The 2025 MLB trade deadline didn’t just shake up big-league rosters—it sparked a wild shuffle of prospects. Teams swapped future potential for immediate help, and the whole thing felt like a high-stakes chess match. Talent evaluators had their hands full as top-ranked youngsters switched sides, with some clubs chasing October glory and others eyeing a longer rebuild. Let’s get into some highlights from Fangraphs’ article, “Ranking the MLB Prospects Traded at the 2025 Deadline.”
Top-Ranked Prospect: A Bat-First Shortstop Heads to Oakland
Leo De Vries led the group of prospects on the move this year. At just 18, this switch-hitting shortstop already shows real power and a knack for hitting. The Padres sent him to Oakland, where he’ll try to anchor their infield for years to come. People do wonder about his glove, but his bat stands out enough that Oakland couldn’t pass him up.
Compelling Arms Change Teams
Pitches were flying off the trade shelves too. Teams clearly wanted young, controllable arms. Khal Stephen, a right-hander from Toronto, landed with the Guardians. He’s got sharp command and looks like a steady mid-rotation guy—maybe even sooner than people think.
Adam Serwinowski jumped from the Dodgers to the Reds. Blade Tidwell went from the Mets to the Giants. Ryan Bergert left the Padres for the Royals. Each brings something different, but all could fill rotation spots or help out in the bullpen if things break right.
Catchers and Outfielders Add Variety
It wasn’t all about pitching, though. Teams went after catchers and outfielders, too. Eduardo Tait, who’s got a cannon arm and legit home-run juice, moved from Philly to the Twins. He’s fun to dream on, but his approach at the plate can get wild—so there’s risk.
Outfielders Alan Roden and Drew Gilbert look ready for the show. Roden’s all about contact; he just keeps finding grass. Gilbert, on the other hand, brings a mix of speed and power that’s tough to teach. Both could help their new squads right away. These moves fill out depth charts and give managers more options.
A Focus on Depth and Upside
Plenty of teams chased depth, especially on the mound. Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Mick Abel all profile as backend starters or maybe high-leverage relievers. Sometimes you just need reliable arms, not aces.
Some clubs rolled the dice on high-upside teenagers like Jorge Quintana and Wilfri De La Cruz. They’re raw, sure, but if one hits, it’s a game-changer. That kind of lottery ticket can make rebuilding a little less painful.
The Depth and Diversity of 2025 Trades
This year, teams didn’t just chase stars. They grabbed catchers and infielders who might end up as backups or platoon guys. Feels like a shift—clubs are getting realistic, patching holes with solid, if unspectacular, prospects. Most of these players sit in the 45-40 FV range, but sometimes, that’s exactly what a roster needs. Not every trade has to be a blockbuster.
Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Investment
The 2025 MLB trade deadline really highlighted how teams juggle competing right now with building for the future. Contenders went all-in, trading away young talent for veterans ready to help in October.
On the other side, rebuilding clubs dove into prospect pools to reload for the years ahead. The trades ran the gamut—some teams gambled on raw teenagers, while others grabbed steady, almost-ready contributors.
It’s wild how much front offices obsess over talent at every level. The variety of moves just shows how much work goes into every decision.
- Leo De Vries: Scouts like his bat, but his glove? Still a question mark.
- Khal Stephen: He’s nearly ready, and some think he could slot into a rotation soon.
- Eduardo Tait: Brings power as a catcher, though he’s not without his risks.
- Alan Roden & Drew Gilbert: Outfielders who look awfully close to breaking into the majors.
- Depth Arms: Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Mick Abel give teams more pitching options.
- Teenage Lottery Tickets: Jorge Quintana and Wilfri De La Cruz are all about upside, even if it’s a long shot.
Here is the source article for this story: Ranking the MLB Prospects Traded at the 2025 Deadline
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