MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Rumors, Strategies, and Key Players to Watch

Several teams are looking to add pitching depth, including the Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies.

The Mariners are focusing on adding offensive power at first and third base and have the financial flexibility to do so.

The Mets are seeking bullpen help and may also add a starter and center fielder.

The Diamondbacks are likely to be sellers, with Eugenio Suarez being a highly coveted position player.

The Rays' approach to the deadline will depend on their performance in the second half of the season; reliever Pete Fairbanks and second baseman Brandon Lowe could be available if they decide to sell.

The Braves and Rangers have already made a trade, with the Braves acquiring Dane Dunning for José Ruiz and cash.

Blue Jays: Aggressive buyers looking for star power.

Orioles: Probable sellers, likely to deal away players on expiring contracts.

Rays: Flexible buyers, potentially dealing from their surplus of starting pitching.

Red Sox: Targeted buyers, seeking an impact starting pitcher and a more permanent solution at first base.

Yankees: "Going to town" to acquire pitching and an infielder.

Guardians: Staying nimble, with their strategy depending on their performance in the coming weeks.

Royals: Threading the needle, aiming to build around their core pieces.

Tigers: Strategic buyers, looking to add bullpen depth and another starter.

Twins: Still figuring it out, potentially making small additions and subtractions.

White Sox: Sellers, with Luis Robert Jr. likely to be moved.

Angels: Too early to tell, their approach depending on their performance in the next two weeks.

Astros: Buyers, looking to add a left-handed bat and potentially a starting pitcher.

Athletics: Light sellers, likely to move veterans on one-year deals.

Mariners: Ready to be as bold as the market allows, with financial backing to increase payroll.

Rangers: Could stay put or offload pieces if possible, depending on their performance.

Braves: Sellers, aiming to gain organizational depth.

Marlins: Sellers, open to trades if the returns are favorable.

Mets: Strategically adding pitching (and maybe a bat).

Nationals: Continue to be sellers, growing their organizational depth.

Phillies: Buy, buy, buy, focusing on a late-inning reliever.

Brewers: A bit of both, aiming to add talent without selling the farm.

Cardinals: Could deal expiring contracts, depending on their performance.

Cubs: Buying, with rotation help the top priority.

Pirates: Selling, and maybe aggressively, with several players on expiring contracts.

Reds: Depends on performance out of the break, potentially becoming buyers or sellers.

Diamondbacks: Light sellers, potentially moving Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly.

Dodgers: Buy strategically, focusing on a bat to fill in for the injured Max Muncy.

Giants: Stay active, looking for a lefty reliever and more rotation depth.

Padres: Buy on offense, browse on pitching.

Rockies: Sell, sell, sell, aiming to improve both now and in the future.

Q: Who are some of the key players to watch at the trade deadline?

Q: Which teams are most likely to be aggressive buyers?

Q: What are the biggest needs for contending teams?