Who Are the Biggest Buyers and Sellers at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline?
By Oliver Wiener July 09, 2025 09:30
As the July 31 MLB trade deadline looms, teams across the league are positioning themselves either to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or to rebuild by selling off assets. The 2025 deadline is shaping up to be a fascinating mix of cautious buyers and eager sellers, with some franchises holding prized trade chips that could shift the balance of power.
Biggest Sellers
The Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox have been identified as the most likely sellers this season. These teams are either out of contention or hovering below .500, making a sell-off of veterans and expiring contracts a logical step.
The Pirates, for example, have several valuable pieces on the block, including relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana, as well as infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Nationals’ trade chips include Nathaniel Lowe and Kyle Finnegan, while the Athletics could move Miguel Andújar and Luis Urías. The Marlins’ most notable asset is former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, who has regained form after elbow surgery and carries two years of team control. An AL executive noted, “Aces don’t become available often, particularly those with two years of club control. If Alcantara keeps pitching like he has, Miami should get a big return.”
The Rockies, despite having the worst record in MLB, have intriguing players like third baseman Ryan McMahon and relievers Jake Bird and Seth Halvorsen who could attract interest. However, GM Bill Schmidt’s past reluctance to trade key pieces at the deadline leaves uncertainty about how aggressively Colorado will sell.
The White Sox present a mixed bag with some controllable relievers and rental starters like Aaron Civale and Adrian Houser, plus center fielder Luis Robert Jr., whose inconsistent performance has tempered his trade value.
The Baltimore Orioles are a team to watch closely. After a tough start, they’ve posted a 16-10 run since early May but remain on the bubble. Should their momentum falter, they could become sellers, potentially trading starters like Zach Eflin, Tomoy Sugano, and Trevor Rogers. Orioles insiders suggest they have the potential to make a significant impact on the market if they decide to part ways with key players.
Biggest Buyers
On the buying side, perennial contenders and teams in strong playoff positions are expected to be active. The American League buyers include the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. The Tigers, currently leading the AL Central, are poised to “push their chips into the middle of the table” after years of cautious approaches. The Yankees and Astros, both atop their divisions, are looking to shore up weaknesses, particularly in pitching and infield depth.
In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres are the primary buyers. The Dodgers and Phillies, in particular, have holes to fill despite strong starts. The Giants surprised many with their competitiveness this season and made a splash by acquiring Rafael Devers, signaling a “win-now” mentality under Buster Posey’s leadership.
The Padres, needing all hands on deck to compete in the tough NL West, are expected to be cautious buyers, focusing on retaining their core while adding depth.
Uncertainties and Surprises
This year’s deadline is less predictable than usual. Some high-profile players like Luis Robert Jr. and Sandy Alcantara have struggled, raising questions about their trade value. Meanwhile, expected sellers like the Arizona Diamondbacks face injury woes that complicate their decisions.
An NL executive summed it up: “There are a lot of clubs hovering near .500 who might flip to sellers after the All-Star break. The market could open up quickly.”
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be a nuanced affair, with a handful of clear sellers offering valuable assets and a group of hungry buyers ready to capitalize. Teams like the Orioles and Marlins could shake up the market with impactful trades, while contenders like the Tigers, Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies look to add the pieces necessary for a deep postseason run. As the deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which deals redefine the playoff landscape.
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