Trade Deadline: Who’s Selling, Buying & Standing Pat?

The All-Star break in the baseball season brings many emotions.

The exhilaration of the Home Run Derby, the excitement of watching your favorite players duke it out in the only competitive All-Star game across all four sports, then the absolute silence of the two days that follow it. I really loathe the upcoming offseason.

There are also preceding events, such as the Futures Game and the Major League Baseball Draft, which are fun for the unhealthily tuned-in people like myself, but we’re going to focus on baseball’s next major upcoming event: The trade deadline.

Due to the lack of games in between this MLB Power Ranking and the last, I thought it would be fun to skip the rankings and categorize all the teams heading into the July 31 deadline.

We’ll have five categories that all 30 teams will fit into. The buyers, the sellers, the retoolers, teams that should do nothing, and some participation trophies, so nobody is left out.

Participation Trophies

We’re going to start with the less fortunate. Because honestly, every team deserves love, and that’s the way we should all live life. These teams haven’t had a lot going for them this season, and don’t have a lot, if anything, to move heading into August.

Rockies

The Colorado Rockies: The 2025 version of the 2024 Rockies.

They’re 22-74. A lot of their offensive core is either young or Ryan McMahon, who wasn’t moved last season and has an 84 OPS+ entering the All-Star break.

Their most movable pieces are 27-year-old Mickey Moniak, Jake Bird, and Jimmy Herget. They’re not bound to bring any saviors into the organization, and they’re not likely to move the needle for teams playing in October.

Athletics

On May 13, this team looked like the fun, sneaky pick lots made to win the division. Yes, you read that right, many notable people who talk about baseball picked this team to win the division.

They were 22-20, had just beaten the Dodgers 11-1, and were hovering over .500 with a young, talented core. Then the roof collapsed.

The A’s lost 11 games from that point on and never recovered. They entered the break at 41-57 and don’t roster many players of want. The only true movable player could be Luis Severino, who has a respectable 3.10 ERA on the road. But in order to move Severino, a team might need to pick up the remaining tab on his three-year, $67 million contract he signed last winter.

Buyers

Now to the meat of the article. This season, and most likely moving forward in the three wild-card era, there is a buyer’s market. All the teams listed are in contention and will certainly be adding talent in their race for a pennant. We’ve already seen Rafael Devers traded, and while he might be the best player moved this season, we’re sure to see a flurry of moves this season.

Yankees

Needs: 3B, SP
Best fit: Eugenio Suárez, Zac Gallen

The Yankees are having another fine year. They entered the break first in the majors in home runs (151), OPS (.791), and first in the American League in runs (501).

When looking at their roster, there aren’t a lot of needs. Guys like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez have supported Aaron Judge, and the pitching has collectively registered a 3.82.

The two glaring issues facing the Yankees are third base and starting pitching. Oswald Peraza registered a measly 28 OPS+ at the position, and Chisholm Jr. is being slotted back at his natural position with the dismissal of DJ LeMahieu.

Trading with the Diamondbacks could easily fix both their needs. Both Suárez and Gallen are heading toward contract years, and while it might be expensive, it could be worth it to bring both in for half a season to bring the World Series Trophy back to the Bronx.

Red Sox

Needs: SP
Best fit: Mitch Keller

Unlike the Athletics, the Red Sox have lived up to the preseason hype. They finished the first half on a 10-game win streak and hold a healthy +61 run differential.

They trail the Blue Jays by five games in the division and the Yankees by two games in the division. Their young core of Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Wilyer Abreu are coming into their stardom. And their pitching, headlined by Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman, is built to win in the playoffs.

One more starting pitcher would do wonders for this squad. A guy like Mitch Keller is a perfect fit for this club. He’s controllable through 2028, has always been a solid middle rotation pitcher, and would give security to a rotation being held up by unreliable names in Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito.

Rays

Needs: LF
Best fit: Ramón Laureano

The Rays burst onto the scene in June, but have taken the back seat halfway through July.

After a strong 17-10 month, Tampa went 3-9 into the break, which included being swept at Fenway by the Red Sox. They’re 52-48, one and half games out of a wild card, and have a decision to make.

Knowing the Rays, they’ll make us all look dumb by selling off a major bat and still making the third wild card. Or maybe they’ll fall flat to start the half and move to sellers. But for now, they’re buyers in my book.

Christopher Morel hasn’t contributed much offensively, and Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner haven’t provided the necessary thump for a corner outfield position. Ramón Laureano seems like the perfect fit for the Rays.

The 30-year-old is having a bounce-back season in Baltimore, slashing .276/.340/.498 with 11 homers in 71 games, and would be the perfect low-buy candidate for a constantly retooling franchise. Plus, with a new owner and hopefully new stadium, some postseason success would bolster a fan base

Tigers

Needs: CF
Best fit: Jo Adell

The Tigers might be the most complete team in baseball.

The lineup is littered with OPS+’s over 100. They have a strong rotation headed by Tarik Skubal. Will Vest and the bullpen provide reliability and length.

The one position that’s been a hard problem to solve is shortstop. So, why is their need centerfield above? Well, nobody is selling shortstops, and they got an All-Star in Javier Baez that can slide back into his natural position.

Jo Adell makes too much sense for this team. He’s a right-handed power bat that could slot into the middle of the lineup, and not feel the pressure when surrounded by guys like Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene. The Tigers could also use power from the right side. Outside Torkelson, the next leader in homers from the right side is Baez with 10.

Astros 

Needs: SP
Best fit: Adrian Houser

Somehow, someway, the Astros find their way back to first place in the AL West. Even in a year when they trade Kyle Tucker.

Seriously, this squad is loaded. Especially since Christian Walker has started hitting. Their true weakest offensive position is second base, but every team is going to have a single hole. And once Yordan Alvarez returns, this will transform into the best lineup in the major leagues.

The bullpen has also been elite. Every go-to guy in Houston has an ERA under three, and Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu have been the best 1-2 punch out of the ‘pen.

Houston’s biggest need is a No. 3 starter. Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez are both top-five AL Cy Young candidates through the first half, but the next four guys in the rotation have ERAs over four. With the No. 29 farm system in baseball (per MLB.com), this club could afford to get Adrian Houser, who’s pitched to a 1.89 ERA and 3.01 FIP in ten starts.

Mariners

Needs: 1B, RF
Best fit: Josh Naylor

Seattle usually relies on their elite pitching to carry them, yet this season it’s been the opposite.

The Big Dumper is in this season, and to quote the great Greg Maddux, “Chicks dig the long ball.” But all joking aside, the offense has been carried by Cal Raleigh, along with some support from Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodriguez, but could use another middle-of-the-order helper.

Josh Naylor just fits perfectly. He’s in a contract year, slashing .292/.361/.452 with 11 homers, provides left-handed thump to a team that features two big righties, and could be slotted into the five-hole to deepen the lineup. You really can’t ask for more as a Mariners fan.

Phillies

Needs: RP, CF
Best fit: Jhoan Duran

Philadelphia is having another October-bound year, and it’s the same hole plauging them as last year: The bullpen.

The offense has also struggled, but getting Bryce Harper should help with that. Maybe a trade for an outfielder is in the cards, but the closer’s role is the main issue.

Jordan Romano has a 9.45 ERA, Joe Ross a 6.55 ERA, and Orion Kerkering a 6.00 ERA in his last seven games — that’s not good. Meanwhile, the Twins collapsed after a hot May, and are slotted to be sellers come August. Jhoan Duran has been the best closer in baseball this season, pitching to a 1.62 ERA with 15 saves in 17 opportunities. It might cost a boatload, but this Phillies roster isn’t getting younger. Adding Harrison Bader to the trade might help plug that center field hole as well.

Mets

Needs: CF, RP
Best fit: Cedric Mullins, Gregory Soto

After a far too familiar June swoon, the Mets find themselves trailing the Phillies by half a game entering the second half.

Their true best fit, to me at least, is Byron Buxton. Same with the Phillies. But you heard the man, he’s staying in Minnesota.

That leaves the next best option, which is Cedric Mullins. He started 2025 scolding hot, finishing April with a .278/.412/.515 slashline with six homers. But since then, Mullins has slashed .186/.234/.350 with seven homers.

The numbers don’t sound tantalizing. But Mullins is a solid fit. He’s registered a positive OAA in center field, has pop from the left-handed side, and finished the 2024 second half strong with a .266/.374/.457 slashline. Add in Gregory Soto as another left-handed option, and the Mets would solve two of their biggest issues heading into August with one deal.

Dodgers

Needs: RP, SP
Best fit: Emmanuel Clase

Go big or go home, right? The Dodgers are trying to defend their World Series title, and right now, Tanner Scott hasn’t handled the closer role well.

Clase would be an immediate boost. He’s having another fantastic year, pitching to a 2.86 ERA in the closer’s role in Cleveland. What the Dodgers truly need is health, which hopefully will bring Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and more back to the roster for a deep October push.

Giants

Needs: 1B
Best fit: Ryan O’Hearn

Same goes for the Giants. They’re chasing the Dodgers for the division title right now, and shocked the sports world with the trade for Rafael Devers earlier in June. It was our Luka Doncic trade.

But they have to double down. And there’s no better fit than Ryan O’Hearn. An All-Star for the first time in 2025, O’Hearn slashed .286/.382/.458 in the first half with 11 homers. Sure, most of the damage has been done against right-handers, but they could always use Wilmer Flores as a platoon option. And, yes, Wilmer does have reverse splits this season, but has been better against lefties (.790 OPS) over his career.

Padres

Needs: LF
Best fit: Taylor Ward

Like the Giants, the Padres are in contention to chase the Dodgers for the NL West.

They entered the break 52-44, holding a tight half-game lead over the Giants for the third wild card and only five and a half games behind the Dodgers. The NL is tight, and with one of the Dodgers, Giants, Cubs, Brewers, Mets, Phillies, and themselves destined to miss the playoffs, they need to make a move to ensure a spot.

Their biggest need is clearly left field. Jason Heyward put up a 38 OPS+ before being DFA’d, and others such as Jose Iglesias, Tyler Wade, Brandon Lockridge, and Oscar González have registered negative bWARs when trying to fill the position.

Taylor Ward would slot nicely in that lineup. The Angel has clubbed 23 homers, and would provide the Padres lineup that is 27th in the majors in homers another power threat.

Cubs

Needs: SP
Best fit: Joe Ryan

Similarly to the Giants, the Cubs need to double down.

You don’t trade for one year of Kyle Tucker to do nothing at the deadline. And right now, they desperately need starting pitching. Their rotation has taken blows with a season-ending injury to Justin Steele, along with other injuries sustained by Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga. Their rotation ERA ranked 18th to finish the first half and was over four.

The obvious fit is Joe Ryan. He’s been an ace this season, pitching to a 2.63 ERA with 132 strikeouts in 116 1/3 innings, plus he’s team controllable until 2028. It would take a haul to acquire Ryan, but the Cubs have top 100 prospects like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara who have All-Stars ahead of them on the depth chart.

Brewers

Needs: 3B
Best fit: Eugenio Suárez

I tried not to have duplicates on this list. But I couldn’t leave Eugenio Suárez off the list for the Brew Crew. And the reality is, most buyers need a third baseman, like the Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs, and Mariners.

They have the starting pitching and bullpen to win in October. The lineup is almost complete. The one factor they’re missing is a power bat. Suárez would completely transform the Brew Crew’s lineup, providing them with a bat with the ability to clear their frequently clogged bases with one swing. It’s a match made in heaven. And as of now, I doubt anyone in the Brewers lineup would finish the 2025 season with Suárez’s already hit 31 homers.

Sellers

Now for the sellers. Some teams knew they’d be here, some are shocked to be here, but all should sell. Does that mean they will? I don’t know. A handful of them could convince themselves to stay the course, maybe add a piece, but it would be a mistake.

Twins

Trade pieces: Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton, Harrison Bader, Jhoan Duran, Danny Coulombe, Trevor Larnach

If I had told you Bryon Buxton would be healthy, the bullpen would be locked down, and Joe Ryan had a sub-three ERA, you’d think the Twins would be a playoff team.

But a lot has gone wrong for them. Outside a 13-game win streak to start May, the Twins are 35-49. It was highlighted by a six-game losing streak in June, and an overall disappointing 9-18 month. The Twins are only four games out of a playoff spot, but have the opportunity to seriously retool.

They could potentially have the only ace on the market in Joe Ryan, who by the way is already 29. If they convinced Byron Buxton to waive his no-trade clause, they’d have the best available bat on the market as well. These guys won’t be a part of the next winning core in Minnesota, same with other trade pieces like Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, and Trevor Larnach.

Minnesota could truly transform their farm and be competitive again in two seasons by moving their pieces this season. But they could also hold on and hope for a strong second half, then go for the gold against better teams in the Astros, Tigers, Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners, or Rays.

White Sox

Trade pieces: Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Adrian Houser, Steven Wilson

Hey, at least they’re better this year.

There’s not much to say about this White Sox team, but they do have pieces to move this deadline. Adrian Houser has been phenomenal, pitching to a 1.89 ERA, Mike Tauchman has an .847 OPS, and Steven Wilson has a 2.08 ERA in 30 1/3 innings, despite having higher peripheral stats.

Then, of course, there’s Luis Robert Jr. Perhaps the most obvious “new scenery” player we’ve seen in major league history. Sure, he’s got a .631 OPS, but the talent in the past is undeniable. And all I’ll say is Andrew Vaughn hit two homers and registered a 1.500 OPS in five games the minute he left the South Side.

Guardians

Trade pieces: Emmanuel Clase, Shane Bieber, Carlos Santana

Cleveland has struggled mightily in 2025.

They suffered a 10-game losing streak from late June through July, spiraling a season where they entered June 31-26. Like the Twins, they’re only four and a half games out of the wild card, but have five teams ahead of them in the standings.

The Guardians would be better suited shipping off pieces to strengthen the upcoming core in Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana. Emmanuel Clase would get back a haul from teams like the Dodgers and Phillies, plus Shane Bieber and Carlos Santana might bring back some return to teams that need help to a less degree.

Braves

Trade pieces: Chris Sale, Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson

Atlanta is another team that could benefit significantly from trading off their movable pieces.

Coming into the 2025 season, the Braves’ farm system ranked 26th (MLB.com). And that’s only going to get worse with the graduation of Drake Baldwin.

Plus, the younger core is starting to look suspect. Austin Riley and Matt Olson have done their part, but Michael Harris II has a .561 OPS, Ozzie Albies a .622 OPS, and Ronald Acuña Jr. and Sean Murphy have dealt with injuries the past couple seasons.

Players like Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson could help the middle of the Braves’ system, but moving big pieces in Marcell Ozuna and Chris Sale could net top 100 prospects. Sale has a club option for 2026, but who knows if he’ll be healthy next year. And Ozuna is in the final year of his four-year contract. A properly executed deadline could fuel the sinking hot air balloon this current core is in.

Diamondbacks

Trade pieces: Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suárez, Randal Grichuk, James McCann

The Diamondbacks have really disappointed this season. Especially me, I thought the pitching would rebound and they’d compete for the division.

But alas, that hasn’t happened, and it’s time for the D-backs to be sellers yet again at the deadline. Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez should be the first to go. Both are in contract years, and both should warrant a deal that features top prospects.

Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly will also go, as both are in a contract year, with Gallen struggling out of the two. The righty’s got a 5.40 ERA, a 1.374 WHIP, and has walked 3.5 batters per nine. At this point, the 36-year-old Merrill Kelly might get better prospects back in a deal.

Randal Grichuk and James McCann are also two names to watch. Grichuk has a .727 OPS against right-handers, and McCann has a .321/.457/.607 slashline in 10 games. Teams always need catchers.

Retoolers

The retoolers aren’t quite sellers. They aren’t going to sell off major pieces, and for the most part, aren’t selling parts of their nucleus. You could argue a team like the Braves are retooling, but if you sell Chris Sale and Marcell Ozuna, you’re not really “retooling.”

Orioles

Trade pieces: Cedric Mullins, Ramón Laureano, Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin, Ryan O’Hearn

Back-to-back nine-win months did the Orioles in. They fired Brandon Hyde, replaced him with Tony Mansolino, and have gone 28-24 since. Heck, they even had a 16-11 June under their new skipper.

Yet injury and a disappointing year leave them as retoolers heading into the deadline. All the players listed above aren’t a part of the big picture, and also in contract years. A trade that brings back pitching to the upper levels of their minor league system would be fruitful, and benefit a young team featuring Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser.

Angels

Trade pieces: Jo Adell, Taylor Ward, Travis d’Arnaud, Yoan Moncada, Yusei Kikuchi,

Like many AL playoff hopeful teams, the Angels sit only four games out of a wild-card spot.

But, like the Twins, they have a serious chance to revamp a destitute farm system. Taylor Ward and Jo Adell would be two of the best right-handed power bats on the market, Travis d’Arnaud is a power threat behind the plate that is more than a one-year rental, and Yoan Moncada is the second-best option at third base after Suárez.

On the pitching side, Yusei Kikuchi was a 2025 All-Star and is pitching to a 3.13 ERA. He would slot nicely on many playoff teams, especially ones like the Astros, Dodgers, and Mets who need a solid three more than an ace.

Retooling is the logical move here for the Angels. Mike Trout isn’t getting any younger, and Zach Neto is definitely getting older.

Royals

Trade pieces: Seth Lugo, Carlos Estévez

The Royals are another AL team only four and half games out of a playoff spot. Yet, with teams like the Rangers, Rays, Mariners, Red Sox, and Yankees ahead of them, retooling would best suit them.

There’s not a lot to move, but Seth Lugo and Carlos Estévez are both pitchers that teams would jump at to acquire. Lugo is in a contract year, but Estévez is under team control till 2026 and has a club option for 2027.

There are plenty of holes on the Royals, including their entire outfield. But their farm system ranks 23rd (MLB.com), and they don’t have players to trade to make an impactful deal.

Nationals

Trade pieces: Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Bell, Kyle Finnegan

The Nationals are just simply stuck.

They don’t have a lot of pieces to move, and they have a vibrant young core with nothing placed around them. Nathaniel Lowe is the best bat they have to offer, but the first baseman has only posted a .689 OPS with 15 homers in 99 games. Josh Bell could probably move to a team looking for a bat, but he also only has a .677 OPS with 11 homers.

Kyle Finnegan is the best the Nationals have to offer at the deadline, and even he has been shaky. In 36 innings, Finnegan has a 4.25 ERA and has allowed 33 hits, and most likely wouldn’t get much substance back for the Nationals.

Do Nothing? 

The classic “Do Nothing” teams. The ride it out, look into the sunset and hope for the best group. These teams could add. But the real question is: Should they?

Blue Jays

I’m turning into a real Blue Jays hater. And it’s probably because I am. I don’t think this team is going to make the playoffs. Let’s see if this ages as poor as my preseason predictions.

They already have a bottom-ten farm system in the sport, meaning they’d have to overpay for a player of need, and that’s if they could even outbid the rival teams wanting said player.

If the Blue Jays did add, it would most likely be a starting pitcher. But outside that, riding with the core they have right now and hoping Anthony Santander comes back and contributes seems like the correct move.

Rangers

About everything has gone wrong for the Rangers through the first half. Josh Jung struggled and was sent down. Jake Burger hit the IL. Jon Gray, Tyler Mahle, and Nathan Eovaldi have all had trips to IL on the pitching side.

Yet, they’re 47-49 and can see a playoff spot from their backyard. The Rangers have all the tools to make the playoffs, and they fall into the bucket of riding it out and not selling.

The Rangers could get a haul for their starters in Jacob deGrom and Eovaldi, but if they can sneak in the playoffs, that rotation could push you to an ALCS. Plus hitters like Adolis García (94 OPS+) and Burger (88 OPS+) could rebound and help a struggling offense that was so potent in 2023.

Cardinals

The Cardinals are in the same boat as the Rangers.

They’re 51-46 entering the second half, are one and a half out of a playoff spot, and wouldn’t benefit greatly from moving any pieces. They’ve made it this far with the roster after not moving Nolan Arenado, and they should stick it out.

Not to mention, the Cardinals have a good youth movement going on in the minors. JJ Wetherholt, Quinn Mathews, and Tink Hence are on the horizon, and they would supplement this current group of players nicely. Those three should be untouchable, plus who knows, maybe the Red Birds sneak in and cause havoc in October.

Reds

Cincinnati is in an interesting position.

They’re 52-48, feasibly within playoff reach, and have a group of young players. Yet, I don’t think they should dip into their farm system and add players to the roster. I say ride it out, and address what you need in the offseason.

Nick Lodolo has finally broken out, Andrew Abbott was an All-Star this year, Chase Burns has already shown flashes of potential, and Hunter Greene is still only 25. Plus, Rhett Lowder is about to join this monster rotation.

This just doesn’t seem like the Reds’ year. The Cubs and Brewers are most likely occupying two playoff spots, plus the Cardinals seem better than them right now. The winter is where the Reds should go all in.

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