MLB Trade Market Insights: Center Fielders Thrive, Aces Scarce

The 2025 MLB trade market looks like one of the most intriguing in years. There’s this odd mix of surplus and scarcity that’s hard to ignore.

Teams feel the pressure to make smart moves before the July 31 deadline. There’s some depth with mid-rotation pitching and corner infield bats, but premium spots like catcher, shortstop, and top-tier starters are in really short supply.

This post digs into what’s shaping the market. It highlights the opportunities and headaches MLB execs face as they brace for what could be a wild trade deadline.

An Elite Catcher in a Market Starved for Talent

Catcher might be the position hurting the most for talent this season. Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves stands out—he’s not just a solid catcher, he’s a rare find.

Murphy’s got three years left on his deal. He brings both strong offense and top-notch defense, making him the prize of this year’s trade market.

The Braves haven’t had the season they hoped for, and rookie Drake Baldwin is starting to turn heads. That’s led to lots of chatter about whether Atlanta might move Murphy to shake things up.

Other Catching Options are Limited

After Murphy, the options get pretty thin. Reds catcher Jose Trevino can hold down a starting job, but he just doesn’t compare to Murphy’s impact.

Teams desperate for a catcher might have to overpay or get creative to fill that hole.

Corner Infielders: Depth Wins the Day

Corner infielders? That’s a different story—there’s plenty of solid bats to go around. Guys like Ryan O’Hearn, Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Ryan McMahon headline the list, giving teams a good mix of power and steady play.

The first base market has depth too. Veterans like Carlos Santana, Nathaniel Lowe, and Josh Bell are all options for contenders who want more punch in their lineup.

Middle Infielders are a Rare Commodity

Middle infield, though, is just about empty. The few names at second base include Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies and utility guys like Ramon and Luis Urías.

Shortstop is even worse—pretty much just utility players like Isiah Kiner-Falefa are up for grabs. With so little available, prices for even average upgrades will probably spike.

Outfielders: Solid Role Players, Few Impact Bats

The outfield market has some interesting choices, especially in center field. Players like Cedric Mullins, Harrison Bader, Alek Thomas, and Luis Robert can all play defense and bring at least some offense.

But if you’re after a true impact bat, especially in the corners, you’ll have to look hard. Taylor Ward, Bryan Reynolds, and Adolis Garcia are out there, but none have really caught fire this year.

Role Players Could See Increased Demand

With star outfielders in short supply, steady role players like Ramon Laureano, Austin Hays, Randal Grichuk, Jesus Sanchez, and Tommy Pham could become hot commodities. Their ability to plug gaps and do the job might make them surprisingly valuable as the deadline approaches.

Pitching: Depth in Some Areas, Gaps in Others

The 2025 market has a solid group of mid-rotation starting pitchers. Names like Zack Littell, Zach Eflin, Zac Gallen, Mitch Keller, and Lucas Giolito stand out.

But if you’re searching for a true ace, it’s slim pickings. Seth Lugo and Sandy Alcantara probably have the highest ceilings, but neither feels like a game-changer right now.

Relievers: A Mixed Bag

Relief pitching looks like a relative bright spot. A few elite arms—David Bednar, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Emmanuel Clase—could give bullpens a real boost.

The left-handed relief market, though, is pretty bare. Only a handful of names like Aroldis Chapman, Reid Detmers, and Caleb Ferguson are out there.

Creativity Will Define the Deadline

The July 31 deadline is coming up fast. Front offices across MLB will have to get creative as they face an uneven trade market.

Teams dreaming of blockbuster moves for star players might need to rethink things. They could end up overpaying if they chase the big names too hard.

But here’s the thing—clubs willing to dig a little deeper and target lesser-known options might just come out ahead. This deadline season could get weird, and honestly, that’s what makes it exciting.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Gauging the MLB trade market: Rich in center, poor at 2nd and short, and lacking any aces