As July heats up, the annual MLB trade deadline looms, promising potential shake-ups across the league. This year presents a particularly complex picture. With an unusually high number of teams still actively competing for a playoff spot – only eight clubs sit more than five games back from a wild card berth – the typical flurry of activity might be somewhat muted if many contenders hold onto assets.
However, one team stands out as a potential catalyst for major moves: the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their willingness to trade impending free agents could significantly reshape the market. Key players like power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez, starting pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, first baseman Josh Naylor, and revitalized closer Shelby Miller are all potential trade candidates. While team ownership and front offices often prefer to push for the postseason and reward fans and players who have worked hard, the reality of their current situation makes selling a strong possibility. A recent crushing sweep by the Miami Marlins dropped their playoff odds to under 20%. With ace Corbin Burnes out for the season due to Tommy John surgery and Zac Gallen struggling with a 5.45 ERA, the rotation has been a significant weakness. A deep postseason run feels increasingly unlikely.
This creates a scenario where offloading valuable players on expiring or favorable contracts becomes a strategic move to bolster the farm system for future contention. For many teams looking to buy, the Diamondbacks, and a few other clubs shifting focus, offer attractive pieces that could provide the missing puzzle piece for a playoff push.
Key Players & Potential Destinations
Each team faces a unique calculation heading into the July 31 deadline, weighing current needs against future prospects and financial flexibility. Here’s a look at one impactful player each team might consider trading for or trading away.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, as noted, are central to many trade discussions. Trading Eugenio Suarez makes sense given his strong performance and the presence of a top prospect ready to take over. Suarez is enjoying a power surge this season, hitting .254/.324/.564 with 26 home runs. His 300th career homer recently highlighted an underrated career, and his lowest strikeout rate since 2018 shows improved plate discipline. Importantly, top prospect Jordan Lawlar, primarily a shortstop but capable at third, is nearing readiness in the minors. Moving Suarez clears the path for Lawlar while bringing back valuable assets.
Several contenders could use a third base upgrade. The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are among the most likely suitors, potentially holding the prospect depth needed to acquire Suarez. The Tigers, expected to make multiple additions, could insert Suarez between lefties Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene, solidifying their lineup and allowing Zach McKinstry to return to a utility role. He would also provide insurance against potential regression from other hitters like Javier Baez or Spencer Torkelson. The Mariners desperately need power, especially with Cal Raleigh carrying a significant portion of the team’s home run total. Suarez would slot in as a much-needed cleanup hitter. Acquiring him would also represent a notable moment for Mariners president Jerry Dipoto, who traded Suarez to Arizona after the 2023 season.
Pitching Market Movers
Pitching is always in high demand at the deadline. Merrill Kelly is another Diamondbacks arm attracting interest. He’s known as a competitive “bulldog” pitcher who maximizes his stuff, which includes a modest 92 mph fastball. His impressive 2.25 ERA over four starts in the 2023 postseason demonstrated his ability to perform on the big stage. Despite an early rough outing in 2025, he’s since posted a 2.83 ERA with a strong strikeout rate. His affordable $7 million contract for 2025 is particularly appealing. The St. Louis Cardinals, who have surprisingly exceeded expectations this season under manager Oli Marmol (leading the NL since May 12), could benefit from adding Kelly. Their rotation ranks middle-of-the-pack in ERA but struggles with strikeouts (26th in MLB). Kelly would provide a better strikeout option to complement Sonny Gray.
On the relief side, the Pittsburgh Pirates might move two-time All-Star closer David Bednar. After a difficult 2024 and a rocky start to 2025, Bednar has been dominant since early April with a 1.95 ERA and an impressive 37.4% strikeout rate. His curveball and splitter are once again elite pitches. Bednar is relatively affordable at $5.9 million and under team control for another season. However, the Pirates are not immediate contenders and have Dennis Santana ready to step into the closer role. Trading Bednar could yield a significant return. The Tampa Bay Rays, one of the AL’s hottest teams since May 1 despite bullpen depth issues (23rd in WPA), could acquire Bednar to bolster their late innings, potentially shifting Pete Fairbanks to a setup role.
Another high-profile pitcher who could be available is Miami Marlins’ 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. Despite a rough 4-8 record and 6.98 ERA this season, Alcantara remains under team control through 2026 with a 2027 option, making him a potential long-term piece for a trade partner. His performance did improve in June with a 4.34 ERA. The Marlins are a team with mixed signals; they are currently 8 games under .500, one of five NL teams more than 5 games out of the wildcard per the original source, but recent strong performance (though offset by poor stretches like losing to the Mets) could influence their decision. Selling Alcantara, especially with his contract, could bring back a strong prospect haul, which the Marlins need. Tanner Scott is also considered a top available reliever.
Teams needing rotation help will target Alcantara. The Chicago Cubs, currently struggling and labeled the NL’s Biggest Disappointment by some experts despite starting pitcher Shota Imanaga’s strong performance, rank 22nd in rotation ERA and 17th in innings. Adding Alcantara would provide much-needed innings and depth behind Matthew Boyd and Imanaga. The Houston Astros, known for big deadline pitching acquisitions, could also pursue Alcantara. While Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown anchor the rotation, they are relying on unheralded rookies. Alcantara would also provide insurance if Valdez departs in free agency after the season.
Position Players on the Move
Beyond Suarez, other hitters could shift teams. Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks could be a valuable addition for teams needing offensive help. The Texas Rangers, surprisingly struggling to score runs (3.77 per game) after their potent 2023 season, rank 22nd in OPS at first base and last at designated hitter. Naylor, a .300 hitter capable of playing either position, offers a clear upgrade for the defending champions who are still hoping to contend despite being outside the wild card picture and having limited All-Stars compared to last year.
The Baltimore Orioles, despite a recent uptick in play, remain seven games out of the final wild card spot with slim playoff odds (under 4%). With numerous impending free agents, GM Mike Elias might pivot to adding prospect depth. Ryan O’Hearn stands out as a valuable trade piece. Acquired from the Royals, he’s provided three strong seasons as a platoon hitter, particularly effective against right-handers (.312/.398/.518). His ability to hit righties makes him one of the best available bats for teams with platoon needs. The San Francisco Giants, who rank last in first base OPS and near the bottom against right-handed pitching, could target O’Hearn. Adding him alongside Rafael Devers would give San Francisco another middle-of-the-order lefty bat, signaling their “all-in” approach. The Giants also recently experienced the somber loss of Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna, despite a recent slump in June, still holds a .369 OBP for the season and has been one of baseball’s most productive hitters since May 2023. While the Braves aren’t expected to be major sellers yet, sitting eight games under .500, Ozuna is a logical trade candidate if they don’t make up ground in July, as he is heading towards free agency. The San Diego Padres could utilize Ozuna at designated hitter, a spot where they rank near the bottom of MLB in OPS. Ozuna’s high OBP would boost a Padres offense that ranks in the bottom third of the NL in runs per game. Jurickson Profar, signed cheaply, has been a surprisingly valuable outfielder for the Padres this season.
Team-Specific Considerations
The Kansas City Royals have seen their playoff hopes dim after an 8-17 June, leaving them 4.5 games out but behind six teams. While Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron provide rotation depth, trading Seth Lugo makes sense for future offensive help. Lugo has a solid 2.74 ERA in 2025 and is signed through 2026 (with a 2027 player option). He’s an attractive trade option for teams needing pitching stability. The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite heavy rotation investment, constantly seek pitching depth due to injuries (Glasnow, Snell, Sasaki uncertainty). Their wealth of hitting prospects makes them a strong trade partner. The Toronto Blue Jays, labeled the AL’s Biggest Disappointment, are in the second wild card spot despite a poor rotation (26th in ERA). Adding Lugo would solidify their staff, particularly with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer potentially becoming free agents. The Jays are reportedly making other players available, including Kikuchi, Jansen, Garcia, Turner, and Kiermaier, while hoping their core can make one more run.
The Cleveland Guardians were the AL’s Biggest Surprise, holding the best record despite challenges. Closer Emmanuel Clase is signed through 2028 at a team-friendly rate. While his performance metrics have declined slightly (higher average allowed, lower ground ball rate), he remains an elite closer. Given that Cleveland kept Clase last year when no team met their asking price, and he subsequently became arguably the best closer with a sub-1.00 ERA, they might be hesitant. However, Cade Smith has emerged as a strong relief option. Trading Clase at his peak value could yield a significant return and hedge against future decline. The Philadelphia Phillies, needing bullpen help and in “win now” mode, are a classic trade partner for such a move.
The Chicago White Sox are having a dismal season (28-58 record, last in AL Central, poor offensive rankings). While Luis Robert Jr. is often rumored, injuries and poor performance make a trade unlikely now. Instead, Adrian Houser is a more probable candidate. Houser has been effective in seven starts (1.91 ERA, 2.2 WAR), potentially benefiting from changing his pitch mix. While his low strikeout rate and Triple-A numbers earlier this year raise questions, pitching depth is needed across the league. He could serve as a backend starter or swingman. The White Sox are actively shopping Andrew Benintendi to shed salary. Experts suggest the White Sox are likely to get even worse as they trade players, potentially challenging historical records for futility.
The Minnesota Twins, despite an early-season winning streak, went 9-18 in June with their pitching struggling. They are another team waiting on July results. Utility player Willi Castro, an impending free agent, could be traded. Castro offers valuable versatility, having played multiple infield and outfield positions while maintaining an above-average OPS+ for three straight seasons. The New York Yankees, who have seen their offense gradually decline since April, could acquire Castro for his flexibility. He could provide depth at third base or in the outfield, particularly if Paul Goldschmidt or Trent Grisham struggle.
Veteran starter Charlie Morton of the Baltimore Orioles is a potential trade piece for contenders needing rotation help. The Los Angeles Angels, surprisingly near .500 despite team-wide mediocrity and the recent medical leave of manager Ron Washington, need pitching. Morton, 41 and a free agent after 2025, has pitched well recently after a rough start.
The Milwaukee Brewers, the NL’s Biggest Surprise despite losing pitching depth and their former manager, might add relief help rather than trade ace Freddy Peralta, a move that backfired in 2022. Rejuvenated closer Shelby Miller of the Diamondbacks, with his affordable $1 million salary, is a logical target to bolster a Brewers bullpen ranking in the bottom third of MLB in ERA.
The Boston Red Sox, after trading Rafael Devers, have underperformed. While they could add pitching or trade outfielders, moving pitcher Walker Buehler is another option. Buehler, struggling since returning (6.45 ERA in 2025), offers limited value unless a team believes his past postseason success indicates he can still perform in big moments. The Red Sox might need to absorb some of his salary.
The Colorado Rockies notoriously avoid trading homegrown players, but Ryan McMahon might be an exception. Despite a down year offensively (.219/.321/.392), he’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender at third base with decent metrics (high walk rate, bat speed) and 20-homer power. Signed through 2027 at a reasonable $16 million per season, he offers a high floor. The Cincinnati Reds, with third base being an offensive “black hole” and struggling to find a solution after releasing Jeimer Candelario, could trade for McMahon. They have prospects like Sal Stewart and Cam Collier who could be part of a package.
Finally, the Washington Nationals are nearing contention, bolstered by prospects acquired in the Juan Soto trade. While they might trade impending free agents like closer Kyle Finnegan or utility man Amed Rosario, pitcher Michael Soroka might be more enticing. His 4.70 ERA in 11 starts isn’t impressive, but his high strikeout (76th percentile) and low walk (79th percentile) rates suggest untapped potential, potentially as a reliever where he succeeded last year.
The Oakland A’s have limited trade chips beyond reliever Mason Miller, who is likely staying. Veteran pitcher Luis Severino’s value has plummeted due to recent struggles and his contract. Utility man Luis Urias, a journeyman who can play multiple positions, fits best as a bench piece for a contender. Teams are scouting the A’s bullpen and outfielders like Brent Rooker and Miguel Andujar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of players are typically involved in MLB trade deadline deals?
MLB trade deadline deals involve a wide range of players, from high-profile stars like former Cy Young winners or All-Star closers to valuable role players, utility guys, and veteran depth pieces. Teams in contention often seek players on expiring contracts or those with team control for a season or two. Selling teams look to trade valuable assets, particularly those nearing free agency, for prospects to strengthen their minor league system and build for the future. Pitching, both starting and relief, is almost always in high demand.
How do MLB teams decide whether to be “buyers” or “sellers” at the trade deadline?
The decision to buy or sell hinges primarily on a team’s position in the standings and their realistic playoff odds as the deadline approaches. Teams comfortably in playoff position or on the cusp of a spot are typically “buyers,” acquiring players to improve their chances. Teams far out of contention become “sellers,” trading established players for prospects. Factors like player contract status (impending free agents are more likely to be moved by sellers), prospect depth in the farm system, financial flexibility, and team needs also heavily influence this decision.
When is the MLB trade deadline in 2025?
While the article discusses moves expected before the end of July, the exact MLB trade deadline for the 2025 season is July 31st. All trades must be completed and approved by Major League Baseball by this date. Activity often ramps up significantly in the days and hours leading up to the deadline as teams finalize negotiations.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB trade deadline has the potential to be exciting, though perhaps in a different way than past years. The high number of teams vying for playoff spots could lead to more teams holding onto assets, but it also means more potential buyers for the players that are available. Teams like the Diamondbacks, White Sox, Orioles, and Pirates, facing dimming postseason hopes, possess valuable pieces that contenders desperately need. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only shape the remainder of the 2025 season but could also significantly impact the competitive landscape for years to come as prospects are exchanged for proven talent.
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