With the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline looming, rumors swirl around blockbuster deals and strategic fits. Contenders eye headline-grabbing stars to bolster their playoff pushes, while others seek players who perfectly slot into roster gaps. Below, we dive into the top trade candidates, their 2025 performances, contract details, and likely destinations.
2025 MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Starting to Swirl
Headline Trades
Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Bregman, hitting .299 with 11 homers and a .938 OPS, remains an elite defensive third baseman despite a recent quad injury. His $40 million salary, with opt-outs after 2025 and 2026, makes him a short-term asset. With the recent trade of slugger Rafael Devers, Boston should do everything possible to keep Bregman. Though with prospects recently making their way to the majors, Boston’s front office may see this as yet another way to get big money off the books. The Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets covet his power and postseason pedigree. A trade could net Boston prospects to rebuild their rotation.
Jarren Duran, LF, Boston Red Sox
Duran’s .257 average, five homers, and 15 stolen bases highlight his speed and versatility, though his 1.2 WAR lags behind last year’s 6.7. With a $3.85 million salary, arbitration eligibility through 2028, and a 2026 club option, he’s a long-term asset. Duran’s ejections and base-running blunders of late are souring Boston fans fast. With a crowded outfield, trading him now—while his value’s sky-high—clears the logjam smartly. The San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Kansas City Royals see him as a dynamic outfield fit.
Sandy Alcántara, RHP, Miami Marlins
Alcántara, struggling with a 3-8 record, 6.88 ERA, and 4.70 FIP post-Tommy John surgery, still throws a 97.2-mph fastball. He overcame an early 8.47 ERA, posting a 2.74 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over his last four starts, showcasing improved command. His recent quality starts and near-pre-surgery velocity give buying teams confidence in his ace potential at the MLB trade deadline. His $17.3 million salary through 2026, with a $21 million 2027 option, offers control. The Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres view him as a reclamation project with top-of-the-rotation potential.
Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Suárez has consistent power, with 25 homers and 67 RBI in 2025. His expiring $15 million contract offers affordability. Moreover, his durability—playing 150-plus games annually—ensures lineup stability for a deep playoff run. The Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners value his power and veteran presence. Arizona could deal him to address other needs without signaling a full rebuild.
Cal Raleigh: 10-for-24 (.417 AVG), 5 HR, 12 RBI, 1.606 OPS
Eugenio Suárez: 11-for-25 (.440 AVG), 4 HR, 10 RBI, 1.464 OPSYour @Chevrolet AL and NL Players of the Week! pic.twitter.com/eSGdyLqz9f
— MLB (@MLB) June 23, 2025
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Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Gallen’s 5.60 ERA and 41 walks in 16 starts mark a dip, but his knuckle-curve and changeup remain lethal. He’s struck out 86 batters in 91 ⅓ innings. As recently as 2023, Gallen was a Cy Young Award candidate. His $13.5 million salary expires after 2025, making him a rental for a team looking to play in October. Gallen’s postseason experience—2-3 with a 4.54 ERA—can anchor any staff. The Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs have their eye on him.
Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Boston Red Sox
Chapman, 37, boasts a 1.41 ERA with 14 saves in 35 appearances, converting 14 of 15 chances. His $10.75 million one-year deal makes him a rental. This may be the best version of Aroldis Chapman we have ever seen. A 7.4% walk rate marks a career best, and his fastball/sinker combo—thrown nearly 75% of the time—is averaging about 99 mph alongside a .138 BAA. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies eye his high-velocity fastball for late-inning dominance. Boston could fetch prospects if it sells, leveraging Chapman’s postseason experience.
Luis Robert Jr., CF, Chicago White Sox
Robert’s .573 OPS and seven homers reflect a slow start, but his 22 stolen bases and Gold Glove defense shine. His 92nd percentile bat speed shouts untapped power. We all remember Robert’s 2023 38-homer, 36-double Silver Slugger season. Teams believe some of that is still in him. Robert’s $15 million salary, with $20 million options for 2026-27, offers flexibility. The San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies see his power-speed combo as a lineup-changer.
Adolis Garcia, OF, Texas Rangers
Garcia’s .308 June average and .862 OPS signal a rebound from an initially lackluster season, though his overall stats remain modest. The 2023 ALCS MVP holds a career .323/.382/.726 postseason triple slash. Arbitration-eligible through 2026, he’s a short-term power bat that can warrant an extension in the future. The Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres view his 2023 postseason heroics as a playoff boost. Texas may move him to retool.
Best Fit Trades
Josh Naylor, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Naylor’s .300 average and low strikeout rate make him a reliable bat, though his power dipped from 31 homers in 2024. His expiring contract marks him as a rental. The Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers see him as a middle-of-the-order solution. Arizona could trade him to bolster its farm system.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/DH, Baltimore Orioles
O’Hearn’s .300-plus average and career-high homer pace, with a 175 OPS+, make him a surprise star. His expiring contract suits a platoon role. The Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers value his contact skills. Baltimore’s sell-off could see him boost a contender’s lineup.
Cedric Mullins, CF, Baltimore Orioles
Mullins, despite a hamstring injury, is hitting .232 with 10 homers and eight steals, resembling a rendition of his 2021 30-30 form. His $8.7 million expiring deal fits rentals. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets prize his defense and speed. Baltimore’s rebuild could send him to a contender needing outfield pop.
Ryan McMahon, 3B, Colorado Rockies
McMahon’s .855 OPS since May 7 and top-tier defense offset a slow start. His $12 million 2025 salary, with $16 million through 2027, is within budget. The New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners see him as a steady infield upgrade. Colorado seeks farm system upgrades as it nears one of MLB’s worst records.
Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Fairbanks’ 97.1-mph fastball and improved slider yield strong results, despite declining strikeout rates. His $10 million 2026 option offers control. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers seek his high-leverage arm. Tampa Bay’s flexible deadline approach could see him dealt.
Pete Fairbanks fired up
Rays win the series opener pic.twitter.com/oN7ISJLYvq
— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) May 24, 2025
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Walker Buehler, RHP, Boston Red Sox
Buehler’s 6.29 ERA and 93.8-mph fastball reflect a down year, but his seven-pitch mix and playoff prowess endure. His expiring contract makes him a rental. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres bet on his October upside.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Hoskins, on an expiring deal, provides power with 20 homers but strikes out often. His consistent bat fits contenders. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres see him as a first-base or platoon role upgrade. Milwaukee, just 2 1/2 games from a Wild Card spot, may sell at the MLB trade deadline if they fade.
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