Acquiring These Hitters Could Rescue MLB’s Most Struggling Offenses

When might a team realize they should be “sellers”? In 2026, the reality is clear. 40% of MLB teams will make the playoffs, and the window for a team to realize its place as a contender is generally wide open during the first quarter of the season. With that said, there are a few teams that, for a number of reasons, just can’t seem to get things going. Whether due to a string of unfortunate injuries, slow starts, or an overall lack of cohesion in the clubhouse, some teams just can’t get out of the basement.

​The beauty of the playoff structure as it currently stands, though, is that no team is ever truly ‘out of it”. A win streak can raise a team above .500, and in today’s MLB climate, that is, in theory, sufficient to convince a fanbase that thoughts of reaching the playoffs are actually real.

​What might it take to right the ship that appears destined for failure in 2026? Well, with the right trade proposal, likely involving a package of prospects, here are three proven sluggers who can step in right away and help a struggling offense.

Christian Walker - 1B/DH

​The 35-year-old is moving towards career-high production in the power department, and given his formerly annual 30 home run, 100RBI seasons, that is saying something. He could remain in Houston, where the Astros are well below .500, and currently sitting behind seven teams for the final American League spot, or the Astros could capitalize on letting go of his $20 million/year contract in exchange for prospects.

Louis Arraez - 1B/2B

In the StatsCast era, the three-time batting champ is severely undervalued. He exhausts opposing pitchers by extending at-bats and working deep into counts. Whether as a table-setter, or a middle-of-the-order bat who is bound to move runners and cash them in from scoring position. Arraez’s value should not be overlooked by teams that need to start scoring runs. He can play first, second, DH, or even left field if position placement is an issue.

Mickey Moniak - OF

The former 1/1 pick from 2016 is finding new life in Colorado. Will he become a mainstay and continue a career of padding stats at Coors Field, similar to Charlie Blackmon or Todd Helton? Or will the Rockies move Moniak to his fourth MLB club? His value as a hitter has never been higher, and with a .950 OPS, his hitting ability is not one-dimensional. He is getting on base, hitting home runs, and driving them in when it counts. Will a contender take a shot at Moniak, or will the baseball Gods stay put and remain satisfied in his new life with the last-place Rockies?

Of course, there are other big names who might be inquired about by contending teams. Mike Trout could be moved, as could Rafael Devers. Those types of deals are franchise-altering and will rock the world of MLB. That is a discussion for another day.