MLB · 1 year ago

5 Big MLB Contracts on the Trade Block and Where They Could Land This Offseason

Sportsgrid Staff

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Josh Naylor – Cleveland Guardians
Contract Remaining: 1 year, projected $12 million (arbitration)
Possible Trade Destination: Chicago Cubs

A bright spot in the Cleveland Guardians offense, Josh Naylor had a breakout 2024 with 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. Yet, entering his final year of arbitration at a projected $12 million, the Guardians may opt to trade him and lean on cheaper options at first base like Kyle Manzardo or Jhonkensy Noel. Naylor’s value is at an all-time high, making him a prime trade candidate. The Chicago Cubs, who struggled with consistent first base production in 2024, could be an ideal landing spot for the lefty slugger.
Luis Castillo – Seattle Mariners
Contract Remaining: 3 years, $72.45 million (plus $25 million vesting option for 2028)
Possible Trade Destination: New York Mets

Luis Castillo remains one of the most consistent starters in the league, but with a rotation full of emerging young arms like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller, the Seattle Mariners could consider dealing their veteran ace. Castillo’s $24.15 million annual salary is a substantial commitment, but his production justifies the price tag. The New York Mets, looking to bolster their rotation, could see Castillo as the perfect addition to their win-now approach.

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Nolan Arenado – St. Louis Cardinals
Contract Remaining: 3 years, $52 million
Possible Trade Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers

After being one of the most dominant players at third base for years, Nolan Arenado showed signs of decline in 2024. While his defense remains elite, his offensive production hit career lows with a .394 slugging percentage and only 16 home runs. At 34 years old, Arenado is owed $52 million over three years, and the St. Louis Cardinals could look to move him to rebuild around younger talent. However, Arenado’s full no-trade clause adds a layer of complexity, requiring his approval for any deal. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team consistently looking to win now, might be a perfect fit for Arenado as they seek to strengthen their infield and offensive firepower.

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Jordan Montgomery – Arizona Diamondbacks
Contract Remaining: 1 year, $22.5 million
Possible Trade Destination: Philadelphia Phillies

Jordan Montgomery's tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks has been far from ideal after a career-worst 6.23 ERA in 2024. Following injuries and underperformance, Arizona may look to part ways with Montgomery, whose $22.5 million salary in 2025 feels steep for a player coming off such a down year. With plenty of young arms in their pipeline, the Diamondbacks have flexibility. A team like the Philadelphia Phillies, eager to add depth to their rotation, could see Montgomery as a bounce-back candidate worth gambling on.

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Pablo Lopez – Minnesota Twins
Contract Remaining: 3 years, $65.25 million
Possible Trade Destination: San Francisco Giants

Pablo Lopez has been a reliable ace for the Minnesota Twins, but his escalating contract, with $21.75 million owed annually from 2025 to 2027, poses a financial challenge for the small-market team. While his production has been strong, the Twins may seek payroll flexibility and explore a trade. A team like the San Francisco Giants, with pitching needs and financial room, could provide a great fit for Lopez while bolstering their rotation.

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Josh Naylor – Cleveland Guardians
Contract Remaining: 1 year, projected $12 million (arbitration)
Possible Trade Destination: Chicago Cubs

A bright spot in the Cleveland Guardians offense, Josh Naylor had a breakout 2024 with 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. Yet, entering his final year of arbitration at a projected $12 million, the Guardians may opt to trade him and lean on cheaper options at first base like Kyle Manzardo or Jhonkensy Noel. Naylor’s value is at an all-time high, making him a prime trade candidate. The Chicago Cubs, who struggled with consistent first base production in 2024, could be an ideal landing spot for the lefty slugger.
Luis Castillo – Seattle Mariners
Contract Remaining: 3 years, $72.45 million (plus $25 million vesting option for 2028)
Possible Trade Destination: New York Mets

Luis Castillo remains one of the most consistent starters in the league, but with a rotation full of emerging young arms like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller, the Seattle Mariners could consider dealing their veteran ace. Castillo’s $24.15 million annual salary is a substantial commitment, but his production justifies the price tag. The New York Mets, looking to bolster their rotation, could see Castillo as the perfect addition to their win-now approach.

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5 Big MLB Contracts on the Trade Block and Where They Could Land This Offseason

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