Elly De La Cruz and CJ Abrams Surface as Top Trade Targets
Elly De La Cruz and CJ Abrams surface as top trade targets for major league clubs heading into the winter months, USA Today reported on November 6, 2026, as front offices weigh the financial and roster constraints of retaining core players nearing the back half of their club control years.
Clubs facing low-revenue constraints often evaluate whether to trade young All-Stars when long-term contract extensions stall or organizational replacements mature in the minor leagues. Cincinnati control years for De La Cruz place the 25-year-old infielder halfway toward free agency. During the 2026 campaign, De La Cruz recorded a 30-30 season alongside a career-high 5.6 WAR and an .880 OPS across 143 games, according to stats cited by NBC Sports Boston. Concurrently, the Washington Nationals face decisions regarding Abrams after an All-Star season featuring 33 home runs and 34 stolen bases over 152 games. Washington president of baseball operations Paul Toboni addressed the franchise’s trajectory in a 1,500-word letter to fans following a 77-win season, noting that the team cannot assume identical trajectories for 2027.
Trade discussions surrounding both shortstops carry steep acquisition costs. According to NBC Sports Boston reporting based on analysis by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are expected to pursue De La Cruz and Abrams this offseason. NBC Sports Boston noted that trade packages for either player would likely require top-tier organizational assets, such as Boston’s top prospect Franklin Arias, though Boston’s prior trade deadline deal sending four top-10 prospects to the Baltimore Orioles for Adley Rutschman alters their current inventory. Beyond the middle infield, other clubs evaluate movable roster pieces. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh enters his final year before free agency following a sharp second-half drop in 2026, shifting from a strong first-half slash line through July 1 to a .177 mark thereafter. In Milwaukee, left-handed pitcher DL Hall enters his first season of salary arbitration after posting a 1.91 ERA across 61 regular-season innings for the World Series champion Brewers.
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera draws interest from clubs seeking right-handed designated hitter production and an on-base percentage of .353, while the Los Angeles Dodgers weigh the positional flexibility and $39 million remaining salary of Tommy Edman against the emergence of younger options. Meanwhile, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte remains a fixture of winter trade speculation despite holding 10/5 rights that require him to approve any relocation.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
