David Bednar, Carlos Correa Among Top Remaining Trade Targets for 2025

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The 2025 MLB trade deadline has seen a flurry of activity that reshaped many rosters, yet a handful of top-tier players remain highly coveted trade targets as teams fine-tune their postseason pushes. Among the most notable are elite closer David Bednar and versatile infielder Carlos Correa, both players with impactful skill sets and contract situations making them focal points of trade speculation.

David Bednar, the 30-year-old right-handed reliever recently acquired by the New York Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates, is under club control through the 2026 season, making him an exceptionally valuable bullpen piece. Bednar has established himself as a dominant late-inning arm with high strikeout rates, a sub-2.00 ERA in the 2025 season, and the ability to thrive in high-leverage situations. His presence bolsters the Yankees’ bullpen depth, a crucial component for October success, as manager Aaron Boone highlighted: “David brings stability and confidence to our ‘pen. His consistency should help us close out tight games when it matters most.” Despite the deal, other contenders are reportedly eyeing Bednar should the Yankees consider re-shaping their bullpen further, keeping his name active in trade conversations.

Carlos Correa, meanwhile, has been the center of headline-grabbing moves. At 30, Correa was recently traded back to the Houston Astros from the Minnesota Twins in a surprising and complex deal that underlines his continuing value despite some health and performance inconsistencies this year. Correa, a former AL Rookie of the Year and multiple-time All-Star, carries a sizable contract through 2028 with club options until 2032, which complicated trade scenarios. Yet the Astros, dealing with injuries and aiming for championship contention, welcomed Correa back to man the hot corner for the first time in his career, shifting from shortstop to third base due to an injury to Isaac Paredes.

Though Correa’s offensive output in 2025 has seen fluctuations with his wRC+ dipping from prior elite levels his veteran leadership, defensive skills, and clubhouse presence remain assets. Astros GM Dana Brown remarked about the reunion: “Bringing Carlos home is about more than just numbers. His experience and grit are invaluable in a playoff race, and he’s eager to contribute in a new role.” Correa’s contract made him a challenging fit for many teams, but his new role in Houston should maximize his impact while managing his physical workload.

Together, Bednar and Correa illustrate the diverse profile of top trade targets: one a high-leverage specialist pitching in the postseason’s most critical moments, the other a versatile, veteran position player contributing both on offense and defense with intangible leadership. Teams still in contention but seeking incremental upgrades are assessing whether acquiring such proven performers can provide the playoff edge.

Additional names remain in the trade mix, but the focus on Bednar and Correa highlights how late-deadline roster construction prioritizes both addressing bullpen reliability and shoring up infield versatility and production. Their status as “top remaining” targets is shaped by contract control, injury history, recent performance, and team needs factors that make trades involving these players both complex and potentially franchise-altering.

In summary, as the 2025 trade deadline drama settles, David Bednar’s elite closing ability and club control combined with Carlos Correa’s multifaceted skill set and high-profile comeback make them two of the most intriguing remaining trade targets. Their involvement in recent and ongoing discussions underscores the high stakes and strategic maneuvers teams employ to chase October glory.