Four Critical MLB Trade Moves to Watch Before 2025 Spring Training
MLB teams, led by the Padres, are poised to make crucial trade moves before the 2025 spring training, echoing last offseason's strategic maneuvers that reshaped their rosters.
Published on April 8, 2025
As MLB spring training advances toward 2025, strategic trade discussions continue to shape the offseason landscape. The San Diego Padres, determined to be World Series contenders next season, are weighing moves to bolster their roster by adding a bat or two and an arm or two. Their previous trade, sending Juan Soto to the Yankees in exchange for key assets like King—which eventually helped them secure Dylan Cease—is a prime example of their balancing act in a competitive market.
Recent reports underscore the broader ripple effects across the league. On February 13, 2025, Reuters noted that the St. Louis Cardinals remain deadlocked over Nolan Arenado’s future, with the veteran third baseman drawing interest from teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, and Angels. Meanwhile, ClutchPoints (February 10, 2025) and BaseballRumors.Me (January 26, 2025) indicate that other high-profile players, including Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth, are also on the trade block as teams look to retool amid rising luxury tax pressures. With time ticking, these four dominoes could critically reshape the league landscape before next season begins.