Wild MLB Trade Ideas We’d Love to See Come True in the 2024-25 Offseason
The Major League Baseball offseason is always full of anticipation, with rumors swirling about which teams will make bold moves, retool their rosters, or trade away star players. As we approach the 2024-25 offseason, baseball fans are eagerly waiting to see how the landscape of the sport will change. While some trades may be based on practicality and team needs, others could be thrilling and unexpected. Here are a few wild MLB trade ideas that we would love to see come to fruition in the upcoming offseason.
1. Juan Soto to the New York Mets
The San Diego Padres are rumored to be facing a difficult decision regarding Juan Soto. The star outfielder is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season, and the Padres may not have the resources to sign him long-term with their other payroll commitments. A trade of Soto would be a shocking yet exciting move, and one of the most intriguing destinations could be the New York Mets.
The Mets, with their deep pockets and desire to remain competitive, could offer the Padres a package including young talent such as third baseman Brett Baty or shortstop Ronny Mauricio, plus pitching prospects like Tylor Megill or José Butto. Adding Soto to a lineup that already features Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Jeff McNeil would make the Mets an immediate contender in the National League. A trade for Soto would represent a splashy move for owner Steve Cohen and put the Mets in the race for a World Series title right away.
2. Shohei Ohtani to the New York Yankees
While this trade may seem a little less likely due to Ohtani’s looming free agency, the idea of Shohei Ohtani joining the New York Yankees would be a dream come true for fans of both the team and the sport. The Yankees have been linked to Ohtani for years, and with their struggles in recent seasons, a blockbuster trade could be the solution to their problems. The Angels may be facing a tough decision about Ohtani’s future as his free agency looms, and if they can’t re-sign him, they may opt to trade him.
The Yankees could offer a combination of high-profile prospects like Jasson Domínguez, Oswald Peraza, and possibly some pitching depth such as Clarke Schmidt. Adding Ohtani would solidify the Yankees’ offense, and the chance to watch him both pitch and hit in the Bronx would be electrifying for fans. Ohtani, alongside Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, could make the Yankees a powerhouse in the American League for years to come.
3. Cody Bellinger to the Los Angeles Angels
Cody Bellinger’s revival with the Chicago Cubs has sparked plenty of interest this offseason. After struggling for several seasons, Bellinger has returned to form and could be one of the most sought-after free-agent outfielders in the 2024 offseason. However, imagine a scenario where the Cubs, looking to further rebuild their roster, trade Bellinger to a division rival, the Los Angeles Angels.
For the Angels, a trade for Bellinger would provide much-needed outfield depth and offensive stability. Bellinger, who has shown a good balance of power and contact, would complement Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani (if Ohtani is still in an Angels uniform). To get Bellinger, the Cubs could ask for a package that includes Angels prospects such as shortstop Kyren Paris or outfielder Sam Bachman, plus a pitching prospect like Ben Joyce. A Bellinger acquisition would give the Angels a fighting chance to break their postseason drought.
4. Max Scherzer to the St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a position where pitching is their primary need. With their struggles in 2024, it’s clear that they need to bolster their rotation if they want to return to contention in the NL Central. Max Scherzer, despite being in the twilight of his career, remains one of the game’s most competitive and dominant pitchers.
A trade for Scherzer would give the Cardinals a veteran ace to pair with Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery. Scherzer’s experience and leadership would be invaluable for a Cardinals team that could be looking to make a strong push in 2025. The Mets, on the other hand, might look to offload Scherzer’s hefty contract as they begin to build for the future. In return, the Cardinals could offer a mix of prospects like outfielder Dylan Carlson or pitchers like Matthew Liberatore. Scherzer in a Cardinals uniform could help elevate the team back to the postseason.
5. Kris Bryant to the Cleveland Indians (Guardians)
Kris Bryant’s tenure with the Colorado Rockies has been marked by injury woes, but there’s still talent there. His ability to play multiple positions makes him an intriguing trade target for several teams. One interesting scenario could involve the Cleveland Indians (Guardians), who could add Bryant to provide additional offensive production and versatility.
The Guardians have a young, talented roster, but they need another bat to provide consistency in their lineup. Bryant, if healthy, could offer them just that. Colorado might look to deal Bryant to a team like Cleveland, who could send over a package of prospects, such as outfielder George Valera or pitcher Gavin Williams. Bryant’s potential return to form in a more competitive environment could give Cleveland an edge in the AL Central.
6. Mookie Betts to the Chicago White Sox
Though a trade involving Mookie Betts seems improbable, there’s an outside chance that the Los Angeles Dodgers could move on from their superstar outfielder. With the Dodgers looking to continue to build their farm system and possibly reduce payroll, the White Sox could come calling.
The White Sox have been rebuilding for a few seasons now, and adding a talent like Betts could push them to become contenders in the American League. Betts, who is capable of playing in both the outfield and infield, could provide the versatility and leadership that the White Sox desperately need. In return, the Dodgers would demand top-tier prospects, possibly including shortstop Colson Montgomery or outfielder Oscar Colas. A move like this would set up a compelling AL Central race and boost the White Sox’s profile immediately.
7. Carlos Correa to the Boston Red Sox
Carlos Correa has been a key player for the Minnesota Twins, but after several years in Minnesota, he may look for a new challenge. The Boston Red Sox, who have shown interest in improving their infield, could offer Correa a chance to join their storied franchise. Correa would be an excellent fit in Fenway Park, providing both defense and offense for the Red Sox in the coming seasons.
In return, the Twins could seek prospects like Marcelo Mayer or Triston Casas, plus a pitcher like Garrett Whitlock. Correa joining the Red Sox would create an intriguing dynamic in the AL East and would give Boston a formidable infield pairing with Rafael Devers.
8. Freddie Freeman to the Atlanta Braves (A Return Home)
While this idea might seem unlikely, the notion of Freddie Freeman returning to Atlanta after his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022 would be a perfect full-circle moment for Braves fans. If the Dodgers fall short of their championship goals and Freeman’s age starts to become more of a factor, the Braves could seize the opportunity to bring him back.
The Braves would love to have Freeman back at first base, particularly if they decide to part ways with Matt Olson. A trade could involve sending over prospects like pitchers Jared Shuster or Kolby Allard to the Dodgers. Freeman’s return would be a storybook ending to an incredible Braves career, one that fans would love to see.
Conclusion
While many of these trades may seem far-fetched, the MLB offseason is always full of surprises. Whether it’s blockbuster deals or calculated moves to fill roster gaps, the potential for change is high. These trade ideas would drastically reshape the 2024-25 MLB landscape and could provide the kind of excitement that the league craves.
