Wild MLB Trade Ideas We’d Love to See Come True in 2023-24 Offseason

There will be plenty of time to explore the most probable destinations for the top trade chips of the 2023-24 MLB offseason, and develop trade ideas that have a high likelihood of happening. However, for now, let’s have some fun and present a few unconventional trade ideas to kickstart the trade season. These trades may not be likely to occur, but they offer some interesting scenarios that could benefit all parties involved.

Trade Idea 1:
To STL: RHP Bryce Miller
To SEA: IF Nolan Gorman

The St. Louis Cardinals have a surplus of talented young hitters but are in need of a complete rebuild of their starting rotation, as it ranked 26th in the league with a 5.07 ERA. On the other hand, the Seattle Mariners possess a strong group of controllable young starting pitchers, but their offense ranked average in OPS and runs per game. Additionally, slugger Teoscar Hernández is a free agent.

While the Cardinals may not be willing to part ways with budding star Jordan Walker, they might consider trading slugger Nolan Gorman (117 OPS+, 27 HR, 76 RBI), along with other controllable position players such as Alec Burleson, Dylan Carlson, Tommy Edman, and Brendan Donovan, in exchange for pitching help.

Bryce Miller (25 GS, 4.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 119 K, 131.1 IP) and Bryan Woo (18 GS, 4.21 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 93 K, 87.2 IP) both had impressive rookie seasons in 2023 and have multiple years of club control remaining. A one-for-one swap of Miller and Gorman could benefit both teams, filling major roster holes without creating new ones.

Trade Idea 2:
To HOU: OF Juan Soto
To SD: OF Jacob Melton, RHP Spencer Arrighetti, IF/OF Joey Loperfido, RHP Miguel Ullola, RHP Brandon Bielak

The New York Yankees have often been linked as a potential destination for Juan Soto if the San Diego Padres decide to make him available before his final year of arbitration eligibility. However, let’s consider a different scenario. The Houston Astros, who were outslugged by the Texas Rangers in the ALCS, could look to make a big offensive splash during the offseason. With key veterans nearing the end of their contracts, acquiring Soto and signing him to a long-term deal would provide a younger franchise player to build around.

While the Padres may not receive the same level of return they gave up to acquire Soto, they could still obtain multiple young players with great potential. Outfielder Jacob Melton, coming off an impressive season in the minors with 23 homers and 46 steals, could be the centerpiece of this trade. Miguel Ullola, with his exceptional 70-grade fastball, could also be a valuable addition. This trade would provide a fresh and intriguing option for both teams.

Trade Idea 3:
To TEX: LHP Angel Perdomo
To PIT: 1B Abimelec Ortiz

Left-hander Angel Perdomo may not be widely known, but he has the potential to be a game-changer in a contender’s bullpen. Despite his average 3.72 ERA in 29 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his mid-90s fastball and lethal slider generated a whiff rate of over 30%. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 265 pounds, his towering frame adds to his effectiveness. For the Texas Rangers, who need to strengthen their relief corps, Perdomo could be an excellent under-the-radar target.

In return, the Pirates would receive 1B Abimelec Ortiz, an exciting young slugger who had an impressive season in Single-A and High-A, hitting .294/.371/.619 with 33 home runs and 101 RBI. Ortiz offers significant upside, making this trade a potentially rewarding move for both teams.

Trade Idea 4:
To BAL: RHP Corbin Burnes
To MIL: IF Jordan Westburg, C Samuel Basallo, LHP Cade Povich, RHP Justin Armbruester

With the possibility of Corbin Burnes leaving for greener pastures after the 2024 season, the Milwaukee Brewers might consider trading him before his final year of arbitration eligibility. In the wake of another disappointing postseason exit and an injury to co-ace Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers could take a step back and focus on building for the future.

The Baltimore Orioles, a breakout team in 2023, have a promising young core but need to improve their starting rotation. Adding a proven ace like Burnes alongside Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez could push them to the next level. Given their optimistic long-term outlook, they could convince Burnes to sign a long-term extension.

Infielder Jordan Westburg, who had an impressive minor league season and made his MLB debut with a 100 OPS+, would be a suitable centerpiece in this trade. Catcher Samuel Basallo, a highly regarded prospect, and pitchers Cade Povich and Justin Armbruester would add depth and potential to the Brewers’ farm system. This trade offers benefits for both teams involved.

Trade Idea 5:
To SF: OF Mike Trout, $95 million
To LAA: OF Mitch Haniger, LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Carson Seymour

If Shohei Ohtani signs with another team in free agency, the Los Angeles Angels might consider hitting the reset button and finding a trade partner for their future Hall of Famer, Mike Trout. Trout has struggled with injuries in recent years, playing in a limited number of games, and is owed a substantial amount of money for the next seven years.

To facilitate a trade, the Angels would likely need to cover a significant portion of Trout’s remaining contract. By eating $95 million, Trout would become a $25 million per year player for the remaining duration of his contract. This would be more manageable, especially if he can stay healthy and return to his MVP-caliber performance.

The San Francisco Giants, who missed out on securing a new acquisition, could be a potential trade partner. In this trade scenario, the Giants would receive Trout, while the Angels would acquire outfielder Mitch Haniger, left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, and right-handed pitchers Carson Seymour. Although this trade is unconventional, it presents an intriguing possibility for all parties involved.

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