Post-Trade Deadline Guide: What’s Next for All 30 MLB Teams

The 2025 MLB trade deadline brought real fireworks and plenty of intrigue. Ninety-two veteran players and ninety-two prospects swapped uniforms, making this one of the most dynamic deadlines in recent memory.

With playoff races heating up, contenders took wildly different paths. Some teams made bold moves, while others waited it out, leaving fans to wonder how the stretch run will shake out.

From powerhouse clubs like the Brewers and Dodgers to longshots like the Guardians and Reds, every team’s choices will shape the playoff picture. These decisions ripple into the future of their franchises, too.

Here’s a look at the storylines that popped up as MLB gears up for an electric final push to October.

The Big Winners: Brewers Surge as Playoff Locks Tighten

The Milwaukee Brewers shone brighter than most at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. They already looked like contenders heading into the season’s second half, but their red-hot offense and smart reliance on internal solutions—rather than splashy trades—catapulted them to the top of ESPN’s Stock Watch.

With playoff odds over 90%, Milwaukee seems set for October. Still, you have to wonder if their power at the plate can really hold up down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, two other serious contenders, played it more cautiously. The Cubs have shown off their versatility, but by taking it easy at the deadline, they’ve left themselves exposed in terms of pitching health and depth.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, leaned on their usual consistency and stayed mostly quiet. They’re betting everything on their rotation staying healthy through September and October, which feels a bit risky.

Detroit, Phillies, and Blue Jays Face Uncertain Paths

The Detroit Tigers are in an odd spot. They’ve got a strong playoff position, but inconsistency keeps creeping in.

Recent offensive regression has raised some eyebrows. If Detroit can’t bounce back, they might go from a potential Cinderella story to an early exit, but nobody’s counting them out just yet.

The Philadelphia Phillies turned to deadline acquisitions for reinforcements. This move eased the pressure to rush top prospect Andrew Painter back from injury.

It’s still unclear if these new faces can keep the Phillies in the hunt through October.

Toronto’s playoff hopes seem tied to Anthony Santander’s health. He’s been out since May, and his absence hangs over the team.

If Santander can make a comeback, he could ignite Toronto’s push for the postseason.

Second-Tier Contenders: Battling Through Weakness

Teams like the Padres, Mets, Astros, Red Sox, Yankees, Mariners, and Rangers sit with playoff odds anywhere from 40% to almost 90%. But every single one has obvious issues to solve.

The Padres and Mets need to find answers for their thin rosters. Injuries keep slowing down the Astros, Yankees, and Rangers.

None of these teams can afford a late stumble. Momentum might be everything for them as October approaches.

Slim Hopes and Future Focus: Reds, Giants, and More

Some teams—think Reds, Giants, Royals, Rays, Cardinals, and Guardians—are barely hanging onto playoff hopes. They’re banking on late-season miracles or breakout performances from their best players.

Even with the odds against them, these games matter. Teams use them to evaluate players and plan for next season.

Meanwhile, clubs like the Marlins, Diamondbacks, Twins, and Angels have started looking ahead. They’re using the rest of 2025 to develop young talent and figure out their future rosters.

The Rockies? They’re in their own category, fully embracing a rebuild. There’s just no realistic shot at the playoffs for them right now.

A Deadline That Redefined the Landscape

The 2025 MLB trade deadline shook up the league in ways nobody quite predicted. Aggressive moves, like Milwaukee’s internal gamble, stood in stark contrast to the cautious approach of the Cubs and Dodgers.

Contenders are struggling with injuries and depth issues. Meanwhile, rebuilding teams are banking on their brightest prospects.

This season’s already packed with drama and a few jaw-dropping performances. The next few months? They’ll probably be a wild ride for players, teams, and fans.

Maybe the Brewers keep rolling. Maybe the Tigers surprise us. Or maybe some underdog sneaks in and makes things weird. The 2025 MLB playoff race feels like it could go anywhere—and honestly, that’s what makes it so much fun.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Biggest concern, what’s left to play for and more: Post-trade deadline guide for all 30 MLB teams