Top 40 MLB Trade Deadline Players to Watch Before July 31

With just 22 days left until the 2025 MLB trade deadline, front offices across the league are deep in debate. Should they double down as buyers and chase October, or pull the plug and sell off talent for a future payoff?

The latest Big Board is packed with 40 players who could shake up the postseason race. Some are big names, others are wild cards, but the market’s unpredictable energy makes it hard to look away. The rumors are swirling, and the drama is just starting to build.

Playoff Odds Dictating Trade Strategies

In MLB, playoff odds pretty much steer every deadline decision. Teams like the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins—each sitting below 30 percent playoff odds—are all over the rumor mill as likely sellers.

Even though their chances look bleak, these clubs could still play spoiler by dealing away key pieces. Sellers have the upper hand in talks, choosing whether to cash in on young talent or cling to a faint hope of a turnaround.

Each front office faces a tough call: trade away promising players now or hold tight and risk missing out on future assets. It’s a gamble either way, and nobody wants to blink first.

Boston’s Outfield Conundrum

Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu stand out in Boston’s crowded outfield. Both are young and under team control, so their value is sky-high.

The Red Sox aren’t eager to move them, but they’re listening. If someone wants to pry them loose, it’ll take a serious offer—think top prospects or proven MLB names. Maybe Boston flips youth for a big return, maybe not. Guess we’ll see soon enough.

The Complex Case of Alex Bregman

Alex Bregman’s name keeps popping up, but his situation is messy. He’s just about ready to return from injury, but there’s an opt-out clause and a hefty contract on the table.

That combo makes him a tough fit for a lot of teams. Still, some playoff hopefuls might be desperate enough for a bat like his to roll the dice. Bregman’s market is complicated, but not dead.

Pitching Depth Drives Market Interest

Pitching always dominates deadline talk, and this year’s no different. Seth Lugo, Zac Gallen, and Sandy Alcantara are all on the radar for teams hunting for rotation help.

Some have dealt with rough patches or are inching toward free agency, but their upside in October is tough to ignore. Elite relievers like Emmanuel Clase, Jhoan Duran, and Aroldis Chapman are also in the mix.

Landing one of these bullpen arms could totally change a contender’s late-game outlook. But the asking price? It’s going to hurt. Buyers have to balance going all-in with keeping their farm system intact.

Offensive Firepower: Veteran Bats and Versatile Hitters

Contenders are always hungry for more offense, and this deadline offers some tempting options. Marcell Ozuna and Eugenio Suárez are the obvious “bat-first” vets if you need a jolt in the lineup.

Teams with more specific needs might look at Cedric Mullins or Josh Naylor. These guys bring versatility and can plug multiple holes. They’re not just numbers on a stat sheet—they represent a shot at something bigger.

Intriguing Decisions Surround Starters

Even steady starters like Mitch Keller are being discussed. The Pirates might move him to maximize value or manage contracts, depending on how bold they’re feeling.

Some fans will hate seeing a reliable arm go, but that’s the game. Every move is a balancing act between building for later and winning right now. The chess match never really stops.

The Dynamic Trade Market: A High-Stakes Puzzle

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline creeps closer, the market feels like a constantly changing puzzle. Team strategies and player values shift almost every day, which puts front offices on edge. They have to adapt fast, sometimes faster than they’d like.

With 40 players on the Big Board, GMs suddenly have a wide range of trade assets at their fingertips. There are only a few weeks left to pull off deals that could change the direction of entire franchises.

Big-name targets like Bregman, Duran, Abreu, and Alcantara add even more intrigue. Fans are on the edge of their seats, hoping for blockbuster moves. Meanwhile, organizations juggle numbers, trying to balance their short-term ambitions with what’s best for their teams in the long run.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB trade deadline Big Board 2.0: Top 40 players on market as July 31 approaches