Just a week ahead of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, the market is shaping up to be extremely interesting in one of the most competitive postseason races in recent history. Despite the lack of top-end talent being available, we could certainly see teams get creative with their acquisitions, as well as good teams swapping high-level players at the major league level.
Phillies Receive: Cedric Mullins, Seranthony Dominguez
Orioles Receive: Gabriel Rincones Jr. (Phillies #11), Jean Cabrera (Phillies #12)
While the Philadelphia Phillies are competitive once again, there are legitimate holes in their roster that they could look to address at the deadline. Philadelphia’s bullpen is easily their biggest need, with the struggles of Jordan Romano and the suspension of Jose Alvarado leading to a lack of depth and a true closer. While Dominguez likely wouldn’t close games for the Phillies, he’d add much-needed right-handed depth in their bullpen.
As for Mullins, his price wouldn’t be through-the-roof as he’s in the final year of his deal, and would be an everyday outfielder for Philadelphia. This package would supplement their roster without requiring the surrender of top-end prospects in return. For the Baltimore Orioles, this trade is essentially capitalizing on the value of their top rentals before they become free agents. In a disappointing year, this move helps the Orioles build towards the future.
Cubs Receive: Seth Lugo
Royals Receive: MJ Melendez, Kevin Alcantara (Cubs #4), Jaxon Wiggins (Cubs #5)
Following the addition of Kyle Tucker, the Chicago Cubs had one of their best first halves since their World Series year in 2016. Chicago’s success can be largely attributed to their offensive output, specifically at the top of their lineup with multiple potent bats. While the pitching staff was viewed as somewhat of a strength coming into the season, inconsistencies from the bottom of the rotation and injuries have caused some trouble for the Cubs’ pitching staff.
With Chicago in the market for a legitimate starter, this trade would benefit both sides. The Kansas City Royals have expressed interest in controllable outfield depth in exchange for a veteran starter, and they would find that in Melendez and Alcantara. The Cubs would also include Jaxon Wiggins to finalize the hefty return for Lugo in an expensive starting pitching market. This investment could certainly be worth it for Chicago, as it’d significantly increase their chances of winning the World Series.
Red Sox Receive: Dylan Cease, Bryan Hoeing
Padres Receive: Jarren Duran
With their relentless pursuit of Jarren Duran in 2025, this deal finally lands the former All-Star in San Diego. While the San Diego Padres don’t have a ton of pieces that the Boston Red Sox would want, their willingness to trade Dylan Cease, along with additional pitching, could help get the trade done.
While Duran is having a down year, his multiple years of team control and five-tool upside could still yield a substantial return. With Cease on the final year of his deal, this trade packages him and Hoeing in exchange for Duran. With the Padres in need of outfield depth and athleticism, Duran becomes a perfect fit for San Diego amid their playoff push. For the Red Sox, moving him would solve their outfield logjam as well as bolster their pitching staff by adding a starter with ace potential.
Tigers Recieve: Eugenio Suarez
Diamondbacks Recieve: Josue Briceño (Tigers #4), Ethan Shiefelbien (Tigers #13)
Amid the second disappointing Arizona Diamondbacks season in a row, Arizona is poised to be sellers at the trade deadline with their postseason hopes diminishing. While they may avoid trading key controllable pieces, Suarez is among the top trade candidates around the deadline with his expiring contract. As they’ve faced their biggest struggles of the season as of late, adding big-time power in the middle of their lineup could be just the jolt the Detroit Tigers need to get back on track. Despite being in the final year of his deal, the Tigers would have to send legitimate prospect capital to complete this deal, trading away their #4 and #13 ranked prospects to a struggling Diamondbacks team.
Mets Receive: Mitch Keller
Pirates Receive: Ronny Mauricio, Brandon Sproat (Mets #2), Drew Gilbert (Mets #10)
Despite their hot start to the season, the New York Mets’ starting rotation has hit a wall of injuries and inconsistencies. While they’ve taken chances on lower-cost pitchers in recent years, the Mets could send top prospects to land a legitimate starter at the top of their rotation. With the Pirates selling yet again, they’d be willing to move Keller for young talent and bats. This trade would land Pittsburgh three young controllable assets for their number two starter and help boost the Mets’ World Series odds.
With the MLB Trade deadline approaching, we could certainly see an active approach from many teams despite the stale market. As a result of the large number of competitive teams, we could see multiple deals between buyers at the deadline.
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