With the July 31 trade deadline hours away, contenders like the Yankees, Giants, and Phillies are pursuing impact upgrades, from relievers to bats, via several high-value trades.
As the MLB trade deadline draws near, a Mafia of front offices is racing to fortify rosters for October. Major reports highlight the Yankees pushing for bullpen upgrades (interested in David Bednar and others), while the Giants and Phillies look to boost their benches and outfields.
Meanwhile, high-impact bats and elite Arms like Mitch Keller and Steven Kwan remain on the table. Here are two realistic trades that could land before the deadline, and one that has already gone down that may have the biggest impact.
Phillies Acquire Jhoan Duran (RHP – Twins)
Philadelphia has already made waves by trading for closer Jhoan Duran, turning its bullpen into one of the most formidable in the NL East. With 17 saves and a tiny 2.11 ERA, Duran has become their ninth-inning ace.
Mock Trade Table
| Phillies Receive | Twins Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Jhoan Duran (Closer) | RHP Mick Abel, C Eduardo Tait | Phillies gain elite closer under control; Twins get arming youth aligned with rebuild timeline. |
Johan Duran’s entrance at CBP in October >> pic.twitter.com/fzbTTooF1H
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) July 30, 2025
Yankees Pursue Reliever Upgrade (David Bednar or similar)
The Yankees, having added Austin Slater for offense, now turn their attention to bullpen reinforcements. Reports suggest interest in Pirates closer David Bednar, a controllable multi-year option who’s been dominant this season
Mock Trade Table
| Yankees Receive | Pirates Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| David Bednar (RHP) | High‑A outfield prospect AA pitching prospect |
Bednar locks down late innings; Pirates restock system with controllable youth. |
“The best player available at the trade deadline” is actually David Bednar. Hasn’t allowed a run in TWO MONTHS. 16 straight saves.
Whoever fixed him when he was sent down to AAA needs a major league job now pic.twitter.com/aU0f7sHdSv
— Rav (@TonyRavv) July 27, 2025
Giants or Padres Target Steven Kwan
One of the most discussed names still available is Steven Kwan, the standout outfielder and contact hitter. Teams, including the Padres and Dodgers, may see him as the perfect top-of-order spark. His elite bat–ball skills and control through 2027 make him rare trade currency
Mock Trade Table
| Yankees Receive | Pirates Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| David Bednar (RHP) | High‑A outfield prospect AA pitching prospect |
Bednar locks down late innings; Pirates restock system with controllable youth. |
Steven Kwan addresses Cleveland trade speculation:
“’I love everything about this place”👏 pic.twitter.com/jdu5egOYKY
— I’m From Cleveland (@ImFromCle) July 31, 2025
With high-profile trades already executed and several elite names still floating in rumor territory, this deadline feels both active and unpredictable. Philadelphia locked in postseason readiness by landing Duran.
The Yankees hold the purse strings tight, bargaining hard for late-inning assurance. The wildcard? A team like San Diego or L.A. swinging for Kwan late, a move that could tilt the NL West race. Revenue pressure and playoff stakes converge now: moves made or missed in these final hours could define teams’ fates come October.
