Unleashing Potential: Strategic Moves Expected as 10 MLB Players Remain Trade Targets Ahead of 2026 Season

Title: Potential Trades Looming: Key MLB Players Who Could Shake Things Up Before the 2026 Season

The 2025 MLB trade deadline came and went with a flurry of activity, but some notable players who were rumored to be on the move ultimately stayed put. However, the door remains wide open for potential trades before the 2026 Opening Day for a select group of players who generated significant interest leading up to the deadline.

1. **SP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins**
– **Why He Could Still Be Traded:** Alcantara has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery, leading to a lackluster performance that deterred potential suitors at the deadline. However, if he can finish the season on a high note and showcase his past form, his $17.3 million salary for 2026 could make him an attractive trade target this offseason.
– **Potential Impact:** Despite his recent struggles, Alcantara’s history of success, including a stellar 2022 season, suggests that he has the potential to bounce back and deliver top-tier pitching for a new team.

2. **3B Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals**
– **Why He Could Still Be Traded:** The Cardinals have been looking to move Arenado since last offseason, and while a trade to the Astros fell through, he remains open to a change of scenery. With his contract structured favorably in the coming years and his adaptability to a new hitting approach, Arenado could be a valuable trade asset.
– **Potential Impact:** While no longer in his prime, Arenado’s defensive prowess and evolving offensive approach make him a reliable presence on the field, capable of contributing both with the glove and at the plate.

These players, among others, could potentially shift the landscape of MLB with a move before the 2026 season begins. Keep an eye on these names as trade talks heat up in the coming months, as their performances and contract situations make them intriguing targets for teams looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.

Source: bleacherreport.com