MLB Trade Deadline: Which Teams Will Make the Next Big Move After the Devers Deal?

By Oliver Wiener June 20, 2025 07:03

The 2025 MLB trade deadline, set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, is rapidly approaching, and the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade has already set the tone for what promises to be an active and transformative market. With the Giants signaling an all-in approach by acquiring Devers from the Red Sox, other teams are now evaluating their positions deciding whether to buy, sell, or stand pat as the playoff race intensifies.

Giants’ Bold Move Spurs Market Activity

San Francisco’s acquisition of Devers, a three-time All-Star with a career .279/.349/.510 slash line and 33 home runs per full season, sent shockwaves through the league. Giants president Buster Posey emphasized the urgency: “We’re committed to winning now, and bringing in a player of Rafael’s caliber shows that.” This deal not only strengthens their offense but also raises the stakes for other contenders to follow suit .

Contenders Poised to Make Moves

Several playoff hopefuls are expected to be aggressive buyers at the deadline. The Atlanta Braves, despite a slow start, aim to bolster both their starting rotation and bullpen. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Atlanta’s front office is eyeing arms to stabilize late innings and add depth behind their core. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox, having parted with Devers, are likely to target pitching upgrades, potentially trading outfielders like Jarren Duran to address rotation needs.

The Texas Rangers, despite early-season struggles, remain in the hunt in the AL West and are rumored to be seeking offensive reinforcements and bullpen help to solidify their postseason push. The Detroit Tigers, leading the AL Central, are also expected to be active buyers, leveraging their elite farm system to acquire bullpen arms and perhaps a veteran bat to complement their young core.

Teams Likely to Sell and Rebuild

On the flip side, teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks appear poised to sell veteran assets to replenish their farm systems. Baltimore could trade pitchers Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano, as well as position players Cedric Mullins and Ryan O’Hearn, to acquire prospects and reset for the future. Arizona, grappling with injuries and underperformance, may move impending free agents like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly to avoid losing them for nothing and to accelerate their rebuild7.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, despite having a generational pitching talent in Paul Skenes, are expected to hold firm on their prized asset, focusing instead on building around him for the long term. Skenes, who boasts a historically dominant ERA below 1.80 over a 15-start stretch, is considered untouchable for now.

X-Factors and Wild Cards

Several teams hovering near playoff contention, such as the Milwaukee Brewers, could act as opportunists buying selectively if the price is right but cautious not to mortgage their future. The New York Mets, dealing with bullpen deficiencies, have identified Rockies reliever Seth Halvorsen as a prime target, given his blazing 100.1 mph fastball and recent sub-1.50 ERA performance in relief.

What to Expect as the Deadline Nears

With just over six weeks until the deadline, front offices are finalizing their assessments. The Giants’ early blockbuster trade may accelerate negotiations league-wide, as teams jockey to position themselves for October. The deadline’s significance is underscored by the elimination of the August waiver trade period, making July 31 the final day for player-for-player deals involving 40-man roster players.

The Rafael Devers trade has ignited the 2025 MLB trade deadline, setting a high bar for bold moves. Contenders like the Braves, Red Sox, Rangers, and Tigers are gearing up to make strategic acquisitions, while rebuilding teams such as the Orioles and Diamondbacks prepare to sell high on veterans. With pitching and power hitting at a premium, the coming weeks promise a flurry of deals that could reshape the postseason landscape. As always, the trade deadline serves as a mirror, forcing teams to confront their realities whether to push for glory now or build patiently for the future.