MLB trade predictions: Where all of the market’s biggest stars could land
This is shaping up to be one of the busiest trade seasons in recent memory, but will superstars like Elly De La Cruz and Corey Seager actually be on the move?
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This is shaping up to be one of the busiest trade seasons in recent memory, but will superstars like Elly De La Cruz and Corey Seager actually be on the move?
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman are among the NL Silver Slugger finalists, with Crow-Armstrong poised to win an outfield spot after leading MLB with 45 homers, 119 runs and a 10.6 fWAR. Suzuki faces stiff competition from the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr., while Bregman could edge out Steven Muncy thanks to higher run totals, RBIs and defensive value. The Cubs are also finalists for Best Offensive Team, having topped the NL in runs (850), home runs (220), RBI (804), slugging (.428), wOBA (.337), wRC+ (114) and fWAR (37.7).
The Miami Dolphins host the Detroit Lions in Week 9 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. CBS will broadcast the game with Kevin Harlan and Trent Green, but only Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers viewers will see it locally; the rest of Florida gets other matchups. NFC North markets—including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Chicago, and Toledo—will also receive the Lions‑Dolphins game. The Dolphins sit 1‑6 after a Week 8 loss, while the Lions are 5‑2 and aiming for a playoff push. Additional Florida games: Jets‑Chiefs, Broncos‑Panthers, Browns‑Saints on CBS; Cowboys‑Colts, Giants‑Eagles, Packers‑Patriots on FOX; and Buccaneers‑Bears on Sunday Night Football.
The Flyers roll into Thursday’s matchup with the New York Rangers featuring a surprising second‑line shake‑up: rookie Cole Knuble moves to center alongside Owen Tippett and Porter Martone. Knuble, a former college center, will face veteran Sean Couturier in the face‑off circle, testing his limited NHL experience. Meanwhile, Martone shifts off Matvei Michkov’s line, leaving the high‑scoring trio of Michkov, Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster together on the third line. Defensive pairings stay largely unchanged, with Travis Sanheim‑Jamie Drysdale anchoring the top duo and David Jiricek remaining a healthy scratch. The line changes aim to boost balance but risk unsettling the team’s most consistent offense.
The Chicago White Sox are poised to hire Milwaukee Brewers assistant director of domestic scouting Matt Roffe to run their domestic draft operations, filling the vacancy left by Mike Shirley’s September resignation. Roffe, a key figure in the Brewers’ talent‑identification engine that helped the 2023 World Series champions thrive on a modest payroll, brings five years of scouting experience plus stints with the Diamondbacks, Padres and MLB research departments. His blend of analytics, technology and player evaluation is expected to inject fresh ideas into Chicago’s scouting department.
Two-time All-Star left‑hander Tarik Skubal, coming off a turbulent half‑season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is now at the center of a high‑profile free‑agency battle. The New York Mets, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres are all reportedly interested, but the Padres’ payroll constraints make a $35‑$45 million annual contract unlikely. The Yankees have the cash but must navigate luxury‑tax limits, while the Mets—backed by Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend—appear the most likely bidder to land Skubal for the 2027 rotation.
Tyler Young of Camden Chat breaks down the Orioles' disappointing 2026 campaign, which ended 79-82 and left fans questioning front‑office decisions. He cites systemic flaws under President Mike Elias, regression of home‑grown hitters, and injury woes, while noting a modest silver lining in pitching depth. Looking ahead, Young says the offseason priority is outfield upgrades—potentially converting Coby Mayo or Jackson Holliday—and bolstering the rotation, with a possible reunion with Trevor Rogers or a trade for Reid Detmers. The club appears willing to move anyone but Pete Alonso, and prospects like Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Trey Gibson could earn spots on Opening Day. The interview offers a clear roadmap for Baltimore's 2027 rebuild.
After the Brewers clinched the 2026 World Series, outfielder Sal Frelick’s playful pledge to buy “100,000 beers” for fans has turned into a morning melee. On November 4, he told Barstool Sports that about 20 fans approached him at breakfast, offering beers straight from their pockets. Frelick, 26, posted a cheeky photo of his promise and says the crowd’s enthusiasm shows how beloved he is after delivering solid defense and a .235/.341/.353 slash line with a homer and three steals in Milwaukee’s championship run. Fans are now jokingly holding him to the promise as the city continues celebrating its first title.
The Atlanta Braves signed 35‑year‑old catcher Austin Wynns in early June 2026 as a stop‑gap after injuries to Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy. Acquired from the Angels for cash considerations, Wynns appeared in six games, going 1‑for‑14 with a .071 slash line and allowing six stolen bases without throwing anyone out. He was released on June 16 when Baldwin returned, posting a -0.3 fWAR stint with Atlanta. After brief minor‑league contracts with the Rangers and Cubs, Wynns finished 2026 with a career‑low -0.7 fWAR in 89 plate appearances and a wRC+ of 2. The move was a low‑impact roster shuffle that failed to improve the Braves' catching depth.
Mizzou crushes Arkansas 34-10 to claim its fifth straight Battle Line Rivalry, rebounding from a 28‑point loss at Mississippi. Coach Drinkwitz highlights offensive tweaks, the return of running back Ahmad Hardy, and emerging playmakers. Rising stocks include Demarion Fowlkes, whose snaps jump from 5.8 to 18 per game, and freshman Preston Hatfield, who posts 49 yards on three carries against an SEC defense. Kicker Blake Craig bounces back with a perfect field‑goal record, nailing a 53‑yarder. Falling stocks feature right tackle Luke Work, plagued by penalties and pressures, and RB Xai’Shaun Edwards, who sees his snaps dwindle to zero. The piece breaks down who’s climbing and who’s slipping after the win.
In this week’s Around the SEC, Florida drops Aaron Philo for freshman QB Tramell Jones Jr. ahead of a must‑win against Oklahoma, after Jones already took over in the Georgia loss. Ole Miss star running back Kewan Lacy is sidelined for the upcoming SEC showdown with Georgia, forcing the Rebels to rely more on the air game. Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump will attend the Alabama‑LSU clash in Baton Rouge to announce a $5 million scholarship for foster‑care students, adding a high‑profile twist to the rivalry.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have two Silver Slugger finalists: catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Corbin Carroll. Carroll, the 2025 winner, posted a .239/.328/.467 slash line with 22 homers, 33 doubles and an MLB‑leading 17 triples in 156 games. Moreno, a two‑time Gold Glove winner, captured the NL batting title at .311, added 16 homers, 33 doubles and an .874 OPS. Both face tough competition from players like Jackson Chourio, Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jordan Walker, James Wood, and Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. The winners will be announced on November 17.
The Seattle Mariners unveiled 36‑year‑old Jason Kanzler as their new manager on November 4, 2026 at T‑Mobile Park. With coaching stints at the Astros and most recently as the Cubs’ farm director, Kanzler has never managed a big‑league club, a point that has sparked skepticism after a 76‑win season. The author notes Kanzler’s thoughtful, communicative press conference answers as a promising sign, emphasizing the importance of middle‑manager‑style communication in modern baseball. The piece invites fans to share their first impressions and whether the hiring debate has shifted.
Lane Kiffin is reportedly exploring a reunion with former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who most recently served as Baylor's head coach. Sources say the Tigers aim to strengthen Blake Baker’s defensive staff by bringing Aranda back to Baton Rouge, leveraging his familiarity with the program’s schemes. The move could reshape LSU’s defense ahead of the season’s final stretch.
The Chicago Cubs face a looming rotation void after the 2026 season and must get creative to acquire win‑now starters. While big‑market teams may outspend them, front office boss Jed Hoyer could use trades, overseas signings, or reclamation projects, and a surprising free‑agent target: former Padres reliever Adrian Morejon. Morejon, a left‑handed power arm who wants a starter role, could be converted for $14‑$18 million and fit Wrigley’s wind‑friendly park. If the transition fails, Chicago can revert him to the bullpen, making the gamble a potentially high‑reward move for the struggling staff.
The New York Rangers host the struggling Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. ET in Madison Square Garden before heading west for a four‑game road swing. Riding a 3‑1 win over St. Louis that snapped a four‑game skid, the Rangers (8‑7‑1) keep the same winning lineup: Will Cuylle on the third line, a fourth line of Jaroslav Chmelar, Noah Laba and Matt Rempe, and Dylan Garand in goal after a 32‑save performance. Sean Durzi remains out, opening a spot for Scott Morrow. The Flyers (4‑9‑4) sit last in the East, averaging a league‑low 2.18 goals per game and giving up 3.35. Historically, the Rangers dominate the series (13‑3‑2 in the last 18 meetings). The game will debut the Rangers’ Hometown Remix jerseys and airs on MSG.
MLB free agency opens with a looming December 1 lockout, giving teams less than a month to seal deals. The author ranks the top 20 free agents, highlighting a deep starting‑pitcher pool led by Tarik Skubal. Skubal, a two‑time Cy Young with a 2.72 ERA and 10.55 K/9 in 2026, is projected to sign a record‑setting nine‑year, $400 million contract (≈$44.44 M AAV) with the New York Mets. Pitcher Michael King (3.21 ERA) is tipped for a four‑year, $140 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, while outfielder Randy Arozarena is forecast to land a five‑year, $135 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The piece updates the list as agents negotiate amid the compressed window.
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, who hit a league‑leading 43 homers and drove in 113 runs in his debut season with Baltimore, is a Silver Slugger finalist. He joins Boston’s Willson Contreras in the race and aims to repeat his 2025 win with the Mets, potentially becoming the fifth Oriole ever to claim the award. Alonso’s 43 home runs rank tied‑eighth in franchise history, and his RBI total is the best since Chris Davis’s 117 in 2015. The Silver Slugger winners will be announced on Nov. 17 after votes from MLB managers and coaches.
The Eagles, sitting 2-6 without Jalen Hurts, face a pivotal trade‑deadline decision centered on defensive tackle Moro Ojomo. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Jacksonville may trade for Ojomo to bolster its line, testing Philadelphia’s willingness to retain or move the player despite recent extensions for Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. How the Eagles handle Ojomo could signal their overall deadline strategy, even as they keep Saquon Barkley and gear up for a Week 9 showdown with the Giants on Nov 8.
The Phillies are among several MLB clubs meeting 18‑year‑old Japanese right‑hander Shoki Oda, who made history with a 156 km/h (97 mph) fastball at the Koshien tournament. Oda—still in high school and skipping NPB—will be eligible to sign as an international free agent on Jan. 15, 2027, the same route Roki Sasaki took. Teams including the Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers and Phillies are scouting him as a long‑term prospect, though his smaller 6‑ft‑1, 178‑lb frame may still fill out. The article also notes the Phillies’ broader focus on Japan, highlighted by Teruaki Sato’s upcoming MLB move.
On November 5, the South Side Sox recall several historic moments. In 1892, future White Sox catcher Yam Yaryan was born; after two MLB seasons (1921‑22) he logged a 20‑year minor‑league career with 209 homers and a .302 average as a player‑manager in 1940. The post also notes Ban Johnson and Charles Comiskey’s 1901 lease of St. Louis’s Sportsman’s Park, paving the way for the Browns’ 1902 debut, and compares early‑20th‑century city team counts to today’s three‑city model. It then highlights the 1976 AL expansion draft, where the Sox lost five players, including future Cy Young winner Pete Vuckovich, and discusses Ron Schueler’s 1990 appointment as senior VP after GM Larry Himes’s dismissal.
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is a Silver Slugger finalist for the second consecutive year, aiming to become the first Rockie to repeat the honor since Trevor Story. Goodman’s 2026 season featured a career‑high 41 home runs—the first 40‑plus total for Colorado since Nolan Arenado in 2019—along with a .245 average and .839 OPS, earning him a second All‑Star berth. He competes against Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno, who posted a .311 average and .874 OPS. The award will be decided on November 17.
Alex Bregman explains the three simple steps that helped him turn a perceived defensive decline into a second Gold Glove after his 2024 win. He credits offseason work with Matt Chapman in Arizona, daily drills and video study with Cubs infield coach Jonathan Mota, and targeted ready‑position, footwork, and long‑toss routines that solidified his rhythm through the All‑Star break. Bregman also mentions learning from infield specialist Nate Trosky and highlights how these habits boost both defense and overall productivity for the Astros third baseman.
After six years together, the Chicago White Sox’s coaching cadre is becoming a hot target for rival clubs. Hitting coach Ryan Fuller warned in June that his staff functions like a farm system, expecting successful assistants to be lured away with promotions. Joel McKeithan confirmed the trend, and now assistant hitting coach Robert Murray departs for St. Louis to take a new role. The article explores how the Sox’s development-focused staff is attracting poachers across MLB.
Jordan Walker had an incredible turnaround for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2026 and is now a Silver Slugger Award finalist in the National League. Both he and teammate Alec Burleson had awesome years at the plate.