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New MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Swirl Around Key Players

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With the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline approaching, trade rumors swirl around key players. Only six teams are clear sellers, and bubble teams like the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Arizona Diamondbacks face tough choices. Here, we explore the latest buzz on Alex Bregman, Cedric Mullins, Eugenio Suárez, Marcell Ozuna, and Aroldis Chapman, detailing the context driving their trade talks.

May 16, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) scores on a RBI single by shortstop Trevor Story (not pictured) during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Heating Up

Alex Bregman: Extension or Trade?

Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox third baseman, faces an uncertain future. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that without a contract extension by the deadline, Boston might trade him. Bregman’s $40M deal includes a 2025 opt-out, pushing the Red Sox to secure him long-term or maximize his value. He’s hitting .299 with 11 homers and a 159 OPS+, but a quad strain complicates matters. The Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets are potential suitors, per ESPN, though his 10% trade probability reflects Boston’s playoff hopes (42-44, 2 1/2 games back of the final wild card). Bregman’s defense and postseason experience make him valuable in both the short and long term. A trade could yield prospects, but the Red Sox may hold firm if they stay in contention.

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Cedric Mullins: Orioles’ Big Decision

Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is a prime trade candidate. Jeff Passan of ESPN gives him a 75% chance of being dealt. The Orioles, at 37-48, lack outfield depth, so trading Mullins would signal a 2025 surrender. His .214 average, 12 homers, and 8 steals show versatility, despite a .542 OPS slump from May to June. Bob Nightengale of USA Today notes the Houston Astros are targeting him for left-handed pop. The Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Guardians also show interest. Baltimore could land a prospect like the Mets’ Nolan McLean, but with no clear center field replacement, the Orioles may hesitate.

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Eugenio Suárez: Power for Rent

Eugenio Suárez, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ third baseman, draws attention from the Cubs. His $15M expiring contract makes him a rental. Suárez’s 26 homers and .564 slugging percentage highlight his power, though a 26.2 strikeout rate raises concerns at age 33. The Cubs envision him platooning with Michael Busch at first base, per MLB Trade Rumors. The Seattle Mariners also eye him for infield help. With Arizona at 43-42 and prospects like Jordan Lawlar waiting, Suárez could fetch a reliever or mid-tier prospect, addressing roster gaps.

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Marcell Ozuna: Braves’ Trade Exception

Marcell Ozuna, the Atlanta Braves’ designated hitter, is their likeliest trade piece. Despite Atlanta’s reluctance to sell at a pitiful 38-46, Bob Nightengale reports executives see Ozuna as an exception due to his $16M expiring deal. His .244 average, 11 homers, and 114 OPS+ offer power and on-base skills. The San Diego Padres, the Yankees, and the Mariners are linked. Ozuna’s 10-5 trade veto rights could complicate Atlanta’s efforts to trade him, letting Ozuna largely decide his next destination. A hip injury adds risk, but his bat could boost a contender. 

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Aroldis Chapman: Top Reliever Target

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, a 37-year-old Cuban lefty, stands out as the top reliever likely to switch teams before the July 31, 2025, trade deadline, according to Jim Bowden, citing over 40 MLB executives. Known for his electrifying 99.2 mph fastball (99th percentile, per Statcast), Chapman has dazzled in 2025 with a 1.32 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 34 innings. He’s posting career-best numbers, including a 7.8% walk rate—his lowest ever—paired with a 38.8% strikeout rate (99th percentile). These stats make him a hot commodity, likely to fetch a top prospect. His affordable $10.75 million one-year deal sweetens the deal for contenders needing a battle-tested closer. With the Red Sox (42-44, 6.5 games back in the AL East) weighing their playoff odds, teams like the Phillies, Mets, and Padres are ready to bid big for Chapman’s game-changing arm.

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Market Outlook

The 2025 trade market is cautious, with a limited number of sellers. Bregman’s fate relies on an extension, while Mullins’ trade could reshape Baltimore’s roster. Suárez and Ozuna offer short-term power, and Chapman is a playoff game-changer. With the expanded playoffs, more teams than ever are in the buyer’s market. Teams winning 84-88 games consistently make deep playoff runs, giving roughly two-thirds of the league hope during the grueling summer months. With few teams selling, expect steep prices for top players, intense bidding wars, and unexpected contenders emerging.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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