MLB Trade Deadline: Key Needs for Every Team in 2025

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline creeps up on July 31, baseball fans everywhere are bracing for chaos. Teams are sizing up their rosters, hunting for weak spots, and scrambling to boost their playoff odds—or maybe just laying the groundwork for a rebuild.

The season’s second half is rolling, so all 30 teams are deep in decision mode. They’re juggling immediate needs with bigger, long-term goals. Starting pitchers, bullpen arms, offensive firepower, and prospects—these are the hot topics, and this deadline could really shake up the league’s balance of power.

The Top Priority: Starting Pitching

Let’s be honest, starting pitching is the real prize every July. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are both prowling for rotation upgrades, desperate to solidify their playoff chances.

Injuries and shaky outings have haunted both teams, so they’re zeroed in on elite starters. They want to patch up their rotations before things get dicey down the stretch.

Why Pitching Holds Key to Contention

Postseason runs lean heavily on reliable starting pitching. Even teams with scary offenses can crumble if their arms don’t hold up when it matters most.

The Yankees and Dodgers are probably chasing every lead, from promising young arms to grizzled veterans who’ve been through this before.

Bullpen Boost: Astros and Braves on the Hunt

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are taking a different route. They’re hunting for bullpen help as the deadline nears.

Both teams already have strong lineups and solid starters, but late-game stumbles have cost them. Shoring up the bullpen could be the difference between heartbreak and a deep playoff run.

Relief Arms Could Swing the Playoff Odds

For clubs like the Astros and Braves, a dependable bullpen is everything in October. One meltdown can wreck a season.

They’re likely scanning the market for closers and high-leverage relievers, hoping to avoid those gut-wrenching late-inning collapses.

Offensive Sparks: Blue Jays and Cubs Targeting Bats

Pitching might hog the spotlight, but some teams are laser-focused on bats. The Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs, for example, are out there chasing offensive upgrades, especially in the outfield and DH spots.

If your lineup has holes or your big hitters aren’t pulling their weight, you need fresh firepower. That’s just how it goes if you want to stay in the hunt.

A Competitive Landscape for Batting Help

Impact bats aren’t exactly growing on trees this year. The Blue Jays and Cubs might find themselves in bidding wars for the few difference-makers out there.

Front offices have to decide if it’s worth parting with prized prospects or established names to land that missing piece.

Rebuilding Mode: Athletics and Rockies Selling Talent

Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies are firmly in sell mode. They’re ready to flip veteran players for prospects, betting on the future instead of chasing wins right now.

Both clubs want to cash in on their experienced guys and restock their systems with young talent. It’s a tough sell for fans, but it’s the only way back to relevance sometimes.

The Prospect Pipeline Strategy

Rebuilding takes patience—and a little bit of faith. The Athletics and Rockies know this, so they’re likely to be busy sellers as July winds down, hoping to snag controllable young players who could be the next big thing.

Middle-Tier Teams: Giants and Red Sox at the Crossroads

The San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox, though, are stuck in the middle. Should they buy, sell, or just ride it out?

July’s results might tip the scales. If they catch fire, maybe they go for it. If not, they might start unloading veterans for prospects. It’s a waiting game, and no one wants to blink first.

The Wait-and-See Approach

Being a “middle-tier” team is like walking a tightrope. Push too hard and you could fall, but play it safe and you might miss your shot altogether.

Both front offices need a brutally honest look at their rosters before deciding which way to turn.

Catchers, Closers, and Infield Versatility on the Radar

There’s plenty more on the wish lists around the league. Some teams need catching depth to balance things behind the plate, while others are desperate for closers who don’t flinch under pressure.

Versatile infielders who can fill multiple roles are also in high demand. As July ticks away, expect the market for these players to heat up fast.

The High-Stakes Deadline: Defining Franchise Futures

The weeks before July 31 will crank up the pressure for all 30 MLB franchises. Each front office is digging into their roster and figuring out what they really need.

Some teams are buying, hoping to catch fire for a playoff run. Others are selling, looking ahead and trying to set up the next chapter.

Every move—or even just standing pat—can change a team’s direction in a big way. The 2025 trade deadline isn’t just about this season; it could shift the outlook for teams for years.

Excitement is building, and change is coming. The action begins now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: One thing each team will be looking for before the deadline