MLB Trade Deadline Insights: Key Intel from Olney and Passan

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is coming up fast, and you can feel the tension rising. Teams are scrambling to make moves before Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET cutoff, with less than 48 hours left.

This year’s trade market took its time, but now it’s finally getting interesting. Big names like Eugenio Suarez, Dylan Cease, and Luis Robert Jr. are swirling in rumors, while teams are fighting over bullpen arms in a market that really favors sellers.

Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up as the clock winds down. What should fans expect in these final frenzied hours?

Early Trades Set the Tone

The market might’ve started slow, but a few early trades hinted at what teams want. The Seattle Mariners grabbed slugger Josh Naylor to give their offense a shot in the arm for the playoff chase.

The New York Yankees brought in Ryan McMahon, a versatile infielder, showing they’re not backing down in the AL East.

These moves suggest teams are willing to take chances, but the biggest names—like Eugenio Suarez—haven’t budged yet.

Big Names Still Waiting for the Call

Some of the league’s most intriguing players are still stuck in rumor limbo. Eugenio Suarez, Dylan Cease, and Luis Robert Jr. headline the list of stars who could shake up the playoff race.

Interest is high, but asking prices seem to be scaring teams off. Time’s running out, though, so contenders may have to up their offers if they want to land someone who can change their season.

Who’s Buying, Who’s Selling?

This year, the divide between buyers and sellers feels especially dramatic. The New York Mets look ready to get aggressive, hunting for a starting pitcher, bullpen help, and maybe an outfielder like Cedric Mullins.

Other contenders—think Blue Jays, Astros, and Dodgers—are zoning in on bullpen upgrades as October looms.

Major Sellers to Watch

The biggest sellers? Look at the Diamondbacks, Rays, Padres, Twins, Pirates, and Guardians. Most of these teams are outside the playoff picture, so they’re trying to turn current assets into future value.

Relievers top the list of likely trade chips, since contenders are desperate for solid arms to bolster their pitching staffs.

Bullpen Arms Are King

If you spot a theme this deadline, it’s the mad scramble for relief pitching. There just aren’t enough good relievers to go around.

Ryan Helsley, David Bednar, Jhoan Duran, and Pete Fairbanks are drawing interest from just about every team with playoff hopes.

The Philadelphia Phillies really need bullpen help, especially after Jose Alvarado got hit with a postseason PED suspension. They’re under the gun to find a late-inning arm before the clock hits zero.

The Cost of Controllable Players

Teams are asking a lot for controllable players—guys under affordable contracts for a few more years. The Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals want a king’s ransom for stars like Joe Ryan, MacKenzie Gore, and Steven Kwan.

Some buyers have balked at the price, but with time running out, you never know. A last-minute blockbuster wouldn’t surprise anyone at this point.

Deadline Chaos on the Horizon

Trade insiders say activity will ramp up fast as the deadline nears. It’s been a pretty slow market so far, but things could change in a blink.

We might still see some big names move, but most people expect a bunch of smaller deals instead. Teams seem especially hungry for bullpen arms right now.

Rival clubs look more open to compromise than usual. The next 48 hours could be wild for fans and probably pretty stressful for general managers.

Everyone’s watching the contenders, waiting to see who pulls off a big move—and who just can’t handle the pressure.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Last-minute MLB trade deadline intel: What Buster Olney and Jeff Passan are hearing