prospects, could be a suitable match. The Tampa Bay Rays, looking to strengthen their rotation, are also in the conversation.
- Kris Bubic: The Kansas City Royals might trade Bubic, who had a breakout season but is entering his walk year. The Philadelphia Phillies, with an aging roster and a front office willing to trade prospects, could be a good fit. The San Francisco Giants, seeking a starter, are another team to consider.
- Edward Cabrera: The Milwaukee Brewers could trade Peralta and acquire Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. Cabrera, with three years of team control remaining, had his best season in 2025. The Brewers have the infielders and pitching depth to make a 3-for-1 deal work. The Cleveland Guardians, looking for a controllable starter, are also in the mix.
As the MLB winter meetings unfold, these potential trades will keep fans and experts on the edge of their seats. Which teams will make the bold moves? Will the Yankees surprise us again? And what about the Dodgers—are they content with their rotation, or is Greene on their radar? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of these talented pitchers!
