The second half of the MLB season is underway, with the trade deadline rapidly approaching on July 31st at 6pm ET. As the amateur draft concludes, teams ramp up their trade talks and maneuvers to strengthen rosters. Here’s a roundup of the latest trade deadline buzz:
The Mets are open to trading some of their young infielders, including Brett Baty, Ronnie Mauricio, and Mark Bientos, as playing time is limited due to established stars like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil. Their biggest need at the deadline is bolstering the bullpen, and while a center field upgrade could be considered, it’s likely the Mets would prefer acquiring a controllable asset rather than a short-term rental reliever.
The Cardinals, after a sweep by the Diamondbacks, are reportedly selling veteran right-handed starter Eric Fedde. Despite Fedde’s recent struggles, the Cardinals are keeping him in their rotation for now, hoping to increase his trade value in his next two starts. Fedde has a $7.5 million salary remaining for 2025 and will be a free agent after the season.
The Cubs have shown interest in Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez amid struggles with their rookie Matt Shaw at the plate, aiming to improve their offense during what is expected to be their final year with Kyle Tucker before free agency. The Cubs also need starting pitching and bullpen reinforcements after Justin Steele’s season-ending surgery, and they may consider moving promising outfielder Owen Caissie if the return is worthwhile.
The Athletics are open to moving some of their pitchers, including Luis Severino, JP Sears, and Jeffrey Springs, noting a scarcity in quality pitching on the market. Springs had been their best starter this year, while Sears is a durable lefty despite some home run issues, and Severino has performed notably better on the road than at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. The Athletics, with a strong offensive lineup, are seeking to improve their pitching staff.
The Orioles, currently 44-54, plan to trade rental players as GM Mike Elias indicated, focusing on those nearing free agency. Players like starters Zack Eflin and Charlie Morton, as well as relievers José Alvarado and Gregory Soto, alongside Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramon Laureano, could be moved, but Baltimore does not expect massive returns.
The are actively seeking bullpen additions despite spending heavily in the offseason on Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates. With Treinen sidelined due to forearm issues and Scott and Yates struggling with home runs allowed, the have inquired about bullpen options from several teams to support closer Alex Vesia and provide manager Dave Roberts with more reliable late-inning options.
Fan Take: This flurry of trade activity highlights how teams are balancing immediate playoff pushes with long-term roster building. For baseball fans, these moves could reshape the competitive landscape and add exciting new talents and storylines as the season heats up.
