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

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.

It's important to note that it would be a pretty big shock if any meaninful trade were to happen any time soon. We're at a point in the MLB calendar in which teams begin the season and simply see what they have. The time for trades was in the offseason and in Spring Training.

The 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline will arrive on Aug. 3 this summer at 6 p.m. ET. That's a long time away. But with that being said, let's take a look ahead with three way-too-early blockbuster trade ideas that would shake up the league.

Red Sox and Twins Finally Come Together Around Joe Ryan

Mar 10, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Red Sox Receive: Right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan

Twins Receive: Infielder Franklin Arias (Red Sox's No. 2 prospect), Right-handed pitcher Juan Valera (Red Sox's No. 5 prospect), Mikey Romero (Red Sox's No. 13 prospect) and outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida.

Breakdown: In this deal, the Red Sox bolster what already looks like potentially the best starting rotation in the big leagues on paper with a guy they pursued last trade deadline. There were reports out there that Boston wanted him early in the offseason as well before the 2026 season. But the Twins held on. The Red Sox would deal away two intriguing infield prospects, a young hurler and a big league bat for a cheap, top-of-the-rotation starter.

Yankees add another outfielder thanks to the Cardinals

Aug 31, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (21) high fives teammates after scoring on a sacrifice fly out hit by designated hitter Ivan Herrera (not pictured) in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Yankees Receive: Outfielder Lars Nootbaar, Relief pitcher JoJo Romero

Cardinals Receive: Outfielder Jasson Domínguez

Breakdown: In this scenario, the Yankees would trade away a former top prospect in Domínguez who didn't make the club out of camp for an outfielder who has had a lot of success in the majors in Nootbaar and a lefty reliever who logged a 2.07 ERA in 65 appearances in 2025. In 2026, he hasn't allowed an earned run through three appearances. Nootbaar is on the 60-Day Injured List, so this type of deal is contingent on him returning to form once he's activated. But there will be plenty of time before the August trade deadline for him to show that he can play.

Dodgers add yet another Cy Young Award winner into the mix

Mar 27, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) returns to the dugout against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Dodgers Receive: Sandy Alcántara

Marlins Receive: Outfielder Josue De Paula (Dodgers No. 1 prospect), Outfielder Mike Sirota (Dodgers No. 4 prospect) and Infielder Alex Freeland (Dodgers No. 8 prospect)

Breakdown: The Dodgers are the two-time reigning World Series champions and have a chance to make history by winning a third in a row. The Dodgers' rotation is pretty sweet on paper right now. When everyone is healthy, the Dodgers will have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan.

Plus, of course, there is Roki Sasaki as a wild card. Alcántara is a former Cy Young Award winner who has been in trade rumors for years at this point. He's under contract for the 2026 season and has a club option for 2027. Two seasons of a guy like that are worth trading away high-end prospects when you really don't need them with all of the talent under contract in the majors.