Predicting 1 Trade for Every MLB Team During the 2023-24 Offseason

It’s never too early to start looking ahead to what should be another exciting MLB offseason. This year’s free-agent class is headlined by Shohei Ohtani, who could command a record-setting contract. Pitchers Blake Snell and Aaron Nola could also be game-changing additions to a team’s rotation, while Josh Hader and Matt Chapman are likely headed for nine-figure paydays as well.

For teams that miss out on those top-tier players, the trade market could be the preferred alternative, and Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Paul Goldschmidt are among the top names that could hit the trade block. Ahead, we’ve come up with one trade prediction for each MLB team for the upcoming offseason. Buyers were paired with sellers, so we’re breaking down 15 total trades, with each team involved in one deal. Both ends of each hypothetical deal will be explored separately, so each team has its own standalone slide to focus on their side of the proposed transaction.

In case you missed it: Ranking Top 30 Potential Trade Chips of the 2023-24 MLB Offseason

Paul Blackburn

Trade Proposal: RHP Paul Blackburn acquired from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for 1B/OF Tristin English, OF Wilderd Patiño

The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of baseball’s best one-two punches atop the rotation in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, but behind that duo is a largely unproven collection of young arms. Veteran Zach Davies filled the No. 3 starter role for a good chunk of the 2023 season, but improving on his 7.00 ERA won’t be difficult as the team hunts for rotation additions this winter.

Paul Blackburn was an All-Star in 2021, and he has a 4.35 ERA in the past two seasons. The 29-year-old is controllable for two more years with a team-friendly projected salary for 2024, and he could slot nicely into the middle of the Arizona rotation.

Mitch Keller

Trade Proposal: RHP Mitch Keller acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for RHP AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP Allan Winans, SS Braden Shewmake

The Atlanta Braves have some questions in the starting rotation that will need to be answered this offseason as they gear up for another title push. Mitch Keller finished 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 210 strikeouts in 194.1 innings while earning his first All-Star selection in a breakout season. The 27-year-old is controllable through 2025, and he would slot into the Atlanta staff as one of the better No. 3 starters in baseball.

Brady Singer

Trade Proposal: RHP Brady Singer acquired from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for SS Joey Ortiz, OF Dylan Beavers, LHP Cade Povich

The top priority for the Baltimore Orioles this season will undoubtedly be upgrading the starting rotation. Right-hander Brady Singer looked like an ace on the rise in 2022 when he finished 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts. The 27-year-old is controllable through the 2026 season, and with a slight rebound in his stuff, he could be one of the best buy-low pickups of the offseason.

Xavier Edwards

Trade Proposal: 2B/OF Xavier Edwards acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for OF Alex Verdugo

The Boston Red Sox used 12 different starting second basemen during the 2023 season. Speedy Xavier Edwards hit .351/.429/.457 in Triple-A last year, and he was a .295/.329/.333 hitter in his first MLB action. He can play both middle infield spots, third base, and center field, and could serve as a short-term solution at second base and a super-utility piece.

Tyler Glasnow

Trade Proposal: RHP Tyler Glasnow acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for IF James Triantos, LHP Luke Little

The Chicago Cubs will likely be in the market for starting pitching help. Tyler Glasnow finished 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 120 innings over 21 starts. He has battled injuries over the years but is a bona fide ace when healthy.

Jonathan India

Trade Proposal: 2B Jonathan India acquired from Cincinnati Reds in exchange for RHP Dylan Cease

No team got less production from its second basemen in 2023 than the Chicago White Sox. Infielder Jonathan India is not far removed from posting a 116 OPS+ with 34 doubles, 21 home runs, and 4.1 WAR en route to 2021 NL Rookie of the Year honors. The 26-year-old has three remaining years of control, and acquiring him for two years of Dylan Cease would be a net positive for the White Sox.

Dylan Cease

Trade Proposal: RHP Dylan Cease acquired from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for 2B Jonathan India

The Cincinnati Reds used 17 different starting pitchers during the 2023 season, so shoring up the starting rotation will be a top priority. With a crowded infield, flipping three years of India for two years of Cease would be a worthwhile move to bolster their 2024 outlook.

Alex Ramirez

Trade Proposal: OF Alex Ramirez, RHP Christian Scott, RHP Tyler Stuart acquired from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP Shane Bieber

The Cleveland Guardians have a wealth of starting pitching talent, which could lead them to shop Shane Bieber this offseason. A return package of toolsy outfielder Alex Ramirez and pitchers Christian Scott and Tyler Stuart would be a significant haul for the Guardians.

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