MLB Trade Deadline Insights: Valuing Players on the Move

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline looks like it could be a wild one, with plenty of star players possibly on the move. Teams are sizing up their playoff chances, and the names in play could totally shift the balance in pennant races.

From starting pitchers to big-time relievers and game-changing position players, the market’s buzzing. People are already comparing this year’s potential deals to some of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory. Here’s a quick look at the top trade candidates, what they might be worth, and what it could take to get them.

Joe Ryan: The Crown Jewel of Starting Pitching

Joe Ryan has emerged as the top starting pitcher on the block for 2025. The Minnesota ace gets compared to Sonny Gray’s value back in 2017, when the A’s scored three Top 100-level prospects for him.

With his sharp command and knack for going deep into games, Ryan’s the kind of ace contenders dream about. If teams want him, they’ll have to cough up a serious haul of young talent.

What makes Joe Ryan so valuable?

Ryan just keeps showing up—he’s durable, racks up strikeouts, and delivers consistently. The Dodgers or Yankees might chase after him, but even they would have to dig deep into their farm systems to get a deal done.

Eugenio Suárez: Power and Production at the Plate

Veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez is turning heads at 34, making him a hot commodity. He’s been compared to Starling Marte’s 2021 trade, meaning he could net a controllable young pitcher in return.

Suárez isn’t just a short-term rental—he’s a lineup-changer. His bat could slot right into the heart of any contender’s order.

Why Suárez’s bat is worth the investment

Suárez’s power numbers are up, but it’s his new-found patience at the plate and high on-base percentage that really stand out. Teams desperate for offense, like the Diamondbacks or Mariners, have to be watching closely.

Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax: Elite Relief Arms

This year’s bullpen market is stacked, led by Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Duran’s been one of the nastiest closers in baseball, and people are already making Brad Hand comparisons—remember when Hand’s team landed a Top 20 prospect for him?

Duran’s heater and wicked off-speed stuff make him a nightmare for hitters. Any team with late-inning needs will be dialing Minnesota’s number.

A dynamic duo that could change playoff bullpens

Griffin Jax, who gets compared to Andrew Miller in 2016, could pull in a Top 100 prospect and then some. Whether he’s part of a package or goes solo, Jax’s ability to handle high-leverage spots gives contenders a real weapon for October.

Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly: Veteran Starters with Upside

Zac Gallen’s having a rough year, but his upside is still there. Think of Jake Peavy in 2014—he wasn’t lights-out, but still brought a decent return to the Giants.

Gallen’s age and track record should keep his trade value solid. He’s not going to come cheap, even if the numbers are down.

Merrill Kelly brings steady, reliable innings every time out. People are likening his trade value to J.A. Happ’s 2018 deal, where a struggling young player and a former top prospect were enough to get it done.

The appeal of experienced arms

Teams like the Blue Jays or Orioles, who just need someone they can count on every fifth day, might see Gallen and Kelly as the answer. Sometimes, you just want a guy who keeps you in games.

Mitch Keller and Sandy Alcantara: Balancing Performance with Potential

Mitch Keller has some appeal on the market, though his higher salary makes things tricky. His situation feels a bit like Chris Archer’s 2018 trade, where two young, high-upside players went the other way.

If the right team steps up, Keller’s frontline potential could push his value even higher. It’s not out of the question.

Sandy Alcantara is a tougher call. His recent numbers aren’t great, but the years left on his contract mean he’s still more valuable than someone like Cole Hamels in 2018. Miami might just wait and hope Alcantara rebounds, either in the offseason or next year.

Position Players: Brandon Lowe and Steven Kwan

Don’t forget about position players—there’s some buzz there too. Brandon Lowe, a second baseman with pop, has drawn comparisons to Adam Frazier-type trades, so a haul of prospects could be in play.

Steven Kwan is a different kind of outfielder—think Randy Arozarena, but with even more contact skills and defense. Teams looking for a spark at the top of the lineup should be all over Kwan, and he’ll cost a bunch of young talent.

Final Thoughts: Likely Trade Deadline Trends

This year’s deadline? It’s shaping up to be a wild chess match between MLB general managers. With names like Joe Ryan, Eugenio Suárez, and Jhoan Duran floating around the rumor mill, you can almost feel the tension building.

Blockbuster deals aren’t just possible—they feel inevitable. The only real mystery is when, and who’s bold enough to pull the trigger first.

Top prospects and controllable young players will be at the center of trade talks. Contenders want those difference-makers for October, and they’ll pay up if they have to.

High-upside pitchers and clutch hitters are in high demand. The stakes? Couldn’t be higher, honestly.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB trade deadline: Using history to put a price tag on players about to move