The 2025 MLB trade deadline is approaching rapidly, with teams having until 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31, to finalize critical roster moves ahead of the playoff push. As the old waiver trade system no longer applies, any significant trades must be completed by this deadline, driving urgency among contenders like the Milwaukee Brewers to secure impactful players such as Eugenio Suárez. The Brewers’ potential acquisition of Suárez could be a decisive factor in their bid for a World Series title.
The Countdown to July 31 Shapes Trade Strategies
General managers are evaluating their options carefully as the deadline nears. Guardians GM Mike Chernoff emphasized the need for flexibility in negotiations, stating,
“I think we’re going to have to take it up to the last minute and see where we are,”
and added,
“It’s our job to prepare on all sides of this to know every single opportunity that we have to improve our team, or on the flip side, to take advantage of the moment if we are not in contention for a spot. I’m hopeful we can pull ourselves back into closer contention.”
These remarks reflect the tense decision-making environment that franchises face as they target essential roster moves to strengthen their postseason chances.
The expanded wild-card format has intensified competition, meaning more teams remain in the thick of the playoff race around the trade deadline than ever before. This leads to a seller’s market, where teams with proven talents like Suárez become highly coveted but harder to acquire since potential sellers are less eager to part with key assets. This dynamic encourages contenders to engage in more player-for-player trades, ensuring that each addition is strategic and immediately impactful.
What Contenders Are Focused on at the Deadline
For 2025, teams are concentrating on transactions that will influence this season’s stretch run, sometimes at the expense of future considerations. Analysts have focused on trade moves projected to swing club fortunes during the remainder of the year. To qualify as a contender in this context, teams must be within three games of a playoff berth as of late July, encompassing 14 clubs actively pursuing upgrades.
Each team‘s priority is to land the single trade addition that can make the most dramatic difference, without necessarily zeroing in on the most famous names available. For example, while every contender might aim to acquire Eugenio Suárez, only one will succeed due to finite trade possibilities. This competitive atmosphere drives a complex trade deadline landscape where calculated risks can yield significant dividends.
Top Trade Targets Poised to Impact Their Teams
Many teams around the league are regarded as serious players in the trade market, each seeking talent that can enhance their roster strategically and immediately. Below is a look at the potential deadline acquisitions for different contenders, highlighting how these trades could shape their postseason trajectories.
Boston Red Sox Looking at Pitcher Mitch Keller to Strengthen Rotation
Among the most sought-after pitchers on the market, Mitch Keller offers Boston a dependable mid-rotation presence with room for growth. With a track record of developing both prospects and veterans, the Red Sox’s coaching staff could coax an even better performance from him. Keller’s stability is exactly what Boston needs to solidify its pitching depth heading into the final stretch.
Chicago Cubs Target Seth Lugo to Fill Starting Role
The Cubs, recently displaced from first place, urgently need reliable pitching due to Justin Steele’s injury. Seth Lugo fits this gap as a starter with a diverse pitching arsenal but without overpowering velocity. Given that Lugo is expected to decline his player option next season, the Royals will likely entertain trade offers. Chicago’s prospects in the upper minor leagues might be enough to secure him, allowing the Cubs to bolster their postseason rotation.
Detroit Tigers Consider Michael Soroka for Bullpen Reinforcement
While leading the AL Central comfortably, the Tigers’ bullpen has faltered of late. Michael Soroka, a 27-year-old starter with strong underlying metrics despite a high ERA, emerges as a potential low-key relief addition. His versatility could enable manager A.J. Hinch to deploy him effectively in multiple relief innings, shoring up Detroit’s late-inning pitching without breaking the bank on star relievers.
Houston Astros Eye Outfielder Taylor Ward to Address Outfield Instability
Despite leading the AL West, the Astros have faced challenges with injuries and an inconsistent outfield. Taylor Ward’s power-hitting and ability to fill the left field vacancy would add depth and length to Houston’s lineup. Though trading within the division is often tricky, the Astros may pursue a deal with the Angels, who remain close to playoff contention, making an intradivisional trade plausible.
Los Angeles Dodgers Seek Ryan Helsley to Bolster Bullpen Depth
Bullpen injuries and underperformance have left the Dodgers vulnerable, even as the team remains one of the top win-now contenders. Ryan Helsley, an effective reliever expected to hit free agency post-season, stands out as a probable acquisition. The Cardinals may deal Helsley while seeking alternative bullpen arms, allowing the Dodgers to address this critical weakness through multiple deadline additions.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Bold Pursuit of Third Baseman Eugenio Suárez
The Brewers recently seized first place in the NL Central and hold baseball’s best record, igniting their best World Series prospects in decades. They are contemplating a high-impact addition in Eugenio Suárez, who would upgrade their third base position despite Caleb Durbin’s recent hot streak. Suárez’s power and clubhouse presence make him a valuable asset, and the Brewers’ surplus of young pitching matches the Arizona Diamondbacks’ quest for youth, creating ideal trade leverage.
“more good players than lineup spots” —Unnamed Analyst
New York Mets Target Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to Improve Center Field
The Mets have a pressing need for bullpen reinforcements and defensive upgrades in center field. Luis Robert Jr. has struggled but recently shown offensive improvement, and his defensive prowess remains impressive. The White Sox are expected to trade Robert, who might flourish in New York where he can play a supporting role rather than shouldering the star burden. This environment could rejuvenate his career and add value to the Mets’ roster.
Yankees and Phillies Explore Multi-Team Trades to Address Positional Needs
Both the Yankees and Phillies are exploring options to balance their lineups. The Phillies need a steady center fielder, making Trent Grisham an attractive target. Meanwhile, the Yankees seek a third baseman and appear willing to move outfielders like Grisham, Cody Bellinger, or Jasson Domínguez. A three-team deal involving the Twins could facilitate necessary positional swaps, with Grisham landing in Philadelphia, prospects moving to Minnesota, and Willi Castro joining New York to fill the infielder spot.
San Diego Padres Look at J.C. Escarra as Catching Upgrade
San Diego needs improvements behind the plate, pitching, and at designated hitter. J.C. Escarra, a promising rookie catcher‘s pitch-framing skills and offense make him an ideal candidate to elevate the Padres’ catching position, especially given their current struggles with Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado. The Yankees are positioned to trade Escarra, facilitated by their confidence in Austin Wells and Ben Rice, potentially providing San Diego with a key asset down the stretch.
Seattle Mariners Plan to Add Lefty Power with Josh Naylor
Seattle’s first base has been a persistent weakness, highlighted by Donovan Solano and Rowdy Tellez’s limited production. Josh Naylor, a power-hitting lefty with the Diamondbacks, is expected to be traded and would strengthen the Mariners’ middle of the order. His bat would complement the team’s existing offensive strengths and contribute to maintaining their position in the postseason race.
Tampa Bay Rays Seek Seth Halvorsen to Stabilize Bullpen
The Rays have historically boasted strong bullpens, but 2025 has been a struggle in late innings. Seth Halvorsen’s impressive fastball and swing-and-miss secondary pitches align with Tampa Bay’s bullpen style. Although his ERA and strikeout rate are unremarkable, a change of scenery could transform him into an effective reliever. The Rays are considered a prime candidate to harness his potential and restore bullpen reliability.
“get away from the Rockies, join a smart team, and instantly become a dominator” —Analyst Commentary
Texas Rangers Consider Jeffrey Springs for Rotation and Bullpen Support
The Rangers remain competitive in the wild-card hunt and are likely to prioritize acquisitions with control beyond the 2025 season. Jeffrey Springs fits this profile, bringing consistent pitching and contract stability through 2026 with an option for 2027. Dallas could also repurpose their young starters into bullpen roles, optimizing rotation flexibility and late-inning options.
Toronto Blue Jays Target Pierce Johnson to Bolster Injured Bullpen
Battling significant injuries in key bullpen arms, the Blue Jays are in need of reliable late-inning relievers. Pierce Johnson’s unique pitching style and effective curveball usage position him as a valuable candidate to augment Toronto’s pitching staff. Even with some injured players expected back soon, adding Johnson would strengthen the Blue Jays’ postseason pitching depth.
Deadline Approaches with Intensifying Trades Among Contenders
As July 31 edges nearer, teams are poised to make aggressive moves to enhance their rosters for the final two months and playoff battles. The Milwaukee Brewers’ pursuit of Eugenio Suárez highlights how strategic acquisitions may tip the balance in tightly contested divisions. Suárez’s combination of power and clubhouse value aligns well with the Brewers’ current momentum and pitching surplus, underscoring the importance of timely trades.
With multiple contenders refining their lineups through deals involving pitching, fielding, and relief specialists, the trade deadline promises to be decisive. The next several days will reveal which teams successfully position themselves for deep postseason runs, and how players like Suárez could influence the race for the World Series championship.