Key Trade Assets for MLB Teams Ahead of 2025 Deadline

The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline is creeping up, and front offices everywhere are buzzing. Teams are scrambling—some hoping to boost their playoff chances, others already looking ahead to next year.

The trade market feels wild this season. From veterans on expiring deals to prospects stuck behind big leaguers, every club is plotting for an edge. Let’s dig into the strategies, the hottest names, and what fans might see during one of the year’s most chaotic stretches.

The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline: An Overview

The deadline isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a high-stakes chess match for every front office.

Contenders are chasing controllable talent for a playoff push and beyond. Non-contenders, meanwhile, want to stock up on young players and prospects. Expiring contracts and blocked minor leaguers have become prime trade chips, and the market’s unpredictable as ever.

Notable Players Generating Buzz

Big names and talented prospects are driving the rumor mill as the deadline looms. The Blue Jays’ lefty Johnny King and Yankees’ fireballer Carlos Lagrange stand out—clubs all over want to add them to their rotations.

The Orioles’ All-Star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn is another name to watch. He could land with a contender desperate for some pop in the lineup.

• The Red Sox are tossing around the idea of trading outfielder Jarren Duran, but only if the return feels right.
• Top relievers like Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran and Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley are on plenty of wish lists as bullpens become make-or-break in October.
• Veterans like Seth Lugo (Royals), Dylan Cease (Padres), and Marcell Ozuna (Braves) might get moved too, especially with free agency looming for some of them.

Prospects in the Spotlight

For teams thinking long-term, the prospect market is still golden. The Dodgers and Cubs, for example, are dangling high-upside prospects like Jackson Ferris and Owen Caissie—but only for the right deal.

Other clubs, like the Tigers and Brewers, have an infield traffic jam. They might use blocked minor leaguers as trade bait to patch holes elsewhere on their rosters.

Big Bats in Play

Teams needing a jolt of offense are eyeing some legit hitters. The Diamondbacks’ third baseman Eugenio Suárez and the Angels’ versatile slugger Taylor Ward are two of the most sought-after bats in the mix.

Both guys bring power and flexibility—exactly what teams crave in a tight division race.

A Balancing Act for Buyers and Sellers

With the deadline almost here, buyers and sellers are showing their cards. Contenders are getting crafty, looking for players who can help now and stick around a while.

Rebuilding teams want the best possible returns for their stars, especially if those stars have years of team control left. This season’s mix of needs and ambition has made the trade market especially aggressive.

The Front Office Frenzy

Right now, it’s not just about who’s on the block—it’s about which front office can outthink the rest. Executives are chasing every angle, from wild three-team swaps to deals that move money around.

With so much at stake, a little creativity might be what separates the winners from everyone else this year.

What to Watch Before the Deadline

As the MLB trade deadline creeps closer, fans should keep an eye on teams that haven’t really decided if they’re buying or selling. The Padres, Royals, and Braves are in weird spots, holding valuable veterans but still trying to figure out their playoff odds.

Analytics play a huge role in all this, so the next few days could get wild. Surprises are almost a guarantee.

The 2025 deadline has a lot of promise and mystery. Whether your team’s ready for a playoff run or just looking ahead to 2026, this trade season feels like it could really shake things up.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Each team’s top trade chip going into Deadline