3 Way-Too-Early Blockbuster Trades That Would Rock MLB

It's obviously early to be thinking about the upcoming trade deadline, but there could be intriguing moves on the horizon.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While the 2026 Major League Baseball season isn't even a full week old, it's never too early to start thinking about the trade deadline. The 2026 MLB trade deadline will arrive on Aug. 3 this summer at 6 p.m. ET. This article explores three way-too-early blockbuster trade ideas that would shake up the league, including the Red Sox acquiring Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, the Yankees adding Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, and the Dodgers trading for Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara.

Why it matters

These potential trades would significantly impact the competitive landscape of MLB, with the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers all making bold moves to bolster their rosters and strengthen their chances of winning a championship. The article highlights how even early in the season, teams are already looking ahead to the trade deadline and considering ways to improve their teams through high-profile transactions.

The details

In the first trade, the Red Sox would acquire Twins pitcher Joe Ryan in exchange for infielder Franklin Arias, right-handed pitcher Juan Valera, outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, and infielder Mikey Romero. The Yankees would trade outfielder Jasson Domínguez to the Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Lars Nootbaar and relief pitcher JoJo Romero. The Dodgers would trade outfielder Josue De Paula, outfielder Mike Sirota, and infielder Alex Freeland to the Marlins in exchange for ace Sandy Alcántara.

  • The 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline will arrive on Aug. 3 this summer at 6 p.m. ET.
  • The 2026 MLB season is not even a full week old.

The players

Joe Ryan

A right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.

Franklin Arias

The Red Sox's No. 2 prospect, an infielder.

Juan Valera

The Red Sox's No. 5 prospect, a right-handed pitcher.

Masataka Yoshida

An outfielder/designated hitter for the Red Sox.

Mikey Romero

The Red Sox's No. 13 prospect, an infielder.

Lars Nootbaar

An outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.

JoJo Romero

A relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jasson Domínguez

An outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Sandy Alcántara

A starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins and former Cy Young Award winner.

Josue De Paula

The Dodgers' No. 1 prospect, an outfielder.

Mike Sirota

The Dodgers' No. 4 prospect, an outfielder.

Alex Freeland

The Dodgers' No. 8 prospect, an infielder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These potential blockbuster trades highlight how even early in the MLB season, teams are already looking ahead to the trade deadline and considering ways to improve their rosters through high-profile transactions. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers are all making bold moves to bolster their chances of winning a championship, showcasing the competitive nature of the league and the willingness of teams to make big splashes in the trade market.