Deep Dive into the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
After a final day full of moves, the 2025 MLB trade deadline has concluded. Teams like the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros surprised with their decisions, while the Seattle Mariners bet big in their quest for their first World Series. The Minnesota Twins, on the other hand, generated uncertainty about their roster.
We analyze the teams’ decisions and evaluate what to expect for the rest of the season. Below, we present an analysis of our experts’ opinions.Which teams are favorites in the American League?
Bradford Doolittle: It’s not real. There isn’t a clear team to beat in the American League. Teams like the Royals, Rangers, and even the Rays, all have the potential to win. There isn’t a clear separation between them.
Doolittle doesn’t consider that the Astros have improved significantly, and praises the Mariners’ moves, whose lineup he considers more dangerous. Although he sees the Mariners as contenders, he doesn’t perceive a clear advantage.David Schoenfield: It’s not real. Schoenfield believes that several teams in the American League could be ranked in any order without generating much discussion.
Although the Astros added offense with Carlos Correa and Jesús Sánchez, Correa is not at his best and they did not reinforce their rotation. The Mariners improved, but their rotation has not been as effective as the previous season, and their only added reliever is not an impactful move. The American League remains open, which promises an exciting season conclusion.Who are the teams to beat in the National League?
Jorge Castillo: It’s not real. Although the Phillies and Mets have strengthened, the National League remains competitive. The Padres improved aggressively, while the Dodgers maintain their level. The Brewers and Cubs are also contenders, which anticipates an exciting postseason.Schoenfield: It’s not real. Although the Phillies and Mets reinforced well, the Dodgers are getting back important players and the Brewers could be the best team in the league. The Cubs also have an outstanding offense.
Schoenfield highlights the Padres’ improvement, who strengthened their bullpen and covered the needs in their lineup. He considers that the postseason will be very competitive.Are the Padres a Real Threat to the Dodgers in the National League West Division?
Alden Gonzalez: Real. The Padres, just three games back before the deadline, significantly reinforced themselves, improving their lineup and, above all, their bullpen. The Dodgers, although solid in first place, face a real threat.Jesse Rogers: Real. The Padres improved where necessary, especially at catcher and at the bottom of the lineup. Their bullpen is superior to the Dodgers’ at the moment. The Padres have the opportunity to be a truly great team by eliminating the weaknesses in their lineup.Did the Yankees improve their chances of reaching the World Series at the deadline, while the Dodgers did not?
Jorge Castillo: True. The Yankees sought to improve their rotation, bullpen, and infield, achieving two of the three goals without sacrificing important prospects. Although they didn’t acquire an impact starter, they reinforced their bullpen with high-level closers and added players who offer greater flexibility in the lineup.Gonzalez: It’s not real. The Yankees improved their bullpen and their options against left-handed pitchers, but the Dodgers also strengthened. Although they didn’t achieve the desired signings, the Dodgers didn’t fall behind.Are the Cubs and Tigers still teams to be feared in October despite their less aggressive approaches at the deadline?
Rogers: It’s not real. Both teams sought to improve to reach the playoffs, but not necessarily to win. The regular season is based on starting pitching, but October focuses on bullpens. Neither team did enough compared to their rivals.Doolittle: Real, because being a team to be feared doesn’t mean being the clear favorite. Doolittle looks disappointed. Both teams were already well-positioned, but they didn’t make the moves that an “all-in” team would make.
Doolittle comments that the Cubs didn’t make big changes. The Tigers reinforced their rotation, but didn’t do enough for the bullpen.Did the Twins improve their future with the trades made at the deadline?
Doolittle: It’s not real. Doolittle believes the Twins may not have improved significantly. The long-term payroll outlook is a bit better, but the team has become less exciting, and the bullpen, which was a strong point, has weakened.Gonzalez: It’s not real, since many of their moves aimed to reduce costs. The sale of important players indicates that the roster was good and could have competed next year. He believes that Twins fans should not be satisfied with these decisions.
