12 MLB Players Primed for a Change of Scenery Trade

OF Jhonkensy Noel, Cleveland Guardians

2025 MiLB: .280/.344/.561, 5 HR, 136 wRC+

Nicknamed “Big Christmas,” Jhonkensy Noel’s towering frame and raw power have never been in question. The swing-and-miss issue, though, remains huge — he managed a shocking 4 wRC+ over 107 plate appearances in the Cleveland Guardians system this season, forcing a return to Triple-A.
The Guardians rarely keep high-whiff power projects in the long run, so moving Noel could help them add big league help now. There’s no shortage of clubs willing to gamble on that bat if it means unlocking another level of raw power.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.

OF Everson Pereira, New York Yankees

2025 MiLB: .245/.335/.455, 12 HR, 109 wRC+

Everson Pereira has shown power in Triple-A but has never stuck with the big club. His last option means the New York Yankees might finally deal him while they can. He’s still raw and whiffs plenty, but teams could see the pop and imagine a platoon payoff down the road.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

INF Oswald Peraza, New York Yankees

2025 MLB: .153/.228/.266, 3 HR, 40 wRC+

Oswald Peraza’s hype has vanished as he sputtered through minimal MLB chances. Out of options and without a roster fit, the New York Yankees could include him in a trade to avoid losing him for nothing. A fresh landing spot might help him rediscover the promise that once made him one of the Yankees’ most talked-about infield prospects.

C Luis Campusano, San Diego Padres

2025 MiLB: .319/.436/.611, 13 HR, 148 wRC+

Luis Campusano’s story with the San Diego Padres has been odd — overshadowed by aging veterans while putting up huge minor league numbers. He’s done nothing but hit, but defensive limitations and inconsistent usage have blocked his MLB breakthrough. Another team in need of a bat-first catcher could finally give him a true shot.

1B/OF Tyler Black, Milwaukee Brewers

2025 MiLB: .222/.357/.346, 1 HR, 95 wRC+

Tyler Black’s bat once made him a rising name with the Milwaukee Brewers, but the lack of a true defensive home and a down year at the plate have hurt his stock. Still, a rebuilding club could take a flyer and bet on his past results carrying over into a new environment.

OF James Outman, Los Angeles Dodgers

2025 MLB: .125/.222/.375, 2 HR, 65 wRC+

James Outman’s age (28) and swing-and-miss problems limit the upside, but teams love lefty pop in center field. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster squeeze may push him out for any depth piece that helps them now. If he finds regular at-bats somewhere else, there’s still a shot he delivers fringe power value.

3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates

2025 MLB: .247/.297/.304, 2 HR, 68 wRC+

Ke’Bryan Hayes’ glove remains elite, but his bat just hasn’t come around for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A second straight sub-70 wRC+ season is tough to hide, especially with $16 million or so left on his deal through 2029. Some GMs could still see a gold glove and believe a different hitting coach can squeeze out a respectable bat.

3B/2B Jace Jung, Detroit Tigers

2025 MiLB: .211/.365/.392, 8 HR, 111 wRC+

Jace Jung’s Triple-A bat still teases upside, but a passive approach and high strikeout rate stalled his big league shot. He’s refined his glove at third, but the Detroit Tigers’ depth and success made extended playing time tough to find. A rebuilding team could easily flip a mid-tier reliever for a lefty hitter with power, patience, and first-round pedigree.

INF Vaughn Grissom, Boston Red Sox

2025 MiLB: .275/.352/.425, 7 HR, 107 wRC+

Vaughn Grissom joined the Boston Red Sox in the Chris Sale deal with the Atlanta Braves, but he hasn’t carved out a clear future at Fenway. With Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell ahead of him, Grissom’s spot looks squeezed. Boston might move him now to avoid a roster crunch later — and another club could find value in a 25-year-old infielder with solid contact skills.

OF Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals

2025 MLB: .210/.267/.295, 3 HR, 59 wRC+

Jordan Walker’s ride with the St. Louis Cardinals has been chaotic at best. Between defensive position switches, early call-ups, and repeated demotions, the 22-year-old never got a clean runway. The Cardinals could easily spin him into an asset for their push now, while another team lets him rebuild his swing and confidence. A player with his ceiling shouldn’t be bouncing around the IL list at this age.

SP/RP Matt Manning, Detroit Tigers

2025 MiLB: 45.1 IP, 6.15 ERA, 5.49 FIP, 9.33 K/9

Matt Manning’s time with the Detroit Tigers is nearly up. He’s been leapfrogged by depth starters and older arms, and now works out of the bullpen in Triple-A with mixed results. A low-risk deal could see him land on a pitching-hungry club, hoping a tweak turns him into a valuable innings-eater or swingman.

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OF Jhonkensy Noel, Cleveland Guardians

2025 MiLB: .280/.344/.561, 5 HR, 136 wRC+

Nicknamed “Big Christmas,” Jhonkensy Noel’s towering frame and raw power have never been in question. The swing-and-miss issue, though, remains huge — he managed a shocking 4 wRC+ over 107 plate appearances in the Cleveland Guardians system this season, forcing a return to Triple-A.
The Guardians rarely keep high-whiff power projects in the long run, so moving Noel could help them add big league help now. There’s no shortage of clubs willing to gamble on that bat if it means unlocking another level of raw power.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.