Get ready for some thrilling action as the Winter Meetings kick off in Orlando, Florida this Sunday! It's a time when prospects become the hot commodity, and some clubs are gearing up for some serious shopping. But which team will emerge as the ultimate winner, securing the best holiday deal? Who holds the key to making these big trades happen?
The Prospects' Big Trade Game
As MLB Pipeline's insiders preview the upcoming meetings, they've identified 10 teams with the potential to swing some major deals. These teams are not just equipped with prospects; they're armed with the motivation and resources to make their moves. But here's where it gets controversial: each team has been assigned a 'Trade Probability Grade,' a hypothetical metric that mimics the scouting system's 20-80 grading scale. This grade aims to rank the clubs based on their ability to seal the deal.
Mariners: Trade Probability Grade - 65 (Mayo)
The Mariners are a force to be reckoned with, boasting eight players on the Top 100 Prospects list. With a talented pool at the top and some middle infield depth, they're not afraid to make trades. Jerry Dipoto has shown he's not hesitant, trading away six Top 30 prospects at the deadline while keeping the cream of the crop. Pitching depth is a strength, with Kade Anderson and Jurrangelo Cijntje leading the way. Cijntje is almost big-league ready, which could be a major draw for rebuilding teams. Keep an eye on prospects like Michael Arroyo or Harry Ford, who might be available due to positional depth in Seattle.
Mets: Trade Probability Grade - 65 (Callis)
The Mets are in a desperate situation, and their resources and prospects make them a prime candidate for a big trade. Coming off a challenging season, they're highly motivated to make a move. While Nolan McLean is likely off the table, the Mets might consider parting with Jonah Tong, the best Minor League pitcher last year. Brandon Sproat and Carson Benge could also be potential trade chips. With Jett Williams and Jacob Reimer, a top third base prospect, the Mets have the assets to make a significant impact.
Dodgers: Trade Probability Grade - 60 (Callis)
The Dodgers are a powerhouse, with the No. 1 farm system at midseason and a recent track record of on-field success. They have an abundance of outfield prospects, including Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope, two of the best in baseball. Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota are also Top 100 prospects. James Tibbs III, a first-round pick, and Ching-Hsien Ko are about to make their mark. The Dodgers have the financial and prospect capital to make any trade they desire.
Reds: Trade Probability Grade - 60 (Mayo)
The Reds are not afraid to deal or bring in prospects, and they have six Top 100 guys. Sal Stewart has already made it to the big leagues, and Chase Burns is close behind. The Reds could make a big splash in the free agent market, but if that doesn't pan out, they might turn to the trade market.
Brewers: Trade Probability Grade - 55 (Mayo)
The Brewers are an exciting team, especially up the middle, with their Top 100 prospects. Jesús Made and Luis Peña are in the Top 20, and Cooper Pratt is another shortstop to watch. While Made is unlikely to be traded, Pratt could be an interesting trade piece. The Brewers have depth with breakout players like Josh Adamczewski, and they're willing to trade from that depth.
Blue Jays: Trade Probability Grade - 55 (Callis)
The Blue Jays came close to winning it all, and that extra motivation could drive them to make a trade. While Trey Yesavage and JoJo Parker are unlikely to be traded, almost anyone else in the organization could be available to improve the team for 2026. The system might not be the deepest, but there are intriguing prospects throughout.
Tigers: Trade Probability Grade - 50 (Mayo)
The Tigers have a deep system with a lot of close-to-big-league-ready offensive talent. Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark are untouchable, but Josue Briceño could be included in a larger deal. Everyone is watching to see if the Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal, but they have other prospects like Briceño and Max Anderson who are almost ready for the big leagues.
Red Sox: Trade Probability Grade - 50 (Callis)
Boston has promoted a lot of talent to the big leagues, but the system still has depth. They have an infield logjam, so Franklin Arias, their best prospect, could be available in the right deal. With an abundance of outfielders, Jhostynxon Garcia might also be on the trade block. Payton Tolle, the best left-hander in the Minors, is unlikely to be traded. The Red Sox are likely to make a trade, and Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, or Wilyer Abreu could be involved to alleviate big league logjams.
Phillies: Trade Probability Grade - 50 (Mayo)
The Phillies are unlikely to trade their top three prospects, but after Gage Wood, their 2025 first-round pick, anyone else is fair game. Aroon Escobar and Dante Nori could be packaged together to bring in a new player.
Guardians: Trade Probability Grade - 45 (Callis)
The Guardians have plenty of hitting depth and were ranked fifth in the midseason farm system rankings. While Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter are unlikely to be traded, they have a ton of prospect depth with players like Angel Genao, Cooper Ingle, and Jaison Chourio. They might need to make a trade to add more power to their lineup.
