Phillies Linked to MacKenzie Gore, Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Arenado After Winter Meetings

The MLB Winter Meetings generated real traction on the trade front, and according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, this year’s market could feature some of the biggest names moved in several seasons. Notably, a handful of those players — MacKenzie Gore, Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Arenado — have all been connected to the Philadelphia Phillies at various points this offseason, adding a local layer of intrigue to an already compelling winter.

Feinsand reports that the Washington Nationals seem intent on moving Gore — and potentially CJ Abrams — if the right deal materializes. Gore is coming off a breakout campaign and has been on the Phillies’ radar as they explore controllable starting pitching upgrades. A division-to-division swap remains complicated, but that hasn’t slowed the speculation.

Out in Arizona, the Diamondbacks appear increasingly open to dealing All-Star switch-hitter Ketel Marte. Feinsand notes that with each passing day, Marte looks more likely to be moved, and his combination of power, versatility, and postseason pedigree fits exactly what the Phillies have traditionally targeted. The price will be steep, but the fit is undeniable.

The most intriguing situation might be in St. Louis, where Brendan Donovan continues to attract widespread interest. Donovan — one of the most popular trade targets in baseball — has been linked to the Phillies multiple times thanks to his elite on-base skills and defensive versatility. Feinsand also reports that the Cardinals remain open to discussions on future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado. His name will always spark conversation in Philadelphia, even if a deal feels like more of a longshot scenario.

With the Winter Meetings now in the rearview, the Phillies remain in their familiar offseason position: lurking on the perimeter of every major rumor, ready to strike if the right opportunity presents itself. With several potential fits now clearly in play, the next few weeks could help define both the league’s trade landscape and Philadelphia’s path toward 2026.