The 2025 MLB trade deadline is just hours away, and the atmosphere is buzzing with speculation.
In the next day or so, teams will either be vying for playoff spots or setting themselves up for a rebuild next year.
Let’s take a look at the most recent trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
The Pittsburgh Pirates need to be “blown away”
The two pitchers from the Pittsburgh Pirates—relief pitcher David Bednar and starter Mitch Keller—are attracting considerable interest as the deadline rolls in.
Nonetheless, the Pirates are looking for an exceptional offer for either pitcher, and some believe one may not be traded at all.
According to Noah Hiles from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the asking price for Bednar is “Top 5 prospects.” Hiles noted that Bednar had a brief stint in the minors earlier this season, but he bounced back well, recording 17 saves with an ERA of 2.37.
Bednar has garnered attention from the Phillies, the Tigers, and others.
Regarding Keller, he’s been in trade talks for several weeks, and Hiles thinks Pirates GM Ben Charrington might choose to retain him now and reconsider during the offseason.
As Hiles mentioned, “The Pirates seem to be aiming to move Mitch Keller in the offseason, unless they’re blown away by an offer.”
Hiles indicated that the Pirates are hoping for a strong hitter, suggesting that Keller is currently having a solid season with an ERA of 3.69 over 127 innings, and has a reasonable contract through 2028.
Looking for “astronomical” packages for Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez
Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks leads the league with 87 RBIs, making him one of the most sought-after hitters available.
However, the Diamondbacks are reportedly looking for an “astronomical” return for his veteran presence.
As reported by Daniel Kramer from MLB.com, the Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners have discussed potential trades but shifted focus elsewhere.
Even if other teams like the Cubs, Brewers, and Astros show interest, the asking price remains steep. Suárez was hit by a pitch in his right hand against the Tigers on Monday, but X-rays were negative, and he wasn’t in the lineup on Tuesday.
Sandy Alcantara’s market is intensifying
With multiple teams searching for pitching help, former GM Jim Bowden noted that the market for Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara is heating up.
Bowden projected that the trade activity around Alcantara could increase dramatically as the deadline approaches.
Alcantara is making his way back from Tommy John’s surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. Although his stats aren’t stellar with a 5-9 record, 6.66 ERA, and 1.433 WHIP, recent performances are improving. He notably delivered a seven-inning start against the San Diego Padres on July 23, allowing only four hits without giving up a run.
In what might have been his final start for the Marlins on Tuesday, Alcantara pitched five scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing just four hits.
These performances right before the deadline likely boost his trade value. Plus, he has a contract through 2026 with an option for 2027, which makes him appealing to teams looking for long-term control.
I hope Cardinals Closer Ryan Helsley will be traded
The relief market is heating up ahead of the deadline, and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley is at the forefront of discussions.
Last week, Helsley himself mentioned his expectation of being traded before the deadline.
He remarked, “It’s a little different this time, but it’s probably more exciting to be traded than ever.” He estimates a 90% chance he will be moved.
Among the teams interested in Helsley include the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers, according to Mark Feinsand from MLB.com.
Feinsand also noted that the Blue Jays are in the mix, despite having recently traded for Seranthony Domínguez.
Stephen Kwan and Lewis Robert Jr. are likely trade candidates
According to Thomas Harrigan from MLB.com, two all-star outfielders from the AL Central—Stevan Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians and Lewis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox—are on the trade radar.
Earlier this month, it seemed Cleveland was leaning towards buying rather than selling, which made Kwan less likely to be traded. However, now they might reassess their strategy in light of ongoing investigations.
Kwan, recognized for his exceptional contact hitting and defense, might be on the move. Teams such as the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Padres reportedly have shown interest.
As for Robert, the Mets, Phillies, and Padres appear keen on him as well. With a solid .318 batting average, three home runs, and four steals in July, he’s definitely caught attention since his return from injury.
Both players have control options until 2027, with Robert’s 2025 salary set at $15 million and a $20 million club option thereafter, while Kwan is earning $4.175 million and has two years of arbitration eligibility.
Rangers and Rays discuss closer Pete Fairbanks
July has not been kind to the Tampa Bay Rays, with a disappointing 7-16 record, leading to a significant gap in the AL East and wild card pursuits.
This scenario raises the possibility of the Rays becoming sellers, and according to Evan Grant from Dallas Morning News, the Rangers have started preliminary conversations about acquiring bullpen help, including Fairbanks.
Fairbanks boasts a 2.75 ERA and 18 saves in 21 opportunities over 39.1 innings, and it is worth noting that he was originally drafted by the Rangers in 2015.
