As the MLB season enters its final stretch, the pressure is mounting for teams on the cusp of playoff contention. The MLB trade deadline in 2025 is rapidly approaching, and for many franchises, this is a pivotal moment in their quest for October glory. The trade deadline represents the last opportunity to make significant changes to a roster before the postseason begins, and teams are scrambling to bolster their lineups for the final push. Some are desperately seeking the missing pieces that could propel them into playoff contention, while others are evaluating their futures and determining whether to sell off assets for the long term.
This year’s trade deadline has sparked a great deal of conversation as various clubs, including both playoff hopefuls and struggling teams, are looking to make moves to improve their standing. Whether it’s adding an ace pitcher, reinforcing a shaky bullpen, or strengthening their offense, teams are lining up to make impactful deals. In this article, we’ll dive into the teams that are desperate to make a move ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, analyzing their current positions, the key players they might pursue, and what they need to make a successful push for the postseason.
Every year, the MLB trade deadline serves as a defining moment for many franchises. Teams that find themselves in playoff contention often use this time to improve their rosters in order to solidify their place in the postseason or give them the edge over rivals. For others, it’s a time to reassess their future, trading away key players to build for the long-term and stockpile prospects for a future run.
In 2025, we are seeing an unusually high number of teams in a state of flux. The competitive balance of the league is tighter than ever, with multiple teams still battling for wild-card spots and division titles. As a result, the trade deadline is expected to be a hotbed of activity, with general managers working overtime to identify opportunities to strengthen their squads. For some teams, this deadline could mark the beginning of a World Series run, while for others, it could signal the start of a rebuild.
One of the most common reasons teams make moves at the trade deadline is to shore up their pitching staff. Whether it’s a reliable starting pitcher to help with depth or an elite closer to lock down games, pitching is often the key to success in the postseason. Heading into the 2025 MLB trade deadline, there are several teams desperate to upgrade their pitching rotations or bullpens.
The New York Mets, despite being in a highly competitive National League East, have been struggling with their pitching depth throughout the season. With ace Jacob deGrom sidelined for much of the year, the Mets need a reliable arm to pair with their offensive powerhouse. The team has shown interest in several high-profile pitchers on the trade market, including names like Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw—both of whom could provide the leadership and postseason experience that the Mets so desperately need.
Another team looking to bolster their pitching staff is the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have been up-and-down this season, and their pitching rotation has struggled with consistency. They are rumored to be in the market for both starting pitching and bullpen help, hoping to find someone who can stabilize their rotation for a push into the playoffs. With names like Lucas Giolito on the block, the Cubs could potentially make a trade that strengthens both their starting rotation and bullpen depth.
On the opposite side, the San Francisco Giants are a team that has been strong in pitching but could use another arm to help close out games. They are a playoff contender, but their bullpen has been shaky at times. Adding a solid closer, such as Craig Kimbrel or Josh Hader, could elevate the Giants’ chances for a deep playoff run.
While pitching is often the focal point of trade deadline deals, offense is just as important, especially for teams that are struggling to score runs. The Los Angeles Angels, for example, are a team that has consistently been in the playoff hunt, thanks to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. However, despite their star power, the Angels have lacked consistent hitting from their supporting players. As the deadline approaches, the team is actively looking for a middle-of-the-order bat to add some power to their lineup. Names like Bryce Harper and Joc Pederson are likely targets as the Angels search for someone who can drive in runs and protect their superstar players.
The Toronto Blue Jays are another team that has had a solid pitching staff but is in desperate need of a power bat. Their lineup has underperformed, and a proven slugger could make all the difference down the stretch. Rumors have suggested that the Blue Jays may look to acquire a big bat, such as Kyle Schwarber or Willson Contreras, to boost their offensive capabilities and make them a more dangerous team come playoff time.
Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox fans are hoping their team can pull off a major offensive upgrade. The Red Sox are fighting for a wild card spot, and while they have some talented hitters, their lineup could benefit from an additional power bat in the middle. If they want to compete with the heavyweights of the AL East, the Red Sox will likely explore potential deals for high-impact hitters, perhaps focusing on someone like Trey Mancini.
While many teams are looking to make moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push, others are preparing to take a step back, reassess, and focus on rebuilding. The 2025 MLB trade deadline will likely see several teams parting with valuable assets to restock their farm systems and look toward the future. For franchises that are already out of the playoff race, the trade deadline presents an opportunity to get a head start on building a competitive team for the years to come.
One team that appears to be leaning toward selling is the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have had a rough season and are far out of the playoff picture. With a solid group of prospects already in their system, the Tigers are expected to move some of their veteran players. Eduardo Rodriguez, their ace left-hander, is one of the top pitchers expected to be on the move, and there are several teams looking to add him to their rotation for a postseason push.
The Kansas City Royals are another team in a similar position. With several key players having underperformed this season, the Royals could look to trade away veterans like Salvador Perez and Andrew Benintendi. Moving these players could give the team a chance to rebuild its future while adding valuable prospects to their roster.
Lastly, the Washington Nationals have found themselves in a rebuilding phase following their World Series win a few years ago. With several top-tier players like Josh Bell and Patrick Corbin on the block, the Nationals are expected to be one of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. While they may not be in playoff contention this year, moving these pieces will help their long-term success.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the impact of these moves will be felt not just in the immediate future, but also in the playoff race. Teams that make bold moves for key players will likely see an uptick in performance, which could propel them into the postseason. On the other hand, teams that decide to sell off assets and focus on rebuilding may find themselves in a difficult position, but ultimately, their future could be brighter in the long run.
The trade deadline in 2025 is particularly crucial because of the unique structure of the playoff format. With the expanded playoff system, there is more room for teams to make a late-season surge, making the addition of key players even more important. Every team is vying for the opportunity to compete for a championship, and the decisions made at the trade deadline could very well determine who gets the chance to play in October.
