Home » News » NL West Trade Deadline: 2025 Outlook & Key Questions

NL West Trade Deadline: 2025 Outlook & Key Questions


MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Dodgers, Rockies, and More

With the MLB trade deadline looming, teams are evaluating their needs and potential moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. As of late June 2025, several teams find themselves in clear contending or rebuilding positions, setting the stage for active trade discussions.

Here’s a breakdown of potential trade scenarios involving the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres.

Los Angeles Dodgers: To Buy or Sell?

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ strategy at the trade deadline hinges on the health of their pitching rotation. Key pitchers like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki are currently dealing with injuries. If these pitchers remain sidelined, the Dodgers may aggressively pursue starting pitching.According to a recent report,the Dodgers have the highest payroll in MLB at $314.2 million, giving them financial flexibility to make moves. Spotrac

Did You Know? The Dodgers have made the playoffs for 11 straight seasons,the longest active streak in MLB.

However, the Dodgers could also adopt a “buy-and-sell” approach, leveraging their pitching depth to address other needs. Pitchers like Gavin Stone, Michael Grove, and Landon Knack could be trade chips if the rotation returns to full strength.

Colorado Rockies: Obvious sellers

The Colorado Rockies, with a current record of 18-60, are prime candidates to be sellers at the deadline. However, their roster lacks high-impact players, making it challenging to find suitable trade candidates.

Relievers Seth Halvorsen,known for his triple-digit fastball,and Jake Bird,a reliable bullpen arm,could attract interest. The most intriguing trade piece is Ryan McMahon, who is signed for $16 million per year through 2027.Since May 1, 2025, McMahon has hit 10 home runs with a.901 OPS, making him a valuable asset for teams needing a third baseman, such as the new York Yankees or Detroit Tigers.

Orioles, Red sox, and Diamondbacks: buyers or Sellers?

The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks are all in a precarious position, straddling the line between contention and rebuilding. As of late June, the Red Sox and Diamondbacks are within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, while the Orioles are further back.

The Orioles have several players with expiring contracts who could be on the move if they become sellers, including Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan O’Hearn. The Diamondbacks also have a number of pending free agents, such as Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, Shelby Miller, and Jalen Beeks.

after trading Rafael devers to the Giants, the Red Sox have signaled their intention to compete in 2025. With financial flexibility, they are more likely to be buyers at the deadline.

San diego Padres: A Two-Way Approach?

The San Diego Padres, led by GM A.J. Preller, could take a unique approach by both buying and selling.Dylan Cease, in his final year before free agency, might be traded for controllable arms. The Padres also need to assess the health of Michael King and Yu Darvish before making decisions on pitching acquisitions.

Catching is another area of concern for the Padres, who rank low in the NL in offensive production from their catchers. Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves could be a potential target.

sean Murphy: A trade Target?

sean Murphy’s performance has been inconsistent since joining the Atlanta Braves in 2023. While he made the All-Star team in his first year, injuries and inconsistent play have hampered his production. In 2025, he has a .751 OPS and a 107 OPS+ in 45 games.

The Braves may consider moving murphy, especially with Drake Baldwin ready to step in as the everyday catcher. Though, a trade is more likely to occur in the offseason, as the Braves may prefer to keep Murphy through the current season or explore a catching/DH platoon in 2026.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams with multiple expiring contracts, as they are more likely to be active sellers at the trade deadline.

Key Trade Deadline Dates

Date Event
July 30, 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
August 1, 2025 Playoff Roster eligibility Deadline

What unexpected trades do you predict will happen this season? Which team needs to make the biggest move to contend?

MLB Trade Deadline: Past Context

The MLB trade deadline, typically falling at the end of July, is a pivotal moment in the baseball season. Teams contending for a playoff spot often look to acquire talent to bolster their rosters, while teams out of contention may trade away valuable players for prospects to improve their future outlook. This period can dramatically reshape the landscape of the league, influencing playoff races and future team strategies.

Historically,the trade deadline has seen numerous blockbuster deals that have altered the course of seasons. For example, the Boston Red Sox’s acquisition of curt schilling in 2004 helped them break their 86-year World Series drought. Similarly, the New York Yankees’ acquisition of Aroldis Chapman in 2016 strengthened their bullpen and eventually led to a successful playoff run.

The strategies employed by teams at the trade deadline frequently enough reflect their long-term goals. Teams with deep pockets and a strong desire to win now might potentially be willing to part with valuable prospects to acquire proven talent. Conversely, teams focused on rebuilding may prioritize acquiring young, promising players in exchange for veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MLB Trade Deadline

What is the MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline is the last day teams can trade players to be eligible for the postseason. it typically falls on July 31st, but can vary slightly year to year.
why do teams make trades at the deadline?
Contending teams make trades to improve their chances of winning a championship, while non-contending teams trade players for prospects to build for the future.
Who decides which players get traded?
The general manager and their staff make the decisions on which players to trade, based on team needs and player value.
Are all players eligible to be traded?
Most players are eligible to be traded, but some players with no-trade clauses must approve any trade involving them.
What happens if a team misses the trade deadline?
Teams can still make trades after the deadline,but those players are not eligible to play in the postseason for their new team.

Share this article and join the conversation! What are your boldest trade deadline predictions?

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.