MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Buyers, Sellers, and Potential Moves
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As the 2025 MLB season approaches its midpoint,teams are evaluating their strengths and weaknesses,setting the stage for a flurry of activity ahead of the trade deadline. Several contenders are looking to bolster their rosters for a playoff push, while others may opt to sell off valuable assets to rebuild for the future. This year’s MLB trade deadline promises to be an exciting period for baseball fans,with numerous potential deals in the works.
Contenders eyeing Key Acquisitions
Several teams are clearly in “buy” mode,seeking to add talent to their rosters to improve their chances of making a deep playoff run. These teams have specific needs they hope to address via trade.
Los Angeles Dodgers (52-32)
Despite boasting a meaningful payroll, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in the market for an outfielder and potentially another starting pitcher, according to MLB.com. Injuries have created openings in their rotation, even after investing heavily in pitching talent in recent offseasons.
Chicago cubs (49-34)
The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their rotation with Justin Steele out for the season. Sandy Alcantara of the Miami marlins and Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates have been mentioned as potential targets. The Cubs may also seek upgrades at third base and in the bullpen. Jed Hoyer’s contract expiring this offseason adds another layer of intrigue to their trade deadline approach. The Cubs made a significant move in the offseason,trading for outfielder Kyle Tucker,demonstrating their willingness to invest in talent.
philadelphia Phillies (48-35)
The Philadelphia Phillies are prioritizing bullpen improvements, according to recent statements from team president Dave Dombrowski. While their rotation is strong, the bullpen lost key pieces in the offseason, and a suspension has further weakened their relief corps. Outfield production is another area of concern for the Phillies.
New York Mets (48-36)
The New York Mets’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with several pitchers sidelined. While they expect some players to return from the injured list,bullpen help is always a need. The Mets have also been monitoring the center field market,seeking to improve their defense and offensive production in that position.
San Diego Padres (45-37)
the San Diego Padres have a strong bullpen but a rotation dealing with injuries and a lineup that could use more depth. The Padres recently released Jason Hayward, highlighting their ongoing search for a solution in left field.
Teams on the Bubble: Potential Buyers or Sellers
Several teams find themselves in a gray area, were their performance in the coming weeks could determine whether they become buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
Arizona Diamondbacks (41-41)
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ most pressing need is bullpen help. adding a controllable starting pitcher who could provide innings beyond this season, while Corbin Burnes recovers from tommy John surgery, would also be beneficial. The Diamondbacks need Corbin Carroll and Gabriel Moreno to return from injury to boost their offense. Pitching remains the priority. Several players could become free agents at the end of the year, potentially making them trade candidates if the Diamondbacks falter.
Milwaukee Brewers (47-36)
The milwaukee Brewers have been surprisingly prosperous despite trading away big names in recent years. They are currently on a hot streak, making them a tough team to project. Their owner’s comments about balancing winning with entertainment add uncertainty to their approach. The Brewers have pitching assets that contenders could covet, but they may choose to hold onto their talent and make a playoff push.
St. Louis Cardinals (46-38)
This is a transitional year for the St. Louis cardinals, but they have overachieved with a strong defense. Longtime executive John Mozeliak is in his final season as the lead decision-maker, with Chaim Bloom set to take over. The Cardinals have pieces to sell, including closer Ryan Helsley and starters Sonny Gray and Erick Fedde, but some players have no-trade clauses.
San Francisco Giants (45-38)
The San Francisco Giants have already made a significant move by trading for Rafael Devers. Matt Chapman’s return from injury will boost their lineup and defense. The bullpen has been strong, and robbie Ray’s resurgence has helped the rotation. however, the Giants have struggled recently, and they could target roster depth in both offense and pitching.
Cincinnati Reds (43-40)
The Cincinnati Reds have built a solid pitching staff and are awaiting the return of ace Hunter Greene from injury. They have made moves to shed struggling players, so bullpen help and another bat could benefit the team. However, their playoff chances are considered slim.
Atlanta Braves (38-44)
The Atlanta Braves’ postseason streak is in jeopardy due to injuries and underperformance. Chris Sale is the latest pitcher to land on the injured list. Jurickson Profar is set to return from suspension, but the braves need improvements from struggling hitters. The team’s general manager has stated that they do not plan on selling.
Likely Sellers: Pitchers on the Block
Several teams appear poised to become sellers at the trade deadline, offering valuable pitching assets to contenders.
- Marlins (36-45): SP Sandy Alcantara (6.98 ERA), SP Edward Cabrera (3.78 ERA), RP Anthony Bender (2.27 ERA)
- nationals (34-49): SP Michael Soroka (4.70 ERA), CL Kyle Finnegan (2.89 ERA)
- Pirates (34-50): SP Mitch Keller (3.90 ERA), SP Andrew Heaney (4.48 ERA), CL David Bednar (2.83 ERA), RP Dennis Santana (1.50 ERA)
- Rockies (18-65): SP Kyle Freeland (5.56 ERA), RP Jake Bird (2.76 ERA),RP Jimmy Herget (3.02 ERA)
Did You Know? The MLB trade deadline is typically at the end of July, but can vary slightly year to year.
Potential Trade targets
Here’s a quick look at some players who could be on the move:
| Player | Team | Position | Potential Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Alcantara | Marlins | SP | Cubs, Dodgers |
| Mitch Keller | Pirates | SP | Cubs, Dodgers |
| Kyle Finnegan | Nationals | CL | Phillies, Mets |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams with expiring contracts, as they may be more willing to trade players to avoid losing them for nothing in free agency.
MLB Trade Deadline: A Past Outlook
The MLB trade deadline has long been a pivotal moment in the baseball season, with teams jockeying for position and making strategic moves to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs. Historically, the deadline has seen blockbuster trades that have reshaped the landscape of the league, as well as smaller, under-the-radar deals that have proven to be surprisingly impactful. The introduction of the second wild card has added another layer of complexity to the trade deadline, as more teams remain in contention and are willing to make moves to bolster their rosters.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MLB Trade Deadline
- When is the MLB trade deadline?
- The MLB trade deadline typically falls at the end of July.
- What is the purpose of the MLB trade deadline?
- The trade deadline allows teams to make trades to improve their rosters for the remainder of the season.
- Who are the buyers at the MLB trade deadline?
- Buyers are teams that are in contention for the playoffs and are looking to add talent to their rosters.
- Who are the sellers at the MLB trade deadline?
- Sellers are teams that are not in contention for the playoffs and are looking to trade away valuable players for prospects or other assets.
- What types of players are typically traded at the MLB trade deadline?
- Teams trade for a variety of players at the deadline, including starting pitchers, relief pitchers, and position players.
What are your predictions for the MLB trade deadline? which teams will be the most active,and which players will be on the move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow baseball fans!
