Overview of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
The 2025 MLB trade deadline has concluded, leaving teams to assess their decisions amidst a flurry of trades. General Manager A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres exemplified the bold moves made this year with a series of high-stakes trades that brought both excitement and uncertainty.
Preller’s High-Risk Moves
Preller, known for his aggressive trading style, orchestrated the most significant deal of the deadline by sending top prospect Leo de Vries to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears. He also made additional trades, acquiring catcher Freddy Fermin, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and outfielder Ramón Laureano, all while retaining pitchers Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez. The Padres are currently in pursuit of the NL West title, just three games behind the Dodgers.
Winner: Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins took the concept of a fire sale to the extreme, trading 11 players and solidifying their status as the most active sellers of the day. Notably, they dealt both reliever Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia and Griffin Jax to Tampa Bay, significantly depleting their bullpen. Position players such as Willi Castro, Ty France, and Harrison Bader were also traded for prospects.
The jaw-dropping moment came when the Twins agreed to absorb part of Carlos Correa’s hefty contract to return him to Houston, signaling an acknowledgment of a sunk cost and a major pivot in their strategy.
Loser: Twins Fans
For Twins supporters, trading away talented players like Duran—who had become a fan favorite and played a pivotal role in breaking an 18-game playoff losing streak—marks a painful transition. Having once aimed to compete for the AL Central, the current moves suggest a retreat, leaving fans disappointed as the franchise faces uncertainty with its sale on the horizon.
Winner: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners made strides to enhance their offense, bolstering their lineup with first baseman Josh Naylor and slugger Eugenio Suárez, both well-regarded hitters. This shift comes as the Mariners aim to address longstanding offensive issues while maintaining a robust pitching staff, signaling their intention to compete for October glory.
Loser: Central Division Contenders
The unexpected success of both the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers this season adds intrigue to their lackluster trade deadlines. Milwaukee made minimal upgrades, adding injured starter Jordan Montgomery and reliever Shelby Miller, while Detroit acquired veteran pitchers Charlie Morton and Chris Paddack but might have questions about their playoff readiness.
Winners: Bullpen Market
This year’s deadline showcased a significant demand for bullpen talent. The New York Yankees strengthened their relief squad by adding closers Camilo Doval and David Bednar, while the Mets pursued reinforcements for their bullpen as they look for stability in late-game situations.
Loser: Outfield Market
Despite chatter surrounding White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., he remained with Chicago post-deadline, raising questions about the team’s strategy. His looming free agency and history of injuries may have hindered potential trades, as teams sought alternatives, ultimately turning to less impactful options.
Winner: Reunions in Houston and Seattle
Two notable reunions emerged from the deadline: Suárez returned to Seattle after a brief stint away, and Correa made his way back to Houston, where he previously found playoff success. Both players will bring familiarity to their new roles, with Correa set to fill a third-base position created by injury.
Loser: Dodgers’ Bullpen
Despite improving their starting rotation with the return of key pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw little action at the deadline to bolster their bullpen. With an underperforming relief unit that may face challenges in the postseason, a quiet trade deadline could prove costly.
Loser: The Fence-Sitters
Finally, teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels found themselves stagnant, making minimal impactful moves. The Guardians remain in playoff contention but have done little to strengthen their position, while the Angels focused on small trade transactions without addressing their pitching depth, leaving fans wondering about their future prospects.
