MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Key Targets and Potential Trades for Every Team

The MLB trade deadline this year promises to be intriguing. With a crowded playoff picture, where only eight teams are more than five games out of a wild card spot, the activity might be subdued if most clubs remain competitive by late July.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a crucial position. Their decision to trade players nearing free agency could significantly impact the market. This group includes power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez, starters Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, .300-hitting first baseman Josh Naylor, and closer Shelby Miller, who has found new life.

Despite the desire to compete and reward loyal fans, the Diamondbacks' recent struggles, including a sweep by the Miami Marlins, have dampened their playoff chances. With Corbin Burnes sidelined due to Tommy John surgery and Gallen's struggles, a postseason run seems increasingly unlikely.

Here's a look at one player each team should consider trading for or away before the July 31 deadline.

American League

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trade Away Eugenio Suarez

In a deadline short on superstar names, Suarez stands out as potentially the best player available. He's enjoying a strong power season, batting .254/.324/.564 with 26 home runs. He also recently hit his 300th career home run. His strikeout rate is the lowest since 2018. The Diamondbacks also have Jordan Lawlar, a top prospect, ready to take over at third.

Detroit Tigers/Seattle Mariners: Trade for Suarez

Several contenders need a third base upgrade, but the Tigers and Mariners may have the prospect depth to make a deal. Adding Suarez to the Tigers' lineup would be a perfect fit. For the Mariners, Suarez would add a much-needed cleanup hitter.

St. Louis Cardinals: Trade for Merrill Kelly

Kelly is a tough pitcher who gets the most out of his arsenal. His $7 million contract would be attractive. Adding Kelly would give them a better strikeout pitcher to go alongside Sonny Gray to head a potential playoff rotation.

Texas Rangers: Trade for Josh Naylor

The Rangers rank low in OPS at first base and DH. Naylor is a solution for either position.

Miami Marlins: Trade Away Sandy Alcantara

Alcantara is signed for $17.3 million in 2026 with a $21 million team option for 2027. The 2022 Cy Young winner still fits as a long-term option for a trade partner. The results were at least better in June.

Chicago Cubs/Houston Astros: Trade for Alcantara

The Cubs feel like the perfect match for multiple reasons. Their rotations ranks 22nd in ERA and 17th in innings. For the Astros, with Valdez heading to free agency, Alcantara would also provide insurance if they lose Valdez in the offseason.

Kansas City Royals: Trade Away Seth Lugo

Lugo remains an extremely attractive trade option. He's signed through at least next year. Trading Lugo gives them the chance to help their offense for the future.

Los Angeles Dodgers/Toronto Blue Jays: Trade for Lugo

It's hard to believe the Dodgers might need another starting pitcher after all the money they've invested in their rotation. The Blue Jays are currently in the second wild-card spot. Lugo's contract is a more attractive option than gambling on a high-level free agent.

Cleveland Guardians: Trade Away Emmanuel Clase

Clase is signed through 2028, making him a bargain for an elite closer. Given the potential return for Clase, this might be the best chance for the Guardians to get a big haul for him.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trade for Clase

The Phillies need bullpen help and they need to win now. This has all the markings of a Dave Dombrowski deal.

Baltimore Orioles: Trade Away Ryan O'Hearn

O'Hearn ability to hit right-handers (.312/.398/.518) makes him one of the best bats available.

San Francisco Giants: Trade for O'Hearn

The Giants rank last in the majors in OPS at first base. Adding O'Hearn would give San Francisco a second middle-of-the-order lefty bat.

Atlanta Braves: Trade Away Marcell Ozuna

Ozuna is the logical trade candidate, as he heads into free agency and has a .369 OBP.

San Diego Padres: Trade for Ozuna

The Padres rank near the bottom of MLB in OPS at DH. Ozuna's OBP would be the best on the team.

New York Mets: Trade for Felix Bautista

New York should think big here. Bautista has two more years of team control on a low salary.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade Away David Bednar

The Pirates aren't going anywhere in the standings anytime soon and have a closer-in-waiting in Dennis Santana.

Tampa Bay Rays: Trade for Bednar

The bullpen has lacked its usual depth and ranks 23rd in win probability added. Adding Bednar and moving Pete Fairbanks into the setup role works.

Colorado Rockies: Trade Away Ryan McMahon

He's one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.

Cincinnati Reds: Trade for McMahon

Third base has been a black hole all season. The Reds should absolutely be looking to add.

Minnesota Twins: Trade Away Willi Castro

Castro is heading to free agency and has value as someone who can play anywhere.

New York Yankees: Trade for Castro

Castro's versatility is key: He could play third or he could play the outfield.

Los Angeles Angels: Trade for Charlie Morton

Rotation help probably makes the most sense.

Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Shelby Miller

Miller and his $1 million salary is the logical help for a bullpen that ranks in the bottom third of the majors in ERA.

Boston Red Sox: Trade Away Walker Buehler

Some team might take the chance, although the Red Sox might have to eat some of his remaining salary.

Chicago White Sox: Trade Away Adrian Houser

The better move is to trade Houser -- and the sooner the better, to cash in on his hot run.

Washington Nationals: Trade Away Michael Soroka

Soroka might be the most enticing to other teams. He might be a better fit as a reliever.

Oakland Athletics: Trade Away Luis Urias

He fits best as a bench player for a contender.