MLB Trade Deadline: Buyers, Sellers, & Top Trade Targets

As the July 31 deadline looms, contenders like the Blue Jays and Red Sox are shaping their rosters, while sellers like Arizona and Miami look to offload players. These six players are central to high-stakes trades.

With the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, Major League Baseball finds itself divided into two distinct camps: buyers chasing October and sellers stockpiling for the future. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and playoff positioning have already prompted teams like the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Mets to adopt an aggressive pursuit mode.

Meanwhile, struggling clubs like the Diamondbacks, Pirates, and Marlins appear ready to flip premium assets in exchange for long-term value. Whether you’re eyeing frontline starters, shutdown closers, or middle-of-the-order bats, this year’s deadline is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent memory—and these six names are at the heart of it all.

Buyers: Loading Up for a Run

• Toronto Blue Jays – Leading a tight AL East race, Toronto is actively looking for star pitching and power bats to ensure division dominance. They may bite on a frontline starter or an All-Star slugger.

• Boston Red Sox – Riding a 10-game win streak post-All-Star, Boston is now a buyer, seeking rotation reinforcements and long-term upgrades, as Craig Breslow looks to capitalize.

• New York Mets – Their bullpen is taxed after injuries; they’re reportedly pursuing arms like Jhoan Duran, David Bednar, and Félix Bautista to stabilize late-game gaps.

Sellers: Timing the Rebuild

• Arizona Diamondbacks – Struggling in the NL West, Arizona may offload rental assets like Eugenio Suárez, Zac Gallen, or Merrill Kelly in a best-case seller scenario.

• Miami Marlins – With Sandy Alcantara still recovering and the team’s performance underwhelming, Florida may finally transition from rebuilding to letting go of controllable veterans.

• Pittsburgh Pirates – With Mitch Keller among their top trade-eligible arms – and Brandon RSO mentions multiple Pirates names trending – Pittsburgh is clearly in sell mode.

Six Trade Targets to Watch

These six players bridge the gap—controllable, impactful, and central to buyer-seller dynamics:

1. Joe Ryan (RHP, Twins) – A front-of-rotation arm with a 2.72 ERA and team control through 2028. A coveted target for any contender.

2. Sandy Alcantara (RHP, Marlins) – A former Cy Young with elite upside—health being the key variable—in a possible rental too.

3. Mitch Keller (RHP, Pirates) – Durable mid-rotation starter with a 3.48 ERA and cost-controlled contract, making him an appealing buy.

4. Félix Bautista (RHP, Orioles) – Elite closer, controllable through 2027, commanding dominant velocity and strikeout numbers.

5. Emmanuel Clase (RHP, Guardians) – A shutdown reliever with All-Star pedigree and stability through 2028.

6. Eugenio Suárez (3B, Diamondbacks) – Power bat with 25–31 homers this season; ideal rental addition to accelerate offense.

Sandy Alcántara, Painted 98mph Back Door Sinker. 🖌️🎨

19 inches of run pic.twitter.com/YS6TKFDS4H

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 24, 2025

Teams on the Search

• Rotation Needs – Buyers like Toronto and Boston are chasing arms they can slot immediately into postseason rotations. Ryan and Keller fit that mold.

• Bullpen Reinforcement – Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies seek elite closers. Bautista and Clase offer precisely that: high-leverage, multiple-year control, and playoff experience.

• Offensive Power – Contenders with weaknesses in the middle order, like Milwaukee, could pounce on Suárez rentals to complement existing lineups.

Top Targets & What Teams Are Looking At