The 2025 MLB trade deadline promises plenty of surprises. With more buyers than sellers in both leagues, the market is competitive for teams looking to win now. A couple of front offices could pivot at the last minute, leading to some eyebrow-raising moves. Here are a few bold predictions that could shake up the postseason picture in a big way
Mets Acquire Luis Robert Jr.
Luis Robert Jr. has posted an 83 OPS+ since the start of last season after earning his first All-Star nod in 2023. The raw skills remain strong, including elite bat speed, sprint speed, and center field defense.
His walk rate has skyrocketed this year, likely reflecting a change in approach. The Mets could work to roll that back and reignite the high-power output he showed a couple of years ago. New York could use an upgrade in center, and Robert is an excellent fit, even if his offense never returns to its 2023 peak.
Joe Ryan Ends Up in the NL West
The Twins have already started their sell-off by flipping Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak. Pablo Lopez is off the table due to injury and will remain on the injured list beyond the deadline.
That makes Joe Ryan their best trade asset. A fringe Cy Young contender, Ryan could bring back big-league-ready talent from the Dodgers or Padres.
Both teams need rotation help. AJ Preller is no stranger to blockbuster trades, and the Dodgers are as all-in as any franchise in recent memory.
Cubs Land Merrill Kelly
Chicago clearly needs starting pitching. The rotation has posted excellent numbers in July, but it is unlikely to be sustainable. Cubs starters rank 27th in wins above average this season, and Justin Steele’s absence leaves a major void.
Merrill Kelly owns a 2.56 ERA over his last 10 starts. His FIP is the best of his career, and he brings a track record of durability with 175-plus innings pitched multiple times. That reliability is exactly what the Cubs need as they battle Milwaukee for the NL Central.
Yankees Stand Pat
What if Aaron Judge’s injury leads Brian Cashman to play it safe? The Yankees are 5.5 games back in the AL East and have clear holes at the back of the rotation and in the bullpen.
Maybe Ryan McMahon was the big move, and that’s all we will see. McMahon fills a lineup hole, and Cashman may be reluctant to part with more prospects for a team that looks flawed without Judge. Do they really want to sacrifice more future talent for a shot at a wild card berth?
Guardians Tear It Down
Emmanuel Clase joined Luis Ortiz on the suspended list Monday. Cleveland trails Detroit by nine games and should be seriously considering a rebuild or at least a short-term retool around Jose Ramirez.
Steven Kwan, Cade Smith, and Tanner Bibee should all be available for the right return. Dealing that trio could land Cleveland a significant haul. A fire sale would have a seismic impact on the trade market and could lead to a bidding war among contenders.
Rangers Become Surprise Buyers
There is always one team that catches fire in July and becomes a buyer. This year, that team is the Texas Rangers. After going 15–7 this month, they are only four games back in the AL West, have the second-best run differential in the American League, and have been elite on both sides of the ball.
A first baseman or designated hitter should be their top priority. Another starter to support Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi would also help. Bibee might be an ideal fit.
Bryan Reynolds Becomes a Dodger
Bryan Reynolds has been one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball. His xwOBA is 59 points higher than his actual wOBA, and he is tied for the highest barrel rate of his career.
Only three contending teams have received less value from their outfielders than the Dodgers. Reynolds is a poor defender, but he offers more offensive upside than Michael Conforto.
Tigers Get Eugenio Suarez
Enjoying the best season of his career, Eugenio Suarez is arguably the most sought-after hitter on the market. With injuries and underperformance pushing Arizona into seller mode, the Diamondbacks are hoping to spark a bidding war.
Detroit’s offense has collapsed since July 1, ranking 29th in wRC+. While they shouldn’t give up top-tier prospects, the Tigers have enough farm depth to get a deal done without including Max Clark or Kevin McGonigle.
Author
