Angelica Ciulla • July 27 2025 9:20 AM EDT

Countdown to the Deadline: Top Names on the 2025 MLB Trade Block

     With the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline approaching on July 31st, front offices across the league are deep in negotiations, strategizing for playoff pushes or long-term rebuilds. This year’s market of candidates is loaded with intriguing possibilities, and several notable names have emerged to be moved before the deadline. Let’s take a look at some of the top players and potential landing spots:

Arizona Diamondbacks: Eugenio Suárez (3B) & Merill Kelly (RHP)
        The Arizona Diamondbacks have slipped to a 51-53 record, taking them out of wild card position and shifting into seller mode. Eugenio Suárez is a veteran 3rd baseman with an expiring contract who is drawing attention from contenders seeking power and depth. Teams projected to make an offer include: Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Detroit Tigers.
         Merill Kelly is a reliable right-handed starter that remains one of the more consistent seasoned pitchers available. Kelly could slot nicely into the middle of any contending rotation, looking to add depth and poise.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Mitch Keller (RHP), Oneil Cruz (CF/INF), David Bednar (RHP)
        The Pirates are sitting at a dismal 42-62 record, leading to them being in a clear rebuild mode. The lack of offensive talent shifted the focus to trading high value pitching assets.
        Mitch Keller has a 3.48 ERA over 119 innings, including 20 starts. He is one of the few available pitchers with long-term value. Teams interested in him are: Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs.
         O’Neil Cruz, the towering is 6’7” infielder/ outfielder, leading the league in stolen bases; however, Cruz is batting .219 and a 31.9% strikeout rate. Despite the inconsistency, his ceiling remains high, prompting teams like New York Yankees and other inquiries. The Pirates have made statements that they were only interested in trading him for a massive haul.
        David Bendar, a late innings arm who is pitching a 2.31 ERA over 1.11 WHIP, is viewed as a high leverage option. He was considered to be the Pirates “lights out” closer and is rumored to be a potential package deal with Keller. David Bendar would be perfect for any team looking to upgrade their bullpens.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Helsley (RHP)
         This 2 time All Star and NL 2024 Reliever of the Year winners, Ryan Helsley, has become one of the most talked about names in the deadline. With an expiring contract and a franchise record of 49 saves in the 2024 season, his value remains high, even though this year, his stats are dipping with a 3.09 ERA and 20 saves. He still throws high 90-mile per hour fastballs and still offers a promising outlook to contending bullpens. There are multiple teams interested in him, such as: Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Minnesota Twins: Jhoan Duran (RHP) & Griffin Jax (RHP)
        The Minnesota Twins are looking to sell some assets due to their 50-53 record. Both Johan Duran and Griffin Jax are controllable, increasing their value.
       Jhoan Duran is known as a strikeout specialist. He has a high performance with a 1.94 ERA and 15 saves and is one of the league’s most electrifying relievers. He would be a great addition to any team looking to add depth to the bullpen; however, there is a high asking price of Johan Duran. Teams interested in Duran include: New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Minnesota Twins have stated they want “at least two Top 100 Caliber Prospects”.
       Griffin Jax was astonishing in the 2024 season with 95 strikeouts, 2.03 ERA, 0.87 WHIP in 72 innings. He averages a 96-mile per hour fastball and has a valuable bullpen arm. He is known for his high strikeout ability, making him a coveted piece. Teams interested in Jax include: New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kansas City Royals: Seth Lugo (RHP)
        The Kansas City Royals are 3 games under .500, due to their depth concerns and offensive issues. Seth Lugo is a reliable veteran starter, but the Royals are hoping putting him up for trade would lead to hitting help. Seth Lugo is under a 2 year $45 million contract but will most likely decline his $15 million 2026 player option, leading the Royals to have no choice but to trade him. He finished 2nd in AL CY Young Voting in 2024 and had a 2.95 ERA in 2025. Teams in playoff contention have expressed interest in him, such as: New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs

Baltimore Orioles: Ryan O’Hearn (1B/DH)
       This veteran left hand first baseman and designated hitter is a top candidate for the 2025 trade deadline. With a 45-58 record , the Baltimore Orioles are in full sell mode, and Ryan O’Hearn is among the veterans to be moved along with Cedric Mullins, Zach Efflin, and even possibly Felix Bautista. Ryan O’Hearn is a left-handed slugger with a slashing .306 batting average, .386 on base percentage, 10 HR’s, and a .881 OPS. His elite plate discipline ranks among the best in the league, regularly compelling pitchers to throw more strikes than they would against the average batter ranking O’Hearn amongst the elite left-handed hitters available He would be a great fit for any team looking to extend left-handed hitting and offensive needs. Prime suitors include: Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, and San Diego Padres.

       The 2025 trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most active in recent years. With contenders eyeing every available arm and bat and rebuilding teams looking to retool for the future, expect a flurry of last-minute deals that could reshape the 2025 MLB picture. As July 31st nears, the chaos of the trade season is only just beginning for GM’s, coaches, players, and fans watching what is about to unfold.

Edited by

Angelica Ciulla