With Juan Soto now off the board, trade rumors are picking up steam at the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas.

Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet remains the most likely big name to be dealt, but a few even bigger names have emerged as trade possibilities: Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker and St .Louis Cardinals, Nolan Arenado.

When Astros general manager Dana Brown met with reporters at Monday’s meetings, he was asked about the team’s willingness to trade Tucker and starter Framber Valdez, who each have one season left until they hit free agency. and replied, “We will listen.” Brown added, “We’re not trying to aggressively push anyone out the door.”

Still, it feels like the door is open. Consider this: Over the past three seasons, Tucker has averaged 6.5 WAR per 162 games — the same as Soto. In fact, Tucker had a higher OPS+ than Soto in 2024 (although Tucker only played 78 games due to a slow-healing right tibia fracture). Tucker will be three years older than Soto when he hits free agency, but the Astros could well look at Soto’s new contract and wonder how much Tucker will get on the open market. If they re-sign free agent Alex Bregman, it’s possible they won’t be able to invest in both players and could therefore trade Tucker for young players or prospects.

Meanwhile, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said it was his “intent to try” to move Arenado, the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, who is entering his age-34 season and his worst offensive season (.272/.325/.394) since his rookie year. Arenado was signed for three more seasons for a total of $74 million (including $32 million in 2025). Arenado has a full no-trade clause and has expressed a willingness to move out of third base if necessary, so it appears he is open to a trade. As Buster Olney reported, the Cardinals would likely have to cover some of Arenado’s remaining salary.

With that in mind, let’s find three potential trade partners for each player.