MLB trade deadline intel: Where all 30 teams stand with 10 days to go

New York Times

21-07-2025

With just 10 more days until the MLB trade deadline, it's only a matter of time before the trades start flying left and right. To get ready, let's look at where all 30 teams stand, from the buyers to the buyers and sellers to the sellers.
Here is the latest intel I've received in conversations and texts with front office executives from all 30 teams and other people in the game. Let the trading begin!
The Tigers would like to add an impact closer and there are plenty of them to target, including the Orioles' Félix Bautista, the Pirates' David Bednar, the Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and the Braves' Raisel Iglesias. Detroit also has interest in another bat to fortify the lineup. Expect them to be aggressive at the deadline.
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The Cubs' top priority is acquiring a starting pitcher and their targets include the Pirates' Mitch Keller, the Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, the Marlins' Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, and the Orioles' Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano. They would love to land a third baseman such as the Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez or the Rockies' Ryan McMahon, among others. Like most contending teams, the Cubs also would like to add depth to their bullpen.
The Brewers are focused on improving the left side of their infield, either at shortstop or third base, with an impact bat. They are among the teams who could be in play for the Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez, along with the Rockies' Ryan McMahon and even the Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause. They would like an offensive upgrade at shortstop, where Joey Ortiz has struggled, and they've been linked to two speedy Marlins infielders, Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez.
The Dodgers hope their starting pitchers continue to get healthy, and with most of them trending in that direction, it appears they will focus on bullpen help at the deadline. They've been linked to the Twins' Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, the Orioles' Félix Bautista and Gregory Soto, and the Nationals' Kyle Finnegan. The Dodgers will be open to also adding a utility player to help fill in the gaps left by their injured players, including third baseman Max Muncy, who is making progress in his recovery from a knee injury.
The first-place Blue Jays are 'all-in' at this year's trade deadline. They know they have to make two or three good trades if they're going to win the AL East. They are focused on adding a starting pitcher and a reliever. They've been connected with the Pirates on Mitch Keller, Dennis Santana and David Bednar as well as the Diamondbacks' with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. They also could swing big and try to land either Michael King or Dylan Cease from the Padres in a contender-to-contender type of swap.
The Astros have made it clear to opposing general managers that they want a left-handed bat, preferably someone who can play second base. Brandon Lowe of the Rays would be a perfect trade fit for them, and he comes with a 2026 team option. They also are focused on starting pitching, but in all likelihood they'll trade for either a left-handed bat or a starting pitcher, not both. The Astros are looking for impact. If they land a starter via trade, the plan would be to move one of their other starters to the bullpen to bolster its depth. In my opinion, Astros GM Dana Brown is the front-runner for executive of the year, and if he can swing one more big deal, he might have the award all but wrapped up come August.
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The Phillies are looking to boost their outfield and bullpen. They could chase center fielders like Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox and Cedric Mullins of the Orioles, or they could go for a corner outfielder like Boston's Jarren Duran or the Rangers' Adolis García. The bullpen appears to be the more pressing need, and the Phillies took the first step toward addressing it Sunday by agreeing to sign veteran reliever David Robertson. What's next? They could go big, trying to land Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians or Félix Bautista of the Orioles, or look to make a smaller deal for a late-inning reliever such as the Nationals' Kyle Finnegan or the Pirates' Dennis Santana. The Phillies could be close to being a World Series team, and filling those two needs might put them over the top.
The Mets are in the market for a high-leverage reliever to help set up closer Edwin Díaz, and like many contenders, they're scouting the Pirates' David Bednar and Dennis Santana, the Guardians' Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase, the Orioles' Gregory Soto and Félix Bautista, the Nationals' Kyle Finnegan and the Rockies' Seth Halvorsen. The Mets can dangle players like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Ryan Clifford to try to make a significant deadline deal. They also could look to improve in center field with Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, Trent Grisham of the Yankees and Cedric Mullins of the Orioles as possible targets.
The Yankees are prioritizing starting and relief pitching along with potentially an upgrade at third base. They are expected to use prospects to land the pitching help and outfield depth for a contender-to-contender type of trade to upgrade third base. They'd like to acquire an impact starter if possible, but if not, a back-of-the-rotation arm along with a high-leverage reliever would suffice.
In terms of third base, they've been linked to Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks, but there is concern about his defense. Other possible third-base trade targets include Royals All-Star Maikel Garcia — in theory, Kansas City would have interest in one of the Yankees' outfielders to play left field for them. Maybe there's even a deal to be had with the crosstown Mets, who could offer Mark Vientos for Jasson Domínguez or Cody Bellinger or perhaps Brett Baty for Trent Grisham. There just aren't a lot of sellers at this trade deadline, so GMs will have to get creative; GM Brian Cashman has a long track record of doing that.
The Red Sox have been discussing Jarren Duran with several teams — not because they necessarily want to trade him but because they like the outfield of Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddanne Rafaela in center and Roman Anthony in left field, and Duran should not be a full-time DH at his age. If the Red Sox trade him, it will be for a starting pitcher and perhaps a first baseman if they can find the right deal.
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The Padres and Phillies would love to land Duran. However, the Padres really don't match up with Boston unless the Sox would take a pitcher on an expiring contract, like Dylan Cease or Michael King, or perhaps they could try a three-way trade with the Marlins where Boston would land Edward Cabrera from Miami, the Padres would get Duran and the Marlins would get prospects from both Boston and San Diego. The Sox are building for the short- and long-term. Expect them to buy at the deadline with starting pitching and first base their priorities.
Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has made it clear he wants to add a bat or two at the trade deadline, and anyone who has followed his career knows he will likely get that done — one way or another — by the trade deadline. He'll be open to trading impending free agents such as Dylan Cease and Michael King, who is on the injured list and hasn't pitched since May 18, but he won't deal them if it hurts his team's chances of winning the World Series this year. So if Preller trades either one it's because he thinks the trade return will give him as good a chance (or better) of winning a world title this year while building for the future at the same time. The best spot to add a bat is probably in left field, where Jarren Duran of the Red Sox and Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox are likely the two best fits among players who will be available.
The Mariners have their best chance of making the World Series since 2022, the last time they won 90 games. As far as major needs, they appear to be just one impact bat away, and the Diamondbacks' Josh Naylor would be the perfect fit. In addition, Seattle is surveying the market to possibly add starting and relief pitching depth. They also could look to improve the outfield and are among the possible landing spots for Jarren Duran of the Red Sox or Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox.
The Reds have been clear to opposing GMs that they want to add an outfield bat and boost their bullpen. Their farm system is loaded with infield and pitching prospects, and they're as well-positioned as any contending teams to be able to fill both of those needs. With manager Terry Francona at the helm, the Reds are real contenders for a wild-card berth (they're currently 2 ½ games back), and with the aggressive Nick Krall calling the shots in the front office, expect them to make a move or two between now and July 31.
The Giants already won the 2025 trade deadline, on June 15, when they landed Rafael Devers — even though he's dealing with a disk injury in his back and they've had a losing record since making that stunning trade with the Red Sox. In the long run, it should be a great trade for the Giants. Now, the San Francisco front office will look for more offense, either at first base or in right field, to help their pitching staff, which is second in the National League in ERA. The Giants are only 2 ½ games back of the final NL wild-card spot, but they have lost five in a row.
At this point, the Rays could buy, sell, or do both. They are 1 1/2 games out of the final AL wild-card spot and their plus-70 run differential ranks highest among teams on the outside looking in. The Red Sox would love to land first baseman Yandy Díaz from them and the Astros would like to acquire second baseman Brandon Lowe. Both have 2026 team options. Tampa could trade one or both in contender-to-contender type swaps that could work in the short- and long-term for their organization.
The Rays would like to acquire an impact outfielder and a long-term answer at catcher; if they decide to buy, those will be the two areas they focus on addressing.
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The Cardinals are building for the long-term — and that won't change at the trade deadline. That doesn't mean they won't buy if they can land the right starting pitcher without giving up any significant pieces of their future; they will. However, they'll also be open to selling with relievers Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton and Steven Matz all impending free agents. Helsley has the most trade value, and the Mets and Phillies could get into a bidding war if St. Louis decides to trade him.
The Cardinals could still move Nolan Arenado and be willing to pay down his contract; a team like the Tigers makes a lot of sense in that scenario because St. Louis could include a reliever in the deal as well. (Arenado has a full no-trade clause he'd have to waive.) The Cardinals could also use a right-handed hitting outfielder. Expect them to toe the line between buying and selling depending on what moves are available to them.
The Rangers should be buying because they're only 3 ½ games out of the final AL wild-card spot and their pitching staff has the best ERA (3.21) in the majors. They just haven't been able to get their offense on a roll yet, but it seems like it could come together in the second half. If they buy, they're looking for offense and are flexible on the infield corners and the DH spot. They match up well with the Diamondbacks for both Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez. They also could use another high-leverage reliever.
If the Rangers decide to sell, right fielder Adolis García and pitchers Patrick Corbin, Chris Martin and Luke Jackson are the most likely to be dangled. The Rangers could do a little bit of buying and selling this year, but if I were them, I'd go for it. I think this offense is way better than it has played to date.
The Diamondbacks are 4 1/2 games back in the NL wild-card race and have won four in a row. They just missed out on the postseason last year after being a surprise World Series team in 2023. This season, they've endured significant injuries and underperformance from their pitching staff, including losing ace Corbin Burnes to Tommy John surgery.
Normally, I would say go for it, but because the trade market has so few sellers and they're facing an uphill climb in the standings — for the wild card and their division — I think they should take advantage of their situation and sell, because if they do, they could become the headliner of this year's trade deadline. They have four key impending free agents: first baseman Josh Naylor, third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. Those four could net the Diamondbacks eight legitimate prospects, and then they could try to re-sign all or some of them in the offseason. Selling just makes too much sense based on everything that's happened to them this season, and it would put them in a much stronger position for 2025 and beyond. The Red Sox and Mariners could use Naylor; the Brewers, Tigers, Mariners and Yankees could use Suarez, and many contending teams should want Gallen and Kelly.
However, if the Diamondbacks can fix their bullpen, they could find themselves in the playoffs as the final wild-card team. If they can piece together a more consistent bullpen or make shrewd trades to land a couple of relievers, it could be enough to get them there. The D-Backs are the most interesting team to monitor over the next 10 days. They truly could be buyers, sellers or somewhere in between.
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The Angels are four games back in the AL wild-card race and they're looking to add pitching to improve their chances of making a run. However, if they start to stumble, they could easily become full-blown sellers. They could dangle starting pitchers Tyler Anderson and Kyle Hendricks and closer Kenley Jansen along with infielder Luis Rengifo and power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward, the latter of whom would be a great fit for the Royals in a trade.
The Guardians need to rebuild their offense around future Hall of Famer José Ramírez and they could use the back of their bullpen — either Emmanuel Clase or Cade Smith — to make it happen. They also might consider moving left fielder Steven Kwan, but would deal the three-time Gold Glove Award winner only if they're overwhelmed and can win a deal outright. The Guardians are searching for non-arbitration-eligible, major-league-ready players or hitting prospects on the doorstep of the majors.
The Twins will be fascinating to monitor over the next week and a half. Several executives from other clubs have said they think the Twins would deal either Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax from their bullpen if they get an overwhelming offer. However, if they strictly become buyers because they play well over the next stretch, they'll likely target a right-handed-hitting supplemental corner outfielder and a back-of-the-rotation starter or bullpen depth.
The Royals have been looking to improve their outfield offense for a while and they hoped to be buyers at the deadline; however, if they fall further out of the wild-card race, they could pivot to try to take advantage of the seller's market by offering starting pitcher Seth Lugo and closer Carlos Estévez. There has been some buzz in the industry that they would dangle either infielder Maikel Garcia or second baseman Jonathan India if they could land a power-hitting outfielder of equal value in a contender-to-contender type of swap. In addition, if they start winning, they could offer one of their plethora of catching prospects to get a bat to boost their offense, which ranks 29th in homers and runs.
The Marlins will do their due diligence and listen to offers on all their players. But they are not going to trade Sandy Alcantara at a discounted rate, so if they don't get overwhelmed, they'll table trade talks on the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner until the offseason with the hope that he'll pitch much better in August and September and have more trade value then. They don't want to trade Edward Cabrera, but if some team wants to lose a trade to land him, of course they'll consider it.
The Marlins are planning to build around All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers, but all bets are off if a club like the Reds, Padres or Royals wants to make an offer so strong they can't say no. Teams have called Miami on right fielder Jesús Sánchez and middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, but again, the Marlins aren't necessarily looking to deal them. However, expect them to trade relievers like Ronny Henriquez and Calvin Faucher if they get the right prospect return.
The Orioles didn't want to be sellers, but now they're in a position where they have to be. They'll first focus on the expiring contracts, led by starting pitcher Charlie Morton, designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn, center fielder Cedric Mullins and relievers Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto. Right fielder Ramón Laureano has a 135 OPS+ and a 2026 team option, which helps his trade value. The Orioles will also listen on closer Félix Bautista (under team control through 2027).
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The next 10 days are key for the future of the Orioles. They have a chance to own the trade deadline, and with the right wheeling-and-dealing, they could quickly reshape the organization and put themselves in a strong position to be serious contenders in 2026.
The two Braves players most likely to be dealt at the trade deadline are DH Marcell Ozuna and reliever Raisel Iglesias, both of whom are impending free agents. They also could trade other relievers such as Pierce Johnson and Rafael Montero.
They are not looking to move on from second baseman Ozzie Albies, but they'll listen to inquiries, and a team like the Astros, who are looking for a left-handed-hitting second baseman, would be a strong trade fit. Michael Harris II has had such a dismal year that his trade value has evaporated. Atlanta will spend the rest of the 2025 season trying to get him back on track, and if he doesn't, he would be an offseason trade candidate.
Don't expect the Braves to rebuild or even retool at the deadline because they don't need to. They just need to get their starting pitching healthy for 2025 and leave the rest of the heavy lifting, in terms of roster building, for the offseason.
I know the standings don't show how much progress the Athletics organization is making, but their everyday lineup sure does. They just need to focus on improving their pitching staff to be more competitive going forward. At the trade deadline, it's more likely they'll make smaller deals than a big splash. They have some infielders they could deal (Gio Urshela, Luis Urías, Miguel Andujar) and perhaps a starter like Jeffrey Springs. The one big move I could see the A's making is trading impact closer Mason Miller, if in return they could acquire two young starting pitchers, which could reshape their future. However, I think that's unlikely at this point based on the return they would demand for moving Miller, whom they control through 2029.
With interim GM Mike DeBartolo in his new role for only a couple of weeks, the Nationals are not expected to be very active at the trade deadline. However, they'll make pitchers Michael Soroka, Kyle Finnegan, Jose A Ferrer and DH Josh Bell available. They'll listen to inquiries on any of their bench players as well. However, don't expect any of their core players to be traded.
The Pirates are expected to be busy sellers at the deadline with righty Mitch Keller being the headliner and lefty Andrew Heaney a solid back-of-the-rotation arm they could dangle as well. Several teams are asking about closer David Bednar and set-up man Dennis Santana. I could see a scenario where they trade all four of those pitchers over the next 10 days.
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In addition, they'll engage with teams on right fielder Bryan Reynolds and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, who are both signed long term. The Pirates are ready to make a tidal wave at this deadline. They have to rebuild their offense now, and the front office knows it's on the clock and jobs are on the line.
The White Sox have center fielder Luis Robert Jr. available once again — and there has been a lot of interest. Even though he's batting only .201, he still has 10 homers and 25 stolen bases and plays plus defense in center field. A change of scenery could do him wonders and I think whoever lands him could end up getting a steal. Yes, it's a gamble given what it might take to land even an underperforming Robert in this market, but he's only 27 years old, has been playing on a losing team and has no help around him in the lineup. I love the fit for him in Philadelphia, New York (Mets) and Cincinnati, and think he would succeed in any of those environments.
The White Sox could also offer veteran starters Adrian Houser and Aaron Civale in trades as well as relievers like Steven Wilson and Dan Altavilla.
The Rockies are finally ready to make some moves at the deadline with starter Germán Márquez and third baseman Ryan McMahon among the trade candidates. They have had back-to-back solid drafts and if they can turn Márquez and McMahon into four quality prospects, they might finally start to turn the corner as an organization. They could trade lefty starters Austin Gomber and Kyle Freeland as well.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos: Eugenio Suarez: Norm Hall / Getty Images; Jarren Duran: Brian Fluharty / Getty Images; Mitch Keller: Scott Winters / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)