The MLB trade season is heating up as the deadline approaches!

With less than 48 hours remaining before the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the trade conversations are intensifying. Big names like Eugenio Suarez, Dylan Cease, and Luis Robert Jr. are circulating through the industry, and teams are scrambling to make their final moves.

Which Players Will Move?

According to Buster Olney, the New York Mets are aggressively looking to add players, particularly a starter who could pitch in the postseason. They are also in need of relief pitching and an outfielder, possibly Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles.

Jeff Passan highlights the demand for high-leverage relief pitchers, with Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals being the top rental option. Other controllable arms like David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jhoan Duran (Minnesota Twins), and Pete Fairbanks (Tampa Bay Rays) could also be on the move.

Impactful Trades

Olney believes that whichever late-inning reliever the Philadelphia Phillies acquire will have the biggest impact on the rest of the season. Passan, on the other hand, thinks the market for players with multiple years of control could shake things up, with players like Joe Ryan, MacKenzie Gore, and Steven Kwan being potential game-changers.

Team Strategies

• Toronto Blue Jays: Looking to add at least one more reliever.
• Detroit Tigers: Aiming to shore up their bullpen and possibly make bigger moves.
• Houston Astros: In the market for a starting pitcher.
• New York Mets: Expected to acquire an arm and a center-field bat.
• Milwaukee Brewers: Likely to stay quiet unless a great deal presents itself.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: Prioritizing a reliever but considering bigger names.

Wild Card Races

Teams like the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners are making moves to secure their positions. The Mariners, in particular, are seen as the favorite to land Eugenio Suarez, though the cost in prospects could be high.

Other Available Players

Passan notes that teams are hoping to see the asking prices for controllable players come down. If not, they will pivot to the rental market. Big names like Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Luis Robert Jr. are likely to move.

Active Teams

Olney predicts that the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks will be the most prominent teams dealing players. The San Diego Padres are also expected to make moves to bolster their offense.

Final Thoughts

Both Olney and Passan agree that the market is slow-moving, but the dam will break soon, leading to a flurry of deals, mostly for relievers. The lack of star power in this year's market will be compensated by the volume of trades.