As the July 31 MLB trade deadline nears, the Giants, Yankees, and Padres could make bold moves for some stars to boost their rosters.
With the trade deadline looming, several contending clubs are eyeing strategic upgrades at low cost. The San Francisco Giants may pursue right-handed thumper Tyler O’Neill to upgrade their outfield punch.
Meanwhile, the Yankees could target Reid Detmers as a left-handed bullpen arm to stabilize late-game innings. And the Padres, still hunting for balance in their offense, are linked to All-Star Steven Kwan. Each move addresses a clear roster need without mortgaging the future.
Giants Acquire Tyler O’Neill (OF – Orioles)
San Francisco has reportedly reached out to Baltimore about acquiring Tyler O’Neill, adding a left‑handed power bat and Gold Glove-level defense to a crowded Giants outfield . O’Neill has posted 31 homers in 113 games just last season, and his two‑year contract provides multiple years of team control.
Why it works: The Giants could slot O’Neill into left field and move Heliot Ramos to DH, gaining more consistent power and defensive reliability. Baltimore, struggling in 2025, could gain controllable prospects for a veteran with remaining trade value.
Possible Trade Scenario
| Giants Receive | Orioles Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler O’Neill (OF, LHB) | High‑A power OF prospect Mid‑A LHP pitching prospect |
Giants get right-handed pop and defensive upgrade; Orioles add near-MLB youth and depth for rebuild. |
Tyler O’Neill has homered in FOUR STRAIGHT games! pic.twitter.com/78k906tL0N
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2025
Yankees Acquire Reid Detmers (LHP – Angels)
According to Heavy.com and MLB analysts, the Yankees may eye Reid Detmers, now transitioning to a bullpen role with late-game effectiveness. Since May, Detmers has posted a 1.24 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 29 innings, showing promise as a high-leverage southpaw out of the bullpen .
Why it works: Detroit’s bullpen has lacked a reliable left-handed weapon, and Detmers provides swing-and-miss stuff with multiple years of control. The Angels, with pitching depth and playoff fade, could accept mid-tier prospects to bolster their farm.
Possible Trade Scenario
| Yankees Receive | Angels Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Reid Detmers (LHP bullpen arm) | High‑A LHP prospect (e.g., Cade Smith or Kyle Carr) AA position prospect |
Yankees add elite swing-and-miss lefty depth; Angels restock with controllable talent for rebuild. |
Reid Detmers, Vicious Sliders…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/zwKDwJXbkZ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 19, 2025
Padres Acquire Steven Kwan (LF – Guardians)
The Padres have ranked among MLB’s lowest-scoring offenses, and need reliable contact and speed at the top of their lineup. Steven Kwan, a two-time All-Star with elite contact skills and range, has emerged as the perfect fit. He walks, runs, and hits for contact, exactly what San Diego has lacked.
Why it works: Kwan adds OBP, speed, and defense to a lineup built around power. The Guardians, amid a sell-off of veterans following a gambling scandal involving Emmanuel Clase, could demand a package of mid-level prospects to move Kwan while retooling.
Possible Trade Scenario
| Padres Receive | Guardians Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Kwan (LF, All-Star) | High‑A position prospect AA pitching prospect |
Padres add elite contact and speed; Guardians acquire controllable youth for rebuild. |
The Guardians don’t have to trade Steven Kwan right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t entertain offers, says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/4gRqmbdys1
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 29, 2025
These three trades, O’Neill for the Giants, Detmers for the Yankees, and Kwan for the Padres, are not league‑shifting blockbuster deals, but they’re precisely the kind of high-upside, low-risk moves that can tilt a playoff race. Each deal check needs value and timeline alignment for both the contender and the seller. If one of these goes down before Thursday, it may quietly define the second half.
