10 MLB Teams With the Prospects to Swing a Big Trade at Winter Meetings
The 2025 Winter Meetings carry real weight for teams trying to shift into win-now mode. Several front offices hold valuable prospects who are either blocked at the big-league level or rapidly gaining value.
Consequently, some of the league’s top young players could change teams before spring training. General managers have already shown a willingness to move promising talent for proven stars. With key names already off the board, attention now turns to which clubs have the right prospect packages to pull off the next big deal in Orlando.
Seattle Mariners
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Harry Ford matters because catchers who hit and move well do not sit on trade boards for long. Ford produced 16 home runs and a strong on-base profile in Triple-A, which reflected more polish than his short stint suggested. Seattle values him, but Cal Raleigh controls the position and delivers elite production.
Pittsburgh Pirates
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Pittsburgh continues to generate pitching depth without solving its offensive shortfall. Hunter Barco sits at the center of that equation. He already reached the majors, delivered three scoreless innings, and projects as a long-term starter. His slider stands out as his best weapon, and his fastball consistently reaches the mid‑90s.
Boston Red Sox
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Though Payton Tolle’s profile carries risk, the uncertainty directly shapes his trade value. His fastball misses bats at a high rate, yet major league hitters punished missed locations during his first run. The development focus stays on command rather than raw velocity. Boston continues to view him as a near-term rotation option.
New York Yankees
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Roster construction puts Spencer Jones in a strange position. The Yankees appreciate his power and speed, but the outfield picture remains crowded with established veterans and younger options vying for roles. Jones struck out often, but he also posted 35 home runs and nearly a .940 OPS across two levels.
Philadelphia Phillies
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The return of Andrew Painter came with uneven results, but the good news is that the broader outlook remains intact. His comeback season included lapses in command and inconsistent outings, although his velocity remained strong and his pitch mix continued to evolve. The Phillies are currently monitoring his progress closely, as their rotation plans heavily depend on his development.
New York Mets
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Jonah Tong forces evaluators to look beyond surface-level results. His minor league dominance was marked by elite strikeout totals and excellent run prevention. His brief major league sample produced rough outcomes, despite underlying metrics showing more promise than the ERA suggested. The Mets value his unique delivery and pitch movement, but they also possess other young arms nearing readiness.
San Diego Padres
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Not many catchers reach Double-A as teenagers, but Ethan Salas did before a back injury stalled his rise. The early promotion highlighted how quickly he impressed, even if the missed season introduced new concerns. He appeared in just 10 Double-A games and showed limited impact at the plate, while finishing with a .188 average and no home runs.
Detroit Tigers
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Looking at Detroit’s catching depth explains Thayron Liranzo’s uncertain fit more than his numbers do. His Double-A performance came with a low batting average, but his raw power still shows up in exit velocities and hard-hit rates. Dillon Dingler has taken over MLB duties, and Josue Briceño continues to rise.
Houston Astros
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Speed and power drive Brice Matthews’ appeal, but opportunity does not align with talent in Houston. He swiped 41 bases and showed consistent extra-base ability in Triple-A, yet the Astros have little room with their infield set. His first taste of the big leagues came with struggles, including 20 strikeouts in 47 plate appearances.
San Francisco Giants
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Twenty-five home runs from Bryce Eldridge are proof of why scouts view him as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter. He advanced through three levels in 2025 and portrayed unusual plate discipline for a power bat of his size. First base appears to be his long-term position, though the Giants may explore DH or corner outfield options depending on roster needs.