MLB Trade Deadline 2025: A Comprehensive Tracker

Padres Eye Creative Solutions Amidst Looming Luxury Tax Threshold

san Diego, CA – The san Diego Padres are navigating a delicate financial tightrope as they prepare for the upcoming offseason. Having dipped below MLB’s luxury tax threshold last year, resetting penalties, the team now projects to finish the 2025 season with a competitive balance tax payroll of approximately $263 million. This figure not only surpasses the 2025 threshold but places them squarely in the second tier, incurring a significant 12% surcharge.

This financial reality means Padres General Manager A.J. Preller will likely need to employ strategic maneuvering to address the team’s needs. A key facet of this strategy could involve a simultaneous “buy and sell” approach. The Padres boast several high-profile players eligible for free agency this offseason, including prominent names like Dylan Cease, Michael King, Robert Suarez, and Luis Arraez. Furthermore, other valuable assets are slated to hit the open market after the 2026 season.

Industry observers anticipate Preller will explore leveraging at least one of these players, and their associated salaries, as a means to acquire talent and fill multiple roster gaps. This proactive approach to roster construction, balancing outgoing assets with incoming needs, is a hallmark of shrewd front-office management in today’s competitive baseball landscape.

Evergreen Insight: The cyclical nature of MLB payrolls and luxury tax implications consistently presents GMs with strategic challenges. Teams that can effectively manage their payroll while remaining competitive often do so by identifying players whose arbitration years or impending free agency align with the team’s competitive window and financial flexibility. the ability to acquire valuable assets through trades involving players on expiring contracts, or those with a notable remaining contract that can be absorbed by a team with more payroll room, is a critical skill. This approach allows teams to replenish their farm system or acquire players who fit their immediate needs without sacrificing long-term financial stability.

---

Orioles Anticipate Offseason Moves, Mullins and O’Hearn Mentioned

Baltimore, MD – As the offseason approaches, the Baltimore Orioles are widely perceived by other MLB clubs as a team poised to be active in the trade market. Several players on the current roster are being discussed as potential trade candidates.

Among those frequently mentioned are center fielder Cedric Mullins and first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn. Additionally, the Orioles are also expected to explore moving some of their relief pitching assets.

Evergreen Insight: Teams often look to capitalize on player value when their contracts are most attractive or when a player’s skill set perfectly matches the needs of another club facing different roster dynamics. For teams like the Orioles, who have developed a strong core of young talent, making calculated trades involving established players can accelerate the acquisition of complementary pieces or future assets. Understanding market demand for specific player archetypes – be it speed and defense from a center fielder, or power from a corner infielder – is crucial for any organization aiming to optimize its roster for sustained success. The strategic movement of talent is a constant in baseball’s ever-evolving landscape.

What impact could a teamS current record have on their approach to teh trade deadline?

MLB Trade Deadline 2025: A Extensive Tracker

key Dates & Timeline for the MLB Trade deadline

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is set for July 31st at 4:00 PM ET. This marks the final opportunity for teams to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or begin rebuilding for the future.Here’s a breakdown of the crucial dates leading up to the deadline:

July 15th: Typically, the period where trade rumors begin to significantly intensify.

July 20th – 28th: Expect a flurry of activity as teams assess their needs and potential trade partners.

July 29th – 30th: Last-minute negotiations and potential blockbuster deals.

July 31st: Deadline day! Expect announcements to come fast and furious.

Teams in “Buy” Mode: Contenders to Watch

These teams are likely to be buyers at the deadline, seeking to add talent to compete for a championship.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Consistently a top contender, the Dodgers will likely address any weaknesses, potentially targeting pitching or a power bat.

Atlanta Braves: With a strong core, the Braves could look to add depth, especially in the bullpen.

New York Yankees: After a significant offseason, the Yankees will aim to solidify their roster for a deep playoff run. Expect them to be active if a star player becomes available.

Baltimore Orioles: Emerging as a force in the AL East, the Orioles might seek veteran experience to complement their young talent.

Philadelphia Phillies: Looking to return to the World series, the Phillies could target offensive upgrades.

Teams in “Sell” Mode: Potential Sellers & Assets

these teams are more likely to be sellers, trading away valuable players for prospects to rebuild for the future.

Oakland Athletics: facing ongoing stadium uncertainty, the A’s are likely to trade away key pieces.

Colorado Rockies: In a rebuilding phase, the Rockies have several players who could attract interest from contending teams.

Kansas City Royals: While improving, the royals are still likely to prioritize acquiring prospects.

Washington Nationals: Continuing their rebuild, the Nationals could move veterans for future assets.

Chicago white Sox: A potential fire sale could be in order for the White Sox, with several players attracting trade interest.

Top Players Likely to be Traded (Rumors & Analysis)

This section will be updated frequently as the deadline approaches. As of July 28th, 2025, these players are generating significant trade buzz:

Shohei Ohtani (LAA – if available): while unlikely, any availability of Ohtani would trigger a massive bidding war. (Highly speculative)

Juan Soto (NYY): Despite being traded recently, Soto’s name continues to surface in trade discussions.

Corbin Burnes (BAL): A top-tier starting pitcher, Burnes is a highly coveted asset.

Dylan Cease (CWS): Another ace-level pitcher, Cease is expected to draw significant interest.

Josh Hader (HOU): One of the best closers in baseball, Hader will be a hot commodity for teams needing bullpen help.

Understanding Trade Value: Prospects & Return

Teams evaluating trades will consider several factors, including:

Prospect Rankings: Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and Fangraphs provide comprehensive prospect rankings.

WAR (Wins Above replacement): A key metric for evaluating a player’s overall value.

Contract Control: The remaining years on a player’s contract significantly impact their trade value.

Positional Scarcity: Players at premium positions (e.g., shortstop, catcher) often command a higher return.

Example Trade Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Dodgers acquire Corbin Burnes from the Orioles for a package including prospects Bobby Miller and Dalton Rushing.

* Scenario 2: The Yankees trade Juan Soto to the Phillies for a package of prospects and reliever Jose Alvarado.

MLB Trade Deadline: New Era & MLB Connection

It’s worth