Trade Deadline Approaches With High Stakes
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31, and the action is heating up as contenders make last-minute moves to boost their playoff chances. Teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Tigers are deciding whether to trade for impact players or hold steady. The buzz centers on who moves, who stays, and which contenders will go all-in on acquiring top talent. The deadline is a pivotal moment in the season, where front offices weigh short-term gains against long-term strategy.
Top Trade Candidates Leading The Pack
Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks tops the trade candidate list, with an impressive pace of over 50 home runs this season. His power bat makes him the most coveted third baseman available. Alongside Suarez, Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young winner, is drawing interest despite a rough 7.14 ERA this season. Teams see potential for Alcantara to rebound in a new environment. Also, Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran stands out among relievers, with his devastating splinker pitch making him a hot commodity during this deadline period.
Pitching Market Tight But Active
Starting pitching remains a scarce commodity this deadline. Charlie Morton of the Baltimore Orioles, with a solid 3.47 ERA over his last 12 appearances, is expected to be traded. Teams such as the Padres, Yankees, Mets, and Astros have expressed interest. Morton’s preference to pitch closer to his Florida home might influence the trade destination but ultimately rests with the Orioles’ GM. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins’ Edward Cabrera has overtaken Alcantara in desirability due to his superior 3.61 ERA and strikeout rate exceeding one per inning, making him a premium target despite a heavy cost.
Dodgers Target Bullpen Reinforcements
The Los Angeles Dodgers are laser-focused on bolstering their bullpen ahead of the deadline. Despite returning much of their championship-winning bullpen and adding Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates in free agency, injuries and struggles have left their relief corps vulnerable. They lead the majors in innings pitched by relievers but still need a high-leverage, right-handed arm. Blake Treinen’s return and Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol’s expected arrivals later in the season help, but another reliable late-inning reliever is a must for their World Series push.
Diamondbacks’ Zac
Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen Draws More Interest Than Merrill Kelly. In Arizona, Zac Gallen generates as much, if not more, trade interest than Merrill Kelly, despite Kelly having the statistically better season. Gallen, at 29 years old, is preferred by teams looking to upgrade their rotations over the 36-year – old Kelly. This preference highlights the premium placed on younger, controllable pitching assets this trade season. Gallen’s trade value remains high as contenders seek rotation stability.
Royals And White Sox Take Measured Approaches
Kansas City Royals show willingness to trade but remain protective of their pitching core, focusing on building offense for future competitiveness. Seth Lugo, the right-handed starter with a $15 million 2026 player option, is the most-watched Royal, but his upcoming free agency complicates trade value. On the other hand, Chicago White Sox are likely to move starter Adrian Houser, who boasts an outstanding 226 ERA+ and only two home runs allowed in 57⅔ innings. Luis ROIert Jr., however, remains unlikely to be traded due to his youth and high potential despite recent struggles.
Padres Face Budget And Farm System Challenges
The San Diego Padres have multiple roster needs—left field, catcher, and back-end starter—but face constraints. Their farm system’s upper levels have thinned, and budget concerns loom, with a projected 2025 payroll of $263 million placing them in the second tier of the luxury tax, triggering a 12% surcharge. GM A. J. Preller may have to get creative, leveraging players like Dylan Cease and Michael King to fill multiple holes through trades, balancing immediate needs with financial realities.
Orioles Expected To Move Key Players
Baltimore is widely viewed as a seller heading into the deadline, with center fielder Cedric Mullins and first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn among those expected to be traded. Relievers may also be moved as the Orioles look to reshape their roster. This dealer stance puts them in a position to acquire prospects or future assets while contending teams seek to add proven talent.
Trade Deadline Drama Intensifies With Every Rumor
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is a whirlwind of rumors, strategic moves, and high-stakes decisions. From power hitters like Eugenio Suarez to pitchers like Zac Gallen and relievers like Jhoan Duran, the trade market is alive with opportunity and risk. Teams must balance their championship aspirations with long-term planning, making every deal a potential game-changer. Stay tuned as the clock ticks down and the trade landscape shifts rapidly in these final days before July 31.
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