Rumors and Movements on the Horizon: The MLB 2025 Trade Deadline Approaches
The deadline for making changes in the 2025 MLB is just around the corner, and contending teams are carefully evaluating what they need to reinforce their rosters before 6 p.m. ET on Thursday. Could Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox be transferred? Will the Arizona Diamondbacks trade Eugenio Suárez and Zac Gallen to competing teams? Also, which of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies will bet big to improve their chances of winning the 2025 World Series? Here’s the latest information, reactions to already closed deals, and everything you need to know about each team as the trade season progresses.Forex Market Highlights
Mets Seeking Outfield Reinforcements: The New York Mets are closely monitoring the center fielder market, with interest in Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. Robert returned to the lineup on Sunday as a designated hitter after missing two games with a groin issue. Before the injury, he was having his best month in the last two seasons, batting .351 with an on-base percentage of .442 in July. The White Sox are hoping for an increase in prospect capital to move forward in a deal.
Not All White Sox Players Are Available: The Chicago White Sox are looking for a good return of prospects for starting pitcher Adrian Houser, who will likely be traded before the deadline. The Yankees were among the teams that scouted Houser this weekend. On the other hand, outfielder Mike Tauchman is unlikely to be traded, as the coaching staff values his influence in the young locker room.
A Marlins Pitcher’s Market Could Be Heating Up: Teams that can’t meet the demands for Joe Ryan and MacKenzie Gore could focus on Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera. Cabrera, 27, is under contract control until 2028 and has performed well, with an ERA of 2.47 since May.
Gore Market Stalled for Now: The Chicago Cubs are looking to add a starting pitcher with years of control and would consider including a young position player, though not a top prospect. MacKenzie Gore is one of those targets, and the key player the Washington Nationals reportedly want in return is Matt Shaw.
Boston Should Target Diaz from Tampa Bay: The Tampa Bay Rays’ struggles in the last month have surprised other teams, and they could now become sellers at the deadline. Tampa Bay’s first baseman, Yandy Diaz, would be a perfect option for the Boston Red Sox.Could Ozuna Be Traded by the Braves?: The Atlanta Braves could be ready for a small sale before the deadline, moving relievers Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson, and possibly others. Marcell Ozuna, who has veto rights, could be a key factor in any potential deal.
Texas Could Be Aggressive at the Deadline: The Rangers are expected to add players before the deadline, especially after their recent winning streak. Let’s remember that in 2023, Texas reached the playoffs and ended up winning the World Series.Can the Mets Find an Ace at the Deadline?: The Mets continue to look for a starting pitcher capable of pitching in a Game 1, 2, or 3 of a playoff series. Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks, Seth Lugo of the Royals, or Dylan Cease of the Padres could be options.
Where Will the Top Teams Head?: Several teams are waiting to define their strategy. The Rays could be considering selling some pieces. The St. Louis Cardinals could negotiate with closer Ryan Helsley. The Los Angeles Angels could move some players before the deadline.
Completed Agreements
Braves Bolster Rotation: The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran starting pitcher Erick Fedde from the St. Louis Cardinals.Yankees Add Infield Depth: The New York Yankees acquired utility player Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals.Royals Get an Outfielder: The Kansas City Royals acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Yankees Acquire Infielder McMahon: The New York Yankees are acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon in a trade with the Colorado Rockies.Mets Get Bullpen Help: The New York Mets acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles.Mariners Kick Off the Trade Season: The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Analysis Before the Deadline
Will the Royals Trade Lugo, or Extend Him?: Seth Lugo is an interesting name on the trade market, but rival evaluators don’t feel the Royals are especially motivated to make a deal. Kansas City could also use this time to explore an extension with Lugo.
Angels’ Plans Become Clear: Any confusion about whether the Angels will add or subtract before the deadline seems to have cleared up in recent days, with a streak of four consecutive losses. The Angels are informing teams that their pending free agents are available, including third baseman Yoan Moncada, utility infielder Luis Rengifo, starter Tyler Anderson and closer Kenley Jansen.What Are the Astros Looking For?: The best fit for the Astros in terms of hitters is someone who can play second base or left field. The Astros have a 94.5% chance of making the postseason.How Arizona Could Shape the Deadline: The Diamondbacks informed other teams that they would “probably” negotiate with players, but it’s unclear how far Arizona will go. The Diamondbacks have been extensively exploring other organizations in preparation.
White Sox Pitcher Draws Interest: Approximately half a dozen scouts will attend Friday night when Adrian Houser takes the mound for the White Sox. Teams don’t believe they’ll have to give up much to acquire him, and he could be a good back-end starter or a depth piece for a contender.Could the Mets Acquire the Best Hitter at the Deadline?: Eugenio Suárez could be an interesting option for the Mets. The Mets are 23rd in OPS at third base, so they could ask about Suárez.
Houston Seeks a Third Baseman: The Astros join the list of contenders looking for a third baseman. With Isaac Paredes out due to an injury, the Astros have begun to look for available infielders. One of them is Ryan McMahon from the Rockies.A Great Addition to Opening Pitcher Options?: A surprise name has emerged in the opening pitcher market: Dylan Cease, who will be eligible for free agency at the end of the year. Mets, teams from the American League East, and the Cubs have spoken with him.
How the Cubs Approach the Deadline: The Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher above all else, but they won’t part with any top prospects for players on loan. They are desperate to add an arm that can help while Jameson Taillon recovers from an injury.Will the Twins Trade Their Star Pitchers?: Several high-profile teams need bullpen help before the deadline, and the Twins have two of the best available in Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran. It is expected that at least one of them will be traded.An Orioles Opening Pitcher to Watch: It seems very likely that Charlie Morton will be traded, in a relatively thin starting pitcher market with many teams looking for rotation help.
Will Cleveland Trade Their All-Star Outfielder?: The most asked-about player on the Guardians’ roster is Steven Kwan, but he is unlikely to be traded.Braves Not Looking to Move Murphy: The name of Sean Murphy has been mentioned in trade speculation, but he will not be available.Why the 2022 Cy Young Winner Isn’t the Most Sought-After Marlins Pitcher: Edward Cabrera has become more coveted than Sandy Alcantara, as teams believe Alcantara could take a slow season to recover. Cabrera is striking out more than one batter per inning.
How Kansas City Approaches the Deadline: The Royals have signaled their willingness to trade, but with an eye on competing again next year, which means they are not willing to part with the core of their pitching staff. The Royals might want to market him as more than just a rental, while other teams believe he will go to free agency in the fall.What the Dodgers Need at the Deadline: The Dodgers’ offense has been a cause for consternation lately.
