MLB Trade Targets for Contenders: Top Needs Addressed in 2025

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline creeps closer, the baseball world buzzes with rumors and wild speculation. Teams are scrambling, trying to gain an edge in the playoff race.

Only five teams—Athletics, White Sox, Pirates, Marlins, and Rockies—are clearly out of it. Everyone else? They’re hunting for upgrades, hoping to punch a ticket to October.

Contenders are building their wish lists and scouting possible trade targets. Still, most insiders think the big deals won’t really happen until after the All-Star break. That’s just how it goes.

This post digs into which teams need what, who might be on the move, and how front offices are playing the mid-season chess game.

The Contenders Sharpen Their Focus

With the deadline just seven weeks away, contenders are zoning in on the roster holes that could decide their playoff fate. It’s a tense time—only a few teams are fully committed to selling, while the rest are still figuring out if their October dreams are even realistic.

For buyers, it’s a weird balance between waiting and pouncing. Most teams are holding off until the All-Star break shakes things out. Nobody wants to jump too early and regret it.

The Mets Eye Bullpen Depth

The New York Mets have their eyes set on bullpen help. They’re targeting Rockies reliever Seth Halvorsen as a possible fix.

Late-game pitching can make or break you in the postseason. Adding someone reliable like Halvorsen could really boost the Mets’ chances in those nail-biter situations.

Cubs and Dodgers Look to Pitching

The Chicago Cubs want a starting pitcher. They’re hoping Arizona might be willing to move Zac Gallen, their ace, if things go south for the Diamondbacks.

Landing Gallen would give the Cubs’ rotation a serious upgrade. No question about it.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, on the other hand, might just stay put—unless injuries keep piling up. Their main goal? Get everyone healthy and steady that rotation for the stretch run.

Targeting Game-Changers in Baltimore

The Philadelphia Phillies have circled Orioles closer Félix Bautista as their dream bullpen addition. That is, if Baltimore drops out of the race.

Bautista’s dominance at the end of games could give the Phillies’ bullpen a real jolt. He’d bring some much-needed stability when things get tight.

Ryan O’Hearn, also with Baltimore, looks like a great fit for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants need a short-term bat at first base or DH, and O’Hearn could fill that gap.

He’s got enough pop to help out, and he feels like a realistic target for San Francisco.

Padres and Yankees Pursue Key Additions

The Padres are hunting for a long-term answer in left field. Jarren Duran from Boston is at the top of their list—though that deal could be tough to nail down.

If that doesn’t work, Taylor Ward of the Angels seems like a smart backup plan. San Diego isn’t short on ambition.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are itching to upgrade their infield, especially at second or third base. Luis Arraez from the Padres has jumped out as their main target.

He brings elite contact hitting and some versatility—exactly what the Yankees’ lineup could use right now.

Other Teams Scouting Options

It’s not just the headline teams making moves. The Brewers, Tigers, Astros, Twins, Royals, and Mariners are all busy weighing their own needs and scanning the market.

Whether it’s pitching depth or a defensive boost, every team with playoff hopes is looking for that one move to put them over the top.

With time ticking and few sellers around, teams will need to move quickly and take some risks. The next seven weeks? Expect a storm of rumors, bold decisions, and trades that could shake up the standings.

What to Expect After the All-Star Break

Most MLB insiders say the biggest deals usually happen after the All-Star break. Right now, rumors are everywhere, but teams need to figure out where they stand before making bold moves.

Contenders want to fix urgent needs, but they also have to think about the future. Sellers, meanwhile, are sorting out which players they’re actually willing to let go.

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline creeping closer, fans can expect plenty of chaos and strategy. This stretch could totally shake up the playoff picture—maybe in ways nobody sees coming.

Quick Notes:

Keep an eye out for updates as the trade market heats up. Blockbusters and surprises always seem to pop up when you least expect it—October’s drama starts here!

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB trade targets to address the biggest need for each contending team