2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Biggest Needs and Player Fits for Top Contenders
With the Rafael Devers situation in Boston wrapped up, one might think we won’t see major transactions at next week’s MLB trade deadline. However, that might not be the case. While we may not see another player of Devers’ stature traded, plenty of actions are anticipated leading up to the July 31 deadline. Several teams are still determining whether they’ll be buyers, sellers, or a mix of both. Let’s examine the biggest needs for the top contenders, considering all teams within two games of a playoff spot and one potential target who could fit their requirements.
Arms Race
Chicago Cubs (60-42, 2nd in NL Central)
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
Possible Target: Seth Lugo, SP, Kansas City Royals
No team should be more committed to going all-in than the Cubs, who traded for a season of Kyle Tucker and could use another championship-quality arm in their rotation. Lugo might not have the overpowering stuff of an ace, but his extensive arsenal should make him a dependable option come October. The question remains—how many chips are they willing to gamble on something even more game-changing? How about MacKenzie Gore? It’s worth asking.
Toronto Blue Jays (60-42, 1st in AL East)
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
Possible Target: Mitch Keller, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Blue Jays have surged to the top of the AL East, despite a rotation ERA ranking 24th in MLB. Another trustworthy starter is essential for playoff success, especially since Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer will be free agents at the end of the season. Keller, 29, boasts a 2.59 ERA over his last eight starts and recently inked a five-year, $77 million extension with Pittsburgh—making him a fitting candidate. Miami’s Edward Cabrera could also be considered if they can pull together enough prospects to seal the deal.
Boston Red Sox (55-49, 3rd in AL East)
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
Possible Target: Edward Cabrera, SP, Miami Marlins
Could the Red Sox trade from their surplus of major league outfielders to gain another impactful starter behind Garrett Crochet? It’s a definite possibility. eye level philippines Their farm system is deep enough that they could pursue pitching through other avenues. While it would be costly, pairing Crochet and Brayan Bello with a young, controllable piece like Cabrera—who has a 2.47 ERA since May and is under team control through 2028—could be particularly appealing.
San Francisco Giants (54-49, 3rd in NL West)
Biggest Need: Starting pitching
Possible Target: Adrian Houser, SP, Chicago White Sox
While it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Giants add offensive firepower—they’ve struggled offensively since acquiring Devers—starting pitching has also become crucial. Their starters have an ERA over 5.00 in July pagcor slot. After their big splash, I don’t expect them to chase a Game 1 playoff starter, but adding someone like Houser, who holds a 1.89 ERA in 10 starts for the White Sox, could stabilize their lineup.
Looking for Relief
Los Angeles Dodgers (60-43, 1st in NL West)
Biggest Need: Relief pitching
Possible Target: Ryan Helsley, RP, St. Louis Cardinals
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman’s objective after a high-spending offseason was not to buy in July. super jilli Unfortunately, their pitching staff—with a 4.28 ERA—has been riddled with injuries. Improving the bullpen was necessary even before closer Tanner Scott left his last outing due to lingering pain in his forearm. The Dodgers might also look for an outfielder and a starter but should prioritize top-notch relief pitching at the deadline, especially with Blake Treinen expected to return soon.
Detroit Tigers (60-43, 1st in AL Central)
Biggest Need: Relief pitching
Possible Target: Griffin Jax, RP, Minnesota Twins
It might seem odd to some that the first-place Tigers, known for their medley of relievers and “pitching chaos”, have a bullpen ranked 20th in ERA and 27th in strikeout rate this year. Their relievers have logged a 5.79 ERA in July, blowing as many saves as they’ve recorded (four each). Jax has the seventh-highest strikeout rate among qualified relievers this year, making him a compelling option.
Philadelphia Phillies (58-44, 2nd in NL East)
Biggest Need: Relief pitching
Possible Target: David Bednar, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Phillies were already questioning their bullpen before José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after failing a performance-enhancing drug test. With his postseason absence looming and Jordan Romano’s ERA still over 6.00, it’s crucial to secure another reliable late-inning option alongside perhaps another outfielder. There are several impactful closers available—from Bednar to Emmanuel Clase and Jhoan Duran—but they won’t come without significant investment, as none are rentals.
New York Mets (59-44, 1st in NL East)
Biggest Need: Relief pitching
Possible Target: Danny Coulombe, RP, Minnesota Twins
The Mets currently maintain the lowest overall ERA in the National League, but their bullpen has a 4.42 ERA in July. With lefties A.J. Minter and Danny Young sidelined for the season, it makes sense to consider adding a southpaw in front of closer Edwin Díaz. Despite the interest in a number of high-profile back-end options, standout left-handers are few and far between. Coulombe, boasting a 0.93 ERA for the Twins, or JoJo Romero, who has allowed just one earned run in his past 27 appearances for the Cardinals, are both intriguing choices.
Infield Help
Milwaukee Brewers (61-41, 1st in NL Central)
Biggest Need: Power
Possible Target: Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
This isn’t the type of blockbuster move the Brewers typically make. They have various directions to choose from, but likely smaller moves to bolster the bullpen. However, what their young, speedy, contact-focused offense lacks is a significant power threat ph365.com ph. No one fits the role better than Suárez, who has nearly twice the amount of home runs (36) as the Brewers’ top home run hitter (Christian Yelich: 19). Being a rental, adding him wouldn’t impose long-term financial stress for the frugal franchise. Given their pitching depth, they have plenty to entice Arizona. They’ve stunned everyone with their performance this season; making a big move could be another shocker.
New York Yankees (56-46, 2nd in AL East)
Biggest Need: Third base
Possible Target: Ryan McMahon, 3B, Colorado Rockies
It’s certainly feasible for the Yankees to make a play for Suárez, who would be a solid fit. Yet, if he’s not the ultimate solution, the Jorbit Vivas/Oswald Peraza duo at third base needs to be improved as the Yankees aim for another World Series appearance. Acquiring McMahon or Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia would offer clear offensive enhancements at third base while providing strong defensive skills. okebet888 com login They may also seek another starting pitcher.
Seattle Mariners (54-48, 2nd in AL West)
Biggest Need: Corner infield
Possible Target: Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, Baltimore Orioles
The Mariners’ roster has recorded only five home runs from their third basemen and six from their first basemen. (Rowdy Tellez, who logged 11 homers in Seattle, was released in June.) It’s likely they will secure at least one corner infielder, and they have the prospects to land O’Hearn, Josh Naylor, or another leading slugger available.
Houston Astros (60-42, 1st in AL West)
Biggest Need: Left-handed bat (among many others)
Possible Target: Willi Castro, UTIL, Minnesota Twins
Sitting above the competition with 17 players on the injured list, the top-ranked Astros have multiple potential paths. How will the recent hamstring injury to Isaac Paredes influence their priorities? A versatile player like Castro, who can hit from both sides and cover various infield positions, could fulfill multiple needs as the Astros navigate through their injury woes. A return of starter Charlie Morton would also address a gap.
Wild Cards
San Diego Padres (55-47, 2nd in NL West)
Biggest Need: Left fielder/another bat
Possible Target: Ramon Laureano, OF, Baltimore Orioles
The Padres are one of the most intriguing teams to observe as the deadline approaches, given their numerous needs and A.J. Preller’s willingness to make deals. They must add lineup depth, where a left fielder or designated hitter makes the most sense. Could we see a trade where Dylan Cease moves to Boston in exchange for Jarren Duran going to San Diego? This deal might aid both teams. However, there are many other candidates available, from Laureano to Cedric Mullins and Luis Robert Jr. The Padres have shown a willingness to shuffle their players, so it’s conceivable they could move a center fielder to left, particularly if Robert entices Preller with his potential.
Texas Rangers (53-50, 3rd in AL West)
Biggest Need: Another bat…anywhere
Possible Target: Josh Naylor, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Rangers find themselves outside the playoff picture, 1.5 games back in the wild-card race. However, after winning eight of their last ten games, and boasting the best ERA in the majors, they seem more likely to buy than sell. Their offense desperately needs a boost across the board, ranking in the bottom ten in RBI from both first base and designated hitter. Naylor would be a solid addition to help drive in runs at either slot.
Tampa Bay Rays (53-50, 4th in AL East)
Biggest Need: Relief pitching? Outfield?
Possible Target: Dennis Santana, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Like the Rangers, the Rays have a 53-50 record, placing them 1.5 games behind in the wild-card race. Unlike the Rangers, they have struggled lately, losing 12 of their last 18 games in July. The Rays, who sponsored reliever Bryan Baker from the Orioles earlier this month, can take varied approaches. They might look to buy while also considering a few trades. If they opt for the former, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them explore the outfield market or further enhance their bullpen. Right-handed hitters are batting .262 against the Tampa Bay bullpen this year, the fifth-highest number in MLB.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming 2025 MLB trade deadline?