The MLB trade deadline for 2025 is set for 6pm EST on Thursday, July 31st, with various trade discussions and transactions already underway. Interest is growing in left-handed pitcher Mads, who is in the last year of his four-year, $44 million contract with about $3.8 million remaining. The Cardinals might also consider trading right-handed Phil Mutton but require a strong offer for Ryan Healthley.
The Orioles, after consecutive playoff runs, currently hold the last place in the American League East. Due to pitching struggles and managerial changes, the Orioles may trade veteran players including left-handed Trevor Rogers and other seasoned pitchers like Charlie Morton, Zac Eflyn, Selantny Dominguez, and Gregory Soto. Veteran outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ryan O’Hern could also be moved.
The Diamondbacks have several players, including Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Josh Naylor, and All-Star Eugenio Suárez, potentially available. The Seattle Mariners showed interest in Suárez last November and might try again. The White Sox have received inquiries about Robert from eight teams and expect he may leave Chicago, despite his $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027, and acquisition costs being potential hurdles.
Arizona is also open to trading outfielders like Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Lourdes Griell Jr., and Randall Grichuk, but star Corbin Carroll is not on the trade block. The Phillies are aiming to strengthen their bullpen due to Jose Alvarado’s 80-game suspension and postseason ineligibility, possibly trading top prospects for a player under team control or a right-handed pitcher. They are also considering the Minnesota Twins, who might sell key players Griffin Jacks and Joan Duran.
The Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman has expressed a focus on adding pitching help, whether in the bullpen or starting rotation. The struggling Pirates are clear sellers, planning to retain only young talent like Suken and veteran outfielder McCutchen due to his desire to stay and the team’s respect for him.
The Cubs are targeting Miami’s right-handed starters Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and under contract through 2027, while Cabrera’s contract runs until 2028. Philadelphia Phillies’ president Dave Dombrowski discussed bullpen challenges, highlighting the postseason bullpen’s different demands and acknowledging the team’s dissatisfaction with current performance.
Atlanta Braves’ president Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that star pitcher Sale, despite a tough start to the season, will not be traded. Sale holds an impressive post-first 15 starts record and is under contract for two more years at $38 million. Meanwhile, the Royals’ Hill plans to stay past the opt-out clause unless another MLB team offers him a major league position.
Fan Take: This flurry of trade activity highlights the intense midseason maneuvering teams undertake to bolster their rosters, keeping the competitive spirit alive. For baseball fans, these trades can reshape team dynamics and playoff hopes, adding intrigue and excitement as the season progresses.
