2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Key Dates for Buyers and Sellers

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory. Teams are walking a tightrope between chasing the playoffs and hitting the reset button for the future.

Set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, the deadline’s already made waves. The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal that nobody saw coming.

As the summer heat ramps up, front offices feel the pressure. There’s a sense that more fireworks are on the way as organizations weigh their options.

Early Fireworks: Rafael Devers Headlines the Trade Market

The trade frenzy wasted no time this year. Boston sent All-Star infielder Rafael Devers to the Giants, sending shockwaves through the league.

In return, the Red Sox picked up relievers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, plus two prospects—including 2024 first-rounder James Tibbs III. This kind of move sets the tone for a wild deadline, and it’s hard not to wonder which other stars might end up in new uniforms.

Why Devers Was Moved

Despite Devers’ All-Star numbers, Boston probably made the move with their long-term rebuild in mind. San Francisco, meanwhile, is trying to pounce in a crowded NL playoff race.

It makes sense for both sides, honestly. The ripple effects could push other teams to get aggressive as they look to plug holes and stay in the hunt.

Teams Poised to Sell: Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Marlins

With July rolling on, a few teams with fading postseason hopes are ready to cash in. They’re hoping to flip their best assets for future pieces.

Arizona’s Josh Naylor is one name to watch, along with pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. If the D-backs’ playoff hopes die, they’ll likely move these guys before free agency hits.

Rockies Enter Rebuild Mode

The Colorado Rockies are having a brutal season—maybe one for the record books. They seem ready to embrace a rebuild.

Reliever Jake Bird and infielder Ryan McMahon could draw interest from contenders. Colorado’s front office looks set to trade veteran talent for prospects, which feels overdue, honestly.

Marlins Evaluate Struggling Stars

The Miami Marlins are reportedly listening to offers for pitcher Sandy Alcantara. He once took home a Cy Young but hasn’t looked the same lately.

Edward Cabrera and outfielder Jesús Sánchez are also in trade rumors. Miami’s been inconsistent all year, so it’s no surprise they’re ready to shake things up.

The Guardians: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Cleveland Guardians are in a weird spot as the deadline approaches. They’re just half a game out of the last AL Wild Card slot, but their –25 run differential suggests their luck might run out.

With the Tigers leading the AL Central, Cleveland could decide to pivot and sell instead of making a desperate playoff push.

Potential Guardians Trade Pieces

The Guardians have a few players that could draw calls from contenders. Outfielder Lane Thomas, who’ll be a free agent soon, stands out as a likely trade chip.

Bullpen arms like Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith, and Hunter Gaddis could also be on the move. Teams always want more late-inning pitching, especially in the stretch run.

Looking Ahead: Farm System Over Playoffs?

Cleveland might just focus on building up their prospect pool instead of chasing a postseason run that feels iffy at best. Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter are two young players who could be future stars.

Fans might not love missing the playoffs again, but betting on youth could pay off in the long run. Sometimes, patience really is a virtue—even if it’s tough to watch in real time.

Key Players to Watch at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline

Blockbuster trades could shake up the league this year. Think Rafael Devers, or teams wrestling with the idea of moving their core stars.

Contenders are hunting for upgrades, hoping for that one piece to push them toward October glory. Meanwhile, teams stuck in the mud want to snag young talent and try to rebuild for the future.

Honestly, fans should get ready for a wild ride on July 31. The anticipation is real, and the stakes feel higher than ever.

Key Players to Watch:

• Rafael Devers (San Francisco Giants)
• Josh Naylor, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Jake Bird, Ryan McMahon (Colorado Rockies)
• Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Jesús Sánchez (Miami Marlins)
• Lane Thomas, Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis (Cleveland Guardians)

 
Here is the source article for this story: When is the 2025 MLB trade deadline? Buyers and sellers have until this date to make moves