⚾ MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Top Buyers, Sellers, and Blockbuster Targets

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is here, and the rumor mill is spinning faster than a Jacob deGrom fastball. With July 31 circled in red on every GM’s calendar, teams are making those classic decisions: push for the postseason, or hit the reset button and build for the future. Here’s your Breaking Balls Sports lowdown on who’s buying, who’s selling, what they need, and who could be on the move.

🛒 Buyers: Contenders Ready to Reload

These teams are in the thick of the playoff chase and looking to add that missing piece.

Detroit Tigers

• Why they’re buying: AL Central leaders, best record in the league, and a fanbase hungry for October baseball.

• Needs: A power bat to anchor the lineup, plus some bullpen reinforcements.

• Top Targets: Marcell Ozuna (Braves), Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox), Griffin Jax (Twins).

New York Yankees

• Why they’re buying: Sitting atop the AL East, but injuries have tested their depth.

• Needs: Third base upgrade and a frontline starter to stabilize the rotation.

• Top Targets: Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Eugenio Suárez (Diamondbacks), Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks).

San Francisco Giants

• Why they’re buying: Wild Card surprise, looking to give their young core some veteran support.

• Needs: Reliable starter and a left-handed bat.

• Top Targets: Cal Quantrill (Rockies), Jordan Montgomery (Diamondbacks).

Chicago Cubs

• Why they’re buying: NL Central is wide open, and the Cubs want in.

• Needs: Rotation depth and a trustworthy bullpen arm.

• Top Targets: Andrew Heaney (Pirates), Kyle Finnegan (Nationals), Seranthony Dominguez (Orioles).

Seattle Mariners

• Why they’re buying: Still in the Wild Card hunt, but the offense has been hit-or-miss.

• Needs: Corner infielder or outfielder, plus a late-inning reliever.

• Top Targets: Eugenio Suárez (Diamondbacks), David Bednar (Pirates), Ryan McMahon (Rockies).

Toronto Blue Jays

• Why they’re buying: Recovered from a rocky start and back in the AL East race.

• Needs: Mid-rotation starter and another lefty bat.

• Top Targets: Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Jordan Montgomery (Diamondbacks), Mitch Keller (Pirates).

New York Mets

• Why they’re buying: Hanging tough in a competitive NL East.

• Needs: Reliable starter and some bullpen help.

• Top Targets: Tyler Anderson (Angels), Luis Severino (Athletics), Zack Littell (Rays).

Philadelphia Phillies

• Why they’re buying: NL East leaders with World Series ambitions.

• Needs: Bullpen depth, especially another late-inning option.

• Top Targets: Félix Bautista (Orioles), Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox), Gregory Soto (Orioles).

San Diego Padres

• Why they’re buying: Wild Card spot in hand, not ready to wave the white flag.

• Needs: Versatile hitter and extra rotation depth.

• Top Targets: Alex Verdugo (Braves), Lane Thomas (Guardians)

🏷️ Sellers: Rebuilders Looking to the Future

These teams are out of the race and ready to cash in on their veterans.

Miami Marlins

• Why they’re selling: Out of contention and starting a full rebuild.

• Trade Chips: Sandy Alcantara (SP), Edward Cabrera (SP), bullpen arms.

Chicago White Sox

• Why they’re selling: Bottom of the AL Central, time to retool.

• Trade Chips: Luis Robert Jr. (OF), Mike Tauchman (OF), bullpen arms.

Oakland Athletics

• Why they’re selling: Last in the AL West, still shedding salary.

• Trade Chips: Luis Severino (SP), Mason Miller (RP), Jeffrey Springs (SP).

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Why they’re selling: Still in rebuild mode, looking to stockpile prospects.

• Trade Chips: Andrew Heaney (SP), David Bednar (RP), Mitch Keller (SP), Tommy Pham (OF).

Colorado Rockies

• Why they’re selling: One of the league’s worst records, time for a reset.

• Trade Chips: Ryan McMahon (3B), Cal Quantrill (SP), Jake Bird (RP).

Washington Nationals

• Why they’re selling: Still rebuilding, have some veterans to move.

• Trade Chips: Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Kyle Finnegan (RP).

Boston Red Sox

• Why they’re selling: Already moved Devers, could keep dealing.

• Trade Chips: Jarren Duran (OF), Aroldis Chapman (RP), Walker Buehler (SP).

Baltimore Orioles

• Why they’re selling: Bullpen arms to spare.

• Trade Chips: Cedric Mullins (OF), Seranthony Dominguez (RP), Gregory Soto (RP).

🟠 Bubble Teams to Watch

Some teams could flip from buyers to sellers depending on how July shakes out.

• St. Louis Cardinals: If they slip, Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley, and Phil Maton could hit the market.

• Arizona Diamondbacks: Injuries or a losing streak could make Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Eugenio Suárez available.

🔄 Why This Deadline Could Get Wild

With surprise contenders like Detroit and San Francisco and clear sellers like Miami and Pittsburgh, the 2025 deadline could see some big names on the move. Starting pitching and power bats are in high demand, and the market is tight, so expect some drama and maybe a blockbuster or two.

📚 FAQ

When is the MLB trade deadline in 2025? July 31 at 6 PM ET.

Who are the top buyers? Tigers, Yankees, Mets, Mariners, Giants, Cubs, Blue Jays, Phillies, Padres.

Who are the big sellers? Marlins, White Sox, A’s, Pirates, Rockies, Nationals, Red Sox, Orioles.

What do contenders need most? Starting pitching, bullpen help, and impact bats.