After a quiet start to the offseason, the trade market\u2014especially in the AL East\u2014heated up in December.<\/p>\n
Of the top 13 prospects traded so far, only Harry Ford was not traded or acquired by an AL East team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With 42 prospects traded so far, here\u2019s 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.\u00a0You can find more information on our prospect grade scale here<\/a>, and a link to all of our 2026 Top 10s here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Note: players with * designation were acquired as Rule 5 draft picks. As a result, they carry less value because of their roster restrictions.<\/p>\n No-Doubt Top 100 Prospects<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Potential Top 100 Prospects<\/p>\n The following players are at least in Top 100 consideration for 2026, but they aren\u2019t 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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 1. Jacob Melton<\/a>, OF, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 50\/Mild<\/p>\n 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\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 2. Anderson Brito<\/a>, RHP, Rays (from Astros) | BA Grade: 60\/High<\/p>\n 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\u2019 system at the time of the trade.<\/p>\n 3. Harry Ford<\/a>, C, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 55\/Average<\/p>\n Analysis: Ford\u2019s stock tapered off in 2025 because he isn\u2019t a lock to stay behind the plate and his in-game power hasn\u2019t progressed. He makes good swing decisions and plenty of contact, but his impact is limited by below-average batted-ball angles. He\u2019ll 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\u2019 system, but now slots in third for the Nationals.<\/p>\n 4. Luis Perales<\/a>, RHP, Nationals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60\/High<\/p>\n Analysis: Perales returned from Tommy John surgery at the end of 2025 for three appearances, then ranked ninth among Arizona Fall League prospects<\/a>. 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\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Top 150-500 Prospects<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 5. Jhostynxon Garcia<\/a>, OF, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45\/Mild<\/p>\n Analysis: Garcia\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 6. Brandon Clarke<\/a>, LHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 60\/Extreme<\/p>\n Analysis: Clarke\u2019s 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\u2019ll move up the rankings quickly. Clarke was just outside the Red Sox top 10, but now ranks sixth in the Cardinals\u2019 system.\u00a0<\/p>\n 7. Michael Forret<\/a>, RHP, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55\/High<\/p>\n 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\u2019 system at the time of the trade.\u00a0<\/p>\n 8. Jake Bennett<\/a>, LHP, Red Sox (from Nationals) | BA Grade: 50\/Average<\/p>\n 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\u2014all traits the Red Sox covet. Bennett\u2019s 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\u2019 system and will slot into the same spot with the Red Sox.<\/p>\n 9. Slater de Brun<\/a>, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 55\/High<\/p>\n Analysis: De Brun was one of the top prep outfielders in the 2025 draft. He hasn\u2019t made his pro debut, but when he does, he\u2019ll bring an intriguing blend of plus-plus speed, center field defense and above-average contact ability. De Brun\u2019s power development will determine his upside and he ranked 12th in a very deep Orioles system at the time of the trade.<\/p>\n 10. Yhoiker Fajardo<\/a>, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50\/Average<\/p>\n 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\u2019t miss many bats because of below-average ride. His secondaries are more advanced. Fajardo\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 11. Caden Bodine<\/a>, C, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 50\/Average<\/p>\n Analysis: The Orioles selected Bodine 30th in the 2025 draft on the strength of a solid defensive profile and strong contact skills. He\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Top 500-1000 Prospects<\/p>\n We\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 12. Austin Overn<\/a>, OF, Rays (from Orioles) | BA Grade: 45\/Average<\/p>\n 13. Jesus Travieso<\/a>, RHP, Pirates (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 50\/High<\/p>\n 14. Daniel Susac<\/a>*, C, Giants (from Twins) | BA Grade: 45\/Average<\/p>\n 15. Carter Baumler<\/a>*, RHP, Rangers (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40\/Mild<\/p>\n 16. Tyler Samaniego<\/a>, LHP, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 45\/Average<\/p>\n 17. Robinson Ortiz<\/a>, LHP, Mariners (from Dodgers) | BA Grade: 45\/Average<\/p>\n 18. Blake Aita<\/a>, RHP, Cardinals (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 45\/High<\/p>\n 19. Luke Heyman<\/a>, C, Red Sox (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 45\/High<\/p>\n 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\u2019s very small and there are questions about his ability to stick as a starter long term, which keeps him out of the tier above.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019 backup catcher in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Role Players<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 20. Yoniel Curet<\/a>, RHP, Phillies (from Rays) | BA Grade: 45\/High<\/p>\n 21. Alex Hoppe<\/a>, RHP, Mariners (from Red Sox) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 22. Ryan Watson<\/a>*, RHP, Red Sox (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 23. Adonys Guzman<\/a>, C, Red Sox (from Pirates) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 24. Tristan Peters<\/a>, OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 25. Tanner Murray<\/a>, IF\/OF, White Sox (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 26. Isaiah Jackson<\/a>, OF, Red Sox (from Angels) | BA Grade: 45\/High<\/p>\n 27. Avery Owusu-Asiedu<\/a>, OF, Diamondbacks (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 45\/High<\/p>\n 28. Mason Black<\/a>, RHP, Royals (from Giants) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 29. Tyler Gough<\/a>, RHP, Dodgers (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 30. Tommy McCollum<\/a>, RHP, Rays (from Phillies) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 31. Logan Martin<\/a>, RHP, Giants (from Royals) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 32. Johan Simon<\/a>, LHP, Tigers (from Blue Jays) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 33. Payton Eeles<\/a>, 2B\/SS, Orioles (from Twins) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 34. Cole Wilcox<\/a>, RHP, Mariners (from Rays) | BA Grade: 40\/Average<\/p>\n 35. Miguel Caraballo<\/a>, C, Twins (from Giants) | BA Grade: 45\/Extreme<\/p>\n 36. Yordan Rodriguez<\/a>, RHP, Mets (from Athletics) | BA Grade: 45\/Extreme<\/p>\n 37. Jaiker Garcia<\/a>, RHP, Pirates (from Rangers) | BA Grade: 40\/High<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Depth Players<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 38. Jacob Kisting<\/a>, RHP, Rays (from Twins) | BA Grade: 35\/Average<\/p>\n 39. Isaac Lyon<\/a>, RHP, Nationals (from Mariners) | BA Grade: 35\/Average<\/p>\n 40. Ronny Hernandez<\/a>, C, Red Sox (from White Sox) | BA Grade: 35\/Average<\/p>\n 41. Braiden Ward<\/a>, IF\/OF, Red Sox (from Rockies) | BA Grade: 30\/Mild<\/p>\n