After a quiet start to the offseason, the trade market—especially in the AL East—heated up in December.

Of the top 13 prospects traded so far, only Harry Ford was not traded or acquired by an AL East team. 

With 42 prospects traded so far, here’s our initial big board ranking every prospect dealt since the end of the 2025 season as of Dec. 24. We will continue to update this list until spring training. You can find more information on our prospect grade scale here, and a link to all of our 2026 Top 10s here.

Note: players with * designation were acquired as Rule 5 draft picks. As a result, they carry less value because of their roster restrictions.

No-Doubt Top 100 Prospects

Unlike the 2024 offseason when Cam Smith, Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery were moved, or the 2025 trade deadline, which saw Leo De Vries and Eduardo Tait change teams, no prospect dealt so far this winter is a surefire Top 100 Prospect for when Baseball America releases its updated list in January. 

Potential Top 100 Prospects

The following players are at least in Top 100 consideration for 2026, but they aren’t locks. Each ranked among the top few prospects in their respective systems and all received 45 adjusted grades in the 2026 Baseball America Prospect Handbook. 

1. Jacob Melton, OF, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 50/Mild

Analysis: Back discomfort and a sprained ankle limited Melton in 2025 to 67 games, and he struggled in his big league debut. His underlying Triple-A data, however, was outstanding. His 107.7 mph 90th percentile exit velocity ranked near the top of the Astros’ system and he paired that with above-average contact skills and swing decisions. Melton is major league-ready depth with everyday regular upside. He ranked No. 1 in the Astros system at the time of the trade. 

2. Anderson Brito, RHP, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 60/High

Analysis: The 20-year-old broke out in High-A, then finished off 2025 by showing some of the best stuff of any pitcher in the Arizona Fall League. The main knock on the 5-foot-11 righthander is his size, but Brito shows four average-or-better pitches headlined by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and a mid-80s curveball. He has starter upside with high-leverage relief as a solid fallback. Brito ranked third in the Astros’ system at the time of the trade.

3. Harry Ford, C, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 55/Average

Analysis: Ford’s stock tapered off in 2025 because he isn’t a lock to stay behind the plate and his in-game power hasn’t progressed. He makes good swing decisions and plenty of contact, but his impact is limited by below-average batted-ball angles. He’ll get every opportunity to stay at catcher in Washington and could compete for a starting job in spring training. Ford was slated to rank sixth in the Mariners’ system, but now slots in third for the Nationals.

4. Luis Perales, RHP, Nationals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60/High

Analysis: Perales returned from Tommy John surgery at the end of 2025 for three appearances, then ranked ninth among Arizona Fall League prospects. He was in the midst of a breakout when he got hurt in 2024 and while his stuff is back, his command needs plenty of work. Perales’ fastball tops out at 101 mph and he has at least two above-average secondaries. His size and delivery create reliever risk, but also considerable upside if he can stick in the rotation. Perales ranked fifth in the Red Sox system at the time of the trade, but now slots fourth for the Nationals. 

Top 150-500 Prospects

This tier of players rank among the better prospects in baseball with the potential for Top 100 consideration down the road. Most could become big league regulars, albeit with more risk or concerns about future roles than the prospects in the tier above. They all have 40 adjusted grades.

5. Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45/Mild

Analysis: Garcia’s plus raw power is limited by his hit tool, as he runs below-average contact and chase rates. He likely projects as a platoon outfielder. Garcia ranked fifth in the Red Sox system and slotted in the same spot with the Pirates. 

6. Brandon Clarke, LHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60/Extreme

Analysis: Clarke’s raw stuff is tantalizing, but his strike-throwing is a major question mark. He was off to a great start in 2025 until he struggled to pitch through a blister before the Red Sox eventually shut him down. If he returns healthy with the stuff he showed early in 2025, he’ll move up the rankings quickly. Clarke was just outside the Red Sox top 10, but now ranks sixth in the Cardinals’ system. 

7. Michael Forret, RHP, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55/High

Analysis: Forret impressed in 2025, showcasing a deep arsenal with six distinct pitches and vastly improved strike-throwing. His low-90s fastball velocity ticked up, and his sweeper and curveball both have plus potential. The rest of his arsenal is more solidly average and he sequences it well, landing all his pitches for strikes. His delivery creates some reliever risk, but he has No. 4 starter upside with sustained strikes. Forret ranked eighth in the Orioles’ system at the time of the trade. 

8. Jake Bennett, LHP, Red Sox (from Nationals) | BA Grade: 50/Average

Analysis: After returning from Tommy John surgery in May, Bennett improved as the season progressed and ended on a high note, leading the Arizona Fall League in strikeouts. The 6-foot-6, 234-pounder has size, outlier extension and a low release height—all traits the Red Sox covet. Bennett’s changeup is his best pitch showing plus potential, and he also has an advanced command and control profile. He has a good chance to stick in the rotation and projects as a No. 4 starter. Bennett ranked sixth in the Nationals’ system and will slot into the same spot with the Red Sox.

9. Slater de Brun, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55/High

Analysis: De Brun was one of the top prep outfielders in the 2025 draft. He hasn’t made his pro debut, but when he does, he’ll bring an intriguing blend of plus-plus speed, center field defense and above-average contact ability. De Brun’s power development will determine his upside and he ranked 12th in a very deep Orioles system at the time of the trade.

10. Yhoiker Fajardo, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50/Average

Analysis: Fajardo broke out in 2025 thanks to increased fastball velocity. His heater now sits in the low-to-mid-90s, topping out at 97, but doesn’t miss many bats because of below-average ride. His secondaries are more advanced. Fajardo’s changeup and slider both show above-average potential and he throws a lot of strikes for a teenager. Fajardo projects as a potential back-end starter and ranked ninth in the Red Sox system at the time of the trade.

11. Caden Bodine, C, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 50/Average

Analysis: The Orioles selected Bodine 30th in the 2025 draft on the strength of a solid defensive profile and strong contact skills. He’s an advanced receiver and adept blocker. Offensively, Bodine has a hit-over-power profile. He ran very high contact rates in college and those carried over to his pro debut. While his upside is limited by his lack of impact, Bodine could have a long pro career given his combination of receiving and contact skills. He ranked 16th in the Orioles system at the time of the trade. 

Top 500-1000 Prospects

We’re dropping down another tier, but these prospects are still plenty intriguing. This tier is a mix of higher-upside players who are far away or lower-ceiling players who likely project as major league depth options. These prospects have 30 or 35 adjusted grades and rank in the back half of their respective Top 30s. 

12. Austin Overn, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 45/Average

13. Jesus Travieso, RHP, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50/High

14. Daniel Susac*, C, Giants (from Twins) | BA Grade: 45/Average

15. Carter Baumler*, RHP, Rangers (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40/Mild

16. Tyler Samaniego, LHP, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 45/Average

17. Robinson Ortiz, LHP, Mariners (from Dodgers) | BA Grade: 45/Average

18. Blake Aita, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45/High

19. Luke Heyman, C, Red Sox (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 45/High

Analysis: New Pirates righthander Jesus Travieso fits the high-upside archetype. Only 18, Travieso just completed his first season stateside. He has a lightning-quick arm and already runs his fastball up over 100 mph. He’s very small and there are questions about his ability to stick as a starter long term, which keeps him out of the tier above. 

On the flip side, new Giants catcher Daniel Susac fits the lower-ceiling major league depth type. He comes with Rule 5 roster restrictions and is held back by an overly aggressive approach and poor swing decisions, but has an average defensive profile and above-average arm. He could be the Giants’ backup catcher in 2026. 

Role Players

These players are either close to the major leagues or far away with some upside. The players with proximity are mostly relievers or bench options, while the ones in the lower levels have considerably more risk despite higher upside. 

20. Yoniel Curet, RHP, Phillies (from Rays) | BA Grade: 45/High

21. Alex Hoppe, RHP, Mariners (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 40/Average

22. Ryan Watson*, RHP, Red Sox (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 40/Average

23. Adonys Guzman, C, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40/Average

24. Tristan Peters, OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average

25. Tanner Murray, IF/OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average

26. Isaiah Jackson, OF, Red Sox (from Angels) | BA Grade: 45/High

27. Avery Owusu-Asiedu, OF, Diamondbacks (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 45/High

28. Mason Black, RHP, Royals (from Giants) | BA Grade: 40/Average

29. Tyler Gough, RHP, Dodgers (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 40/Average

30. Tommy McCollum, RHP, Rays (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 40/Average

31. Logan Martin, RHP, Giants (from Royals) | BA Grade: 40/Average

32. Johan Simon, LHP, Tigers (from Blue Jays) | BA Grade: 40/Average

33. Payton Eeles, 2B/SS, Orioles (from Twins) | BA Grade: 40/Average

34. Cole Wilcox, RHP, Mariners (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40/Average

35. Miguel Caraballo, C, Twins (from Giants) | BA Grade: 45/Extreme

36. Yordan Rodriguez, RHP, Mets (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 45/Extreme

37. Jaiker Garcia, RHP, Pirates (from Rangers) | BA Grade: 40/High

Analysis: New Mariners righthander Alex Hoppe is closing in on the big leagues. He spent all of 2025 in Triple-A, showcasing a live arm along with a bat-missing cutter and slider. Lack of command and consistency kept him out of the previous tier, but his raw stuff is intriguing. 

New Diamondbacks outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu fits the group with higher upside that still needs to climb several rungs on the ladder. He really struggled in his first full professional season in 2024, but his performance improved considerably in 2025 and he could be a late-bloomer. His 106.5 90th percentile exit velocity and 112.7 mph max are bested only by Jacob Melton among prospects traded this offseason. 

Depth Players

This group projects as minor league depth. They tend to be on the older side and possess one or two intriguing tools, but are lacking in other areas, which limits their upside. 

38. Jacob Kisting, RHP, Rays (from Twins) | BA Grade: 35/Average

39. Isaac Lyon, RHP, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 35/Average

40. Ronny Hernandez, C, Red Sox (from White Sox) | BA Grade: 35/Average

41. Braiden Ward, IF/OF, Red Sox (from Rockies) | BA Grade: 30/Mild

42. Justin Riemer, 2B/OF, Athletics (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 30/Mild