The 2025 MLB trade deadline, closing Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, is shaping up to be a critical moment for teams looking to bolster their postseason chances, with several notable players expected to change teams in the coming days. While the market has been somewhat quiet early on, recent developments and injury updates ramp up the intrigue, especially around a few marquee names. Among those drawing the most attention is Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, whose injury status and prodigious offensive output have kept multiple teams on high alert.
Suárez, a standout bat this season with 36 home runs and a league-leading 87 RBIs, entered the spotlight after a scary hit-by-pitch incident on July 28. Fortunately, x-rays came back negative, and he is considered day-to-day, but the timing of this injury adds a layer of uncertainty to his availability in the final hours before the deadline. Still, the interest remains strong from several contenders including the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies, each evaluating whether they can meet Arizona’s steep asking price. Suárez’s offensive profile an .898 OPS with a career-best 143 OPS+ — makes him arguably the biggest name on the trading block if he can pass medical scrutiny.
Other notable figures generating trade buzz include starting pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, also from the Diamondbacks, who are viewed as valuable rotation pieces for contending teams willing to invest prospects or major league assets. While some pitchers like Dylan Cease of the Padres and Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins have experienced varying degrees of struggles this season, their potential impact in new environments keeps them in the conversation, especially with playoff hopefuls seeking to strengthen pitching depth.
Relief pitching continues to be a hot commodity, with over 75% of anticipated moves being bullpen-centric, including names like Twins’ Jhoan Duran and Pirates’ David Bednar. The Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase, recently placed on paid leave pending a gambling-related investigation, has created an unexpected void in the high-leverage reliever market, prompting an increased scramble among teams to fill bullpen roles with reliable arms.
Strategically, the trade deadline is a balancing act between buyers seeking immediate contributions and sellers, such as Arizona and Tampa Bay, aiming to acquire prospects for rebuilding. The Mariners’ recent acquisition of Josh Naylor and the Yankees’ pickup of Ryan McMahon have set the tempo for shuttle moves that address specific roster needs. However, the biggest splash trades often occur in the final hours, and sources suggest "most, if not all" of the top-ranked trade candidates Suárez, Kelly, Gallen, Luis Robert Jr., and others are expected to find new homes before the deadline.
Inside baseball executives echo the sentiment that some big names could still move, pending negotiations and medical clearances. One MLB executive said, "If Suárez can return quickly from this injury, he remains among the most coveted bats available, and teams will push hard to get their deal done." The Diamondbacks, keen to reset their roster, have made it clear they are sellers but demand a significant return, particularly for players on expiring contracts.
Eugenio Suárez stands out as the biggest trade deadline name but joins a strong list of potential movers including Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Luis Robert Jr. As the clock ticks down, expect a flurry of bullpen acquisitions alongside these marquee moves that could reshape playoff landscapes. Teams like the Mariners, Cubs, Mets, and Phillies are poised to be most active, mixing pursuit of power and pitching in a competitive and unpredictable market.
With less than 24 hours remaining, baseball fans can anticipate a frenetic final day of deals, marked by high stakes and strategic gambits that could reverberate well into the postseason.
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