As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, teams face critical decisions that could define their season’s trajectory. With the deadline now fixed within a flexible window to avoid game conflicts, front offices are balancing the urgency of immediate contention with long-term rebuilding strategies. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what every club must do before the deadline to maximize their chances.
Contenders: Buy to Bolster and Push
Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves
These perennial contenders must leverage their financial flexibility to add impactful pieces, especially in pitching. The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and strong roster, should target a frontline starter to solidify their rotation for October. The Yankees, despite injuries, need to add bullpen depth and a versatile bat to complement Aaron Judge and Max Fried. Atlanta, despite a slow start, has kept Chris Sale and should look to add a reliable middle reliever and a power bat to jumpstart their offense.
Quote: Braves president Alex Anthopoulos recently said there’s “zero chance” Sale will be traded, signaling their commitment to contending despite the slow start.
Bubble Teams: Decide to Buy or Sell
Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins
These teams hover near playoff spots and must make a strategic choice: invest aggressively to push into the postseason or sell to build for the future. The Blue Jays could move Kevin Gausman if they lean toward selling, while the Rangers, with Jacob deGrom healthy, might buy to complement their rotation. Cleveland’s injury woes, including Luis Ortiz’s leave, complicate their outlook, but GM Mike Hazen insists on being a buyer, hoping to capitalize on their proximity to a wild card spot.
Quote: Hazen has repeatedly stated his intention to be a buyer, emphasizing the team’s belief in a late-season surge.
Rebuilding Teams: Sell and Stockpile
Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics
With limited playoff hopes, these franchises should focus on trading veterans like Zac Gallen (D-backs) or Eugenio Suárez to acquire prospects. The Diamondbacks, despite injuries to stars Corbin Carroll and Corbin Burnes, remain just three games out of a playoff spot but face a tough decision on whether to push or rebuild. The Cardinals might revisit the possibility of trading Nolan Arenado if their playoff chances fade, while the Reds and Athletics will look to maximize returns on expiring contracts.
Teams in Transition: Evaluate and Experiment
San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners
These clubs are on the cusp of contention but need to fill specific roster holes. The Giants, struggling offensively at second base, could target a bat like Luis Urías. The Marlins, riding a seven-game winning streak, might add bullpen help to sustain momentum. Seattle, clinging to a wild card spot, should bolster both hitting and starting pitching depth to solidify their postseason chances.
Pitching Market: Key Names and Potential Moves
The pitching market is thin but features notable names like Sandy Alcantara, expected to be the biggest name moved, and Pirates ace Paul Skenes, though Pittsburgh’s GM has downplayed trade possibilities. Other starters like Kevin Gausman could become trade chips if their teams decide to sell.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 trade deadline will be a defining moment for many teams. As ESPN analyst Ben Solak put it, “The difference between a playoff team and a championship contender often comes down to smart deadline moves.” With the expanded postseason format, the stakes are higher, and the margin for error slimmer.
Teams must act decisively buyers need to identify and acquire missing pieces, sellers must maximize returns, and those in between must carefully weigh their options. The next few weeks promise a flurry of activity that will reshape the MLB landscape for the stretch run and beyond.
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