The 2025 MLB trade deadline has come and gone. Now, fans and analysts are picking apart the moves teams made—or didn’t make—during one of baseball’s most dramatic dates.
This year didn’t deliver any blockbuster trades. Still, several teams made clever acquisitions to boost their playoff chances.
Using ZiPS projections, baseball analyst Dan Szymborski sized up which teams came out ahead and which ones stumbled. Here’s a look at the biggest takeaways and what might be next for the clubs involved.
Winners of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
A handful of teams left the deadline in a much better spot. The San Diego Padres led the way.
Their moves targeted both depth and weak spots, especially pitching and offense. The Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox also made smart deals, giving their postseason hopes a real shot in the arm.
San Diego Padres: Big Winners
The Padres stole the show at this year’s deadline. They pulled off a string of moves that had everyone buzzing.
They brought in pitchers Mason Miller, JP Sears, and Nestor Cortes. Position players Ryan O’Hearn, Ramón Laureano, and Will Wagner joined as well.
- Mason Miller and JP Sears give the rotation and bullpen much-needed stability.
- Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano add punch to the lineup, helping in those high-scoring battles.
- Will Wagner offers flexibility as a utility guy, which will help if injuries crop up.
All told, the Padres filled some obvious holes and look like real contenders in the National League.
Seattle Mariners: Quiet but Effective
The Mariners didn’t make headlines, but they got what they needed. They picked up Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Caleb Ferguson.
ZiPS projects all three as upgrades over the guys they replaced.
- Eugenio Suárez brings power and steadiness to the infield.
- Josh Naylor adds a reliable bat with both average and pop.
- Caleb Ferguson shores up the bullpen for those tense late innings.
For a team scrapping for a playoff spot, these moves could be the difference.
Boston Red Sox: Shoring Up the Rotation
The Red Sox tried to steady their rotation. They added Dustin May and Steven Matz.
Neither move will light up the headlines, but both could prove valuable soon enough.
- Dustin May brings high-octane stuff and the potential to dominate—if he’s healthy.
- Steven Matz offers a steady presence at the back end, plugging a key hole for Boston.
Their odds didn’t skyrocket, but Boston looks more dangerous now in a crowded American League.
Mixed Results: Playing It Safe
Some teams just didn’t go for it. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets made only minor changes.
Neither saw much movement in their playoff chances.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Opted for small tweaks, not splashy moves.
- New York Mets: Made questionable upgrades, so fans aren’t exactly thrilled.
Both clubs seem to be betting on what they already have, hoping that’s enough to get them through.
Losers of the Trade Deadline
Not every team nailed it. Some missed the mark or made choices that left folks puzzled.
The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds stand out as the biggest examples.
Chicago Cubs: Missed Opportunities
The Cubs stayed busy, but they never solved their biggest problem: starting pitching. Sure, the roster’s a bit deeper, but without new arms, their playoff ceiling looks pretty low.
Cincinnati Reds: Taking a Step Back
The Reds surprised everyone by spending on new players. Oddly enough, their playoff odds actually dropped after the deadline.
ZiPS isn’t buying what they’re selling, and honestly, it’s hard to blame the skeptics.
Final Thoughts: An Uneventful Deadline
The 2025 MLB trade deadline came and went without much fanfare. Teams mostly went for small tweaks instead of headline-grabbing deals.
The Padres, Mariners, and Red Sox saw their chance and took it. Still, not many teams made bold moves that could shake up the league.
The playoff race is about to get interesting. Will these subtle changes matter, or will some clubs wish they’d rolled the dice?
Here is the source article for this story: ZiPSing Up the Trade Deadline: 2025 Edition
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