Top 5 MLB Players Still on the Market Ahead of the 2025 Season

The MLB offseason is still in full swing, but the hot stove has turned to a simmer for now. Earlier today, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their success this winter by signing reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year contract. A few days ago, the Dodgers also signed coveted Japanese prospect Rocky Sasaki. While the free agent market has been stable, the trade market has been quite calm so far. The trade of ace Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox to the Boston Red Sox is the biggest trade to date, but the other deals pale in comparison.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t still talent. In fact, there was a good amount left. The problem is that there are a lot of teams that project to be playoff contenders in 2025. That includes several teams that have targets on our list below. Still, teams like the San Diego Padres and Red Sox would part with established major leaguers for hefty packages in the right scenario.

Both the Padres and Red Sox have a player listed in the following article. Two other NL clubs and one AL West club also have representatives. Who tops the list? Nobody else than Padres starter Dylan Sis, who moved from his previous team (the White Sox) last spring training to San Diego. Will Cease be on the move for the second winter in a row?

1. Dylan Cease is clearly at the top of the MLB trade market

Cease had a strong first season with the Friars, accumulating a 4.8 VAR and throwing a no-hitter. He was worth the high price the Padres paid for him and hopefully he stays in brown and gold for a long time. He has enjoyed his time with the team so far and could easily help them get back to the postseason.

However, the upcoming ownership may cause the team to reduce payroll. Quitting could backfire a king’s ransom for the prospect, perhaps larger than what the White Sox got for Crochet. The Padres are almost certainly looking to get back to the postseason, so any change to Cease would have to bring more contributors back to this year’s roster, and more. Would trading him be worth the damage it could cause to the current roster? In the right scenario, anything is possible.

2. Luis Castillo could help any of the top MLB prospects

Without a doubt, the Seattle Mariners have the best starting rotation in baseball. Their starting five of George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Brian Wu, Bryce Miller and Luis Castillo is almost completely domestic. Castillo is the veteran of the group, and has maintained his status as one of the best pitchers in the majors since being traded to Seattle a few years ago. Even with all those weapons, the Mariners couldn’t make the postseason because they were held back by their formidable offense.

Center fielder Julio Rodriguez had a sophomore slump but continued to show promise, and catcher Cal Raleigh continued to show why he is one of the best catchers in baseball. However, more is needed. Change Castillo to another A postseason contender (like the New York Mets or Baltimore Orioles) could bring back a bat or two to help them in the starting lineup. Trying to prize Luisangel Acuna from the Mets would be a pipe dream, but unlikely. It might be more palatable to ask the Orioles for Heston Kjerstad or Ryan Mountcastle. Either way, the Mariners would help improve the roster. That’s all they could ask for moving into 2025.

3. Ryan Helsley would transform the background of any column

The rate for elite players, especially those who can consistently close out games, is high. Check out the price the New York Yankees paid for Devin Williams. An established starting pitcher (Nestor Cortes Jr.) and a second base prospect in Caleb Durbin who could play in the majors as soon as he opens up. Would St. Louis Cardinals could get something just as good, if not better, for Ryan Helsley?

If they could, then outgoing president of baseball operations John Mozeliak would be happy about it. The team is trying to keep wages down, and every little bit helps. Helsley could bring back at least a few top prospects to help the Cardinals’ rebuilding efforts. The team has a long way to go to get back into contention, especially in the NL Central. Dealing with Helsley now while he could bring back useful players for both this season and the future might not be a bad idea. At the very least, it would be a move new president of baseball operations Haim Blum would appreciate come next winter.

4. Alec Bohm could bring in a bigger star for the Phillies

Bohm had a career year with the Phillies in 2024 and is still a key part of their infield. Still, many think he would be a good addition to the team as they look to upgrade their lineup. Third base is a scarce position in the majors, and Philadelphia already has a solid starter. Is it worth potentially upsetting an up-and-coming player who could be there for a while? Based on all the rumors swirling around, that’s a route that interests the Phillies’ front office, led by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.

Would it be possible to ask the Padres about Manny Machado? It’s unlikely, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants is also likely to stay put. Changing Bom for another piece, like a high leverage reliever or an outfielder wouldn’t be the worst idea. Especially if Dombrowski can pivot and bring in free agent Alex Bregman to take over. Whatever the Phillies do, the baseball world will surely be watching.

5. The MLB offseason could include a Triston Casas stunner

The Boston Red Sox are trying to get back to the postseason, and Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is hot on the case. He worked to improve the pitching staff, bringing in more starters and relievers. Lineup work should also be a focus. Rafael Devers has been one of the best third basemen in the league, but the team is reportedly interested in Bregman. To bring him in, Devers may have to move to first base.

In that scenario, trading current first baseman Triston Casas may be the best course of action. He has been steady and has grown since taking on the initial full-time role. However, injuries have delayed his progress a bit, and he is not the best player either. Perhaps going to a smaller-market team would allow him to grow out of the spotlight while the Red Sox pursue Bregman or another potential upgrade, such as first baseman Pete Alonso. Whatever happens, Breslow will continue to try in any way he can to improve the team that calls Fenway Park home.