10 Fresh MLB Trade Ideas 1 Month from 2025 Trade Deadline
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. There's one month remaining before the annual flurry of activity that reshapes the leaguewide landscape each summer for the season's stretch run.
As usual, there is a large group of teams occupying the middle of the pack. The next few weeks will determine whether those clubs fall on the side of buyers or sellers ahead of the July 31 deadline.
We've come up with 10 trade proposals to plug a hole on teams that are clear contenders, ranging from smaller-scale deals for rental players to legitimate blockbuster trade ideas for guys like Sandy Alcántara, Oneil Cruz and Drew Rasmussen.
The rumor mill will continue to swirl in the coming weeks, but for now, here is a fresh round of trade proposals to unpack.
Note: Prospect rankings reflect where players stood in B/R's most recent farm system rankings and on the updated Top 100 prospect list, both of which published in June.
Luis Urias to the San Francisco Giants
1 of 10
To SF: 2B Luis Urías
To ATH: OF Oliver Tejada
The San Francisco Giants have used a combination of Tyler Fitzgerald (54 starts), Christian Koss (23 starts) and Brett Wisely (7 starts) at second base this season, and the results have not been pretty offensively.
BA: .220 (24th in MLB)
OPS: .583 (27th in MLB)
HR: 4 (T-26th in MLB)
RBI: 25 (T-23rd in MLB)
After swinging a June blockbuster deal to acquire Rafael Devers, the Giants might aim lower in their search for an upgrade at second base, making Luis Urías a logical target.
Still only 28 years old and not far removed from consecutive 3-WAR seasons in 2021 and 2022, Urías is hitting .240/.321/.369 with seven home runs and 0.7 WAR in 68 games this season on a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Athletics.
Steven Wilson, Andrew Benintendi to the Philadelphia Phillies
2 of 10
To PHI: RHP Steven Wilson, OF Andrew Benintendi, cash
To CWS: RHP Michael Mercado
Bullpen help and another outfield bat are the clear top items on the Philadelphia Phillies' trade deadline shopping list. There are multiple teams they could match up with for a packaged deal.
Luis Robert Jr. has been a popular speculative trade target for the Phillies in recent years, but Andrew Benintendi could also give them another proven option to absorb playing time at an outfield corner.
The 30-year-old has a $17.1 million salary this season and another two years and $32.2 million remaining on his five-year deal, but the White Sox have already indicated a willingness to include cash to facilitate a deal. He has a 106 OPS+ with 10 home runs in 226 plate appearances this season.
Paying his 2026 and 2027 salaries down to something in the $5-7 million range might help get a deal done, as would packaging him with a useful bullpen arm like Steven Wilson, who has a 1.73 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 in 27 appearances and comes with club control through 2027.
The motivation here for the White Sox is to shed salary, so the return would be minimal. Michael Mercado is a former top prospect who signed an above-slot $2.1 million deal as a second-round pick in 2017. Trading him would open up a 40-man roster spot for the Phillies and provide a change of scenery.
Adolis Garcia to the New York Mets
3 of 10
To NYM: OF Adolis García
To TEX: RHP Anthony Nunez
If the Texas Rangers ultimately decide to sell ahead of this year's deadline, Adolis García will be one of the more appealing buy-low candidates available for teams looking to add an outfield bat.
After hitting 97 home runs and racking up 12.1 WAR over his first three full seasons in the Rangers lineup, his production dipped last season when he batted just .224/.284/.400 for a 97 OPS+, though he still slugged 25 home runs.
Things have not improved this season, with his .222/.269/.377 line good for an 86 OPS+ that ranks 136th out of 158 qualified hitters, though his strong defensive work (10 DRS) has still made him a 1.3-WAR player.
The Rangers' motivation for moving him will be offloading what is left of his $9.25 million salary, so the prospect return won't be major, but they should be able to bring back at least one useful piece.
With Tyrone Taylor underperforming at the plate and Jose Siri sidelined with a fractured shin, the Mets have turned to Jeff McNeil in center field, while Ronny Mauricio is carrying a 30.1 percent strikeout rate as the team's primary second baseman. Adding another potential option to the mix there should be a priority.
Reliever Anthony Nunez has a 1.47 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 14.4 K/9 in 24 appearances between High-A and Double-A this season, one year after joining the Mets as an amateur free agent out of the University of Tampa.
Reid Detmers, Taylor Ward to Houston Astros
4 of 10
To HOU: LHP Reid Detmers, OF Taylor Ward
To LAA: OF Joseph Sullivan (No. 6 HOU prospect), RHP A.J. Blubaugh (No. 9 HOU prospect)
There are flaws in Taylor Ward's game, most notably his .216 average and .287 on-base percentage. But he has still made an impact at the plate with a 112 OPS+ that includes 20 doubles, 20 home runs and 57 RBI in 81 games.
The 31-year-old is making $7.8 million this season, and he has one year of arbitration eligibility remaining, making him more than just a rental for an Astros team looking for a third productive outfielder to join Jake Meyers and rookie Cam Smith in the starting lineup.
Pairing him with starter-turned-reliever Reid Detmers might be the best way for the Angels to maximize their return, with Detmers thriving in his new role to the tune of a 2.78 FIP and 11.6 K/9 in 33 appearances. He also has multiple years of control remaining, with arbitration eligibility through 2028.
In return, the Angels get a rotation candidate who is on the MLB doorstep in A.J. Blubaugh and a toolsy outfielder on the rise in Joseph Sullivan, who has a .416 on-base percentage and 27 steals in 65 games at High-A.
Ryan O'Hearn to the Seattle Mariners
5 of 10
To DET: 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn
To SEA: RHP Teddy McGraw, RHP Chia-Shi Shen
A solidly productive platoon option in 2023 (368 PA, 122 OPS+, 14 HR, 60 RBI) and 2024 (494 PA, 120 OPS+, 15 HR, 59 RBI), Ryan O'Hearn has been arguably the best hitter on the Orioles this year. He's posting a .293/.380/.473 line for a 144 OPS+ with 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 30 RBI.
Aside from his production at the plate, O'Hearn also provides some useful defensive versatility with the ability to play first base and both corner outfield spots. That lines up with what the Seattle Mariners need to bolster their lineup.
Donovan Solano (132 PA, 91 OPS+) has been serving as the team's primary first baseman since Rowdy Tellez was cut loose, while the third starting outfield spot alongside Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena has been a revolving door since Victor Robles suffered a dislocated shoulder in April.
The Mariners have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. While a two-month rental of O'Hearn likely wouldn't cost them a top 100-caliber prospect, they would still need to part with some quality pieces to outbid his other suitors.
Right-hander Teddy McGraw was a third-round pick in the 2023 draft despite being sidelined while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. His stuff is electric if he can stay healthy, and he has a 2.87 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 17 strikeouts over 15.2 innings in his return to the mound this year.
Fellow right-hander Chia-Shi Shen was signed for $175,000 out of Taiwan last July. He has a 3.09 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 38-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 32 innings between rookie ball and Single-A in his pro debut.
Eugenio Suarez to the New York Yankees
6 of 10
To NYY: 3B Eugenio Suárez
To ARI: RHP Carlos Lagrange (No. 5 NYY prospect)
Veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez looked like a candidate to be designated for assignment at this time a year ago. He hit .216 with a .668 OPS and 28.9 percent strikeout rate during the first half of the 2024 season.
The D-backs stuck with him, and he rewarded their faith with a .942 OPS and 20 home runs after the All-Star break. That was enough for Arizona to exercise its $15 million club option on him.
The 33-year-old has picked up right where he left off this season, posting a career-high 141 OPS+ with 25 home runs and 68 RBI through 81 games. If the D-backs decide to sell, he might end up being the most impactful rental bat on the market this summer.
The Yankees have had a glaring hole on the infield since Oswaldo Cabrera suffered a fractured ankle in May. That has meant more playing time for DJ LeMahieu (121 PA, 85 OPS+, 0.6 WAR) and Oswald Peraza (133 PA, 42 OPS+, -0.1 WAR).
A deal to acquire Suárez would allow the Yankees to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base and give them a more complete outfield, but they will need to pay a premium given the limited alternatives for teams hunting a middle-of-the-order bat.
Right-hander Carlos Lagrange has a big 6'7" frame and a 70-grade fastball that has helped him rack up 221 strikeouts in 156.2 innings over the course of his pro career. The 22-year-old will need to improve his command to stick as a starter, but there is impact upside and a high bullpen floor thanks to his power arm.
Seth Lugo to the Los Angeles Dodgers
7 of 10
To LAD: RHP Seth Lugo
To KC: OF Eduardo Quintero (No. 6 LAD prospect, No. 82 on B/R Top 100), OF Mike Sirota (No. 7 LAD prospect, Next 50 on B/R Top 100)
With a 1-7 record in their last eight games and an 8-17 record overall in June, the Kansas City Royals are a recent addition to the list of presumptive trade deadline sellers.
A surprise playoff team in 2024, the Royals currently sit fourth in the AL Central standings and ninth in the AL wild-card picture. Unless they can make a drastic turnaround, selling will be the logical move.
After finishing as the runner-up in AL Cy Young balloting last season, Seth Lugo has a 2.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 88.2 innings this year. He's earning $15 million this year and has a $15 million player option in 2026 that he'll almost certainly decline given his increased earning potential.
The Dodgers made a play for arguably the top rental arm on the market last summer when they acquired Jack Flaherty from the Tigers. With the rotation expected to be their biggest focal point once again, Lugo could end up atop their wish list.
Even for a two-month rental, the Royals' asking price figures to be steep for a starter who would be a no-doubt addition to a contender's playoff rotation. The proposed return package here reflects that likely ask.
Outfielder Eduardo Quintero is hitting .319/.430/.560 with 16 doubles, 12 home runs, 46 RBI and 33 steals in 65 games at Single-A as a 19-year-old, vaulting him onto leaguewide Top 100 prospect lists.
Mike Sirota fell to the third round of the 2024 draft after getting some first-round buzz going into his junior season at Northeastern University. That is shaping up to be one of the steals of the draft thanks to a .335/.448/.640 line with 16 doubles, 13 home runs and 50 RBI in 54 games between Single-A and High-A.
The Royals are thin in the outfield, so this deal would give them two outfielders with impact everyday-player potential.
Drew Rasmussen to the Chicago Cubs
8 of 10
To CHC: RHP Drew Rasmussen
To TB: OF Owen Caissie (No. 3 CHC prospect, No. 51 on B/R Top 100), SS Jefferson Rojas (No. 4 CHC prospect, No. 98 on B/R Top 100), RHP Nazier Mulé
It's no secret the Chicago Cubs need starting pitching help, even with Shota Imanaga returning to the rotation after a month-and-a-half on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Tampa Bay Rays are in the thick of playoff contention, but they have often approached the trade deadline from an opportunistic seat of potentially buying and selling. With plenty of starting pitching depth, they could potentially be convinced to part with Drew Rasmussen.
The 29-year-old is in the first season of a two-year, $8.5 million deal that will pay him $5.75 million next year and includes an $8 million club option for 2027, so he carries more value than a straight rental.
The 29-year-old has a 2.45 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 72 strikeouts in 84.1 innings. He could be headed for his first career All-Star selection later this month.
Owen Caissie is an MLB-ready outfielder with little left to prove in the minors and no clear path to playing time for the Cubs, while Jefferson Rojas is a high-ceiling 20-year-old shortstop prospect with an .838 OPS and 20 extra-base hits in 55 games at High-A.
This is a steep price for the Cubs to pay, but it would give them a present and future rotation piece. It's likely a necessary price to pay given the number of teams that should be interested in Rasmussen's frontline production and team-friendly contract.
Oneil Cruz to the Cleveland Guardians
9 of 10
To CLE: OF Oneil Cruz
To PIT: 1B/OF C.J. Kayfus (No. 3 CLE prospect, No. 55 on B/R Top 100), C Cooper Ingle (No. 6 CLE prospect, Next 50 on B/R Top 100), IF Juan Brito (No. 10 CLE prospect), LHP Joey Cantillo, OF Johnathan Rodríguez
Would the Pittsburgh Pirates really consider trading Oneil Cruz? His recent removal from a game for a lack of "energy and effort" after he failed to hustle on a double-play ball has been enough to fan the flames of speculation.
With Cruz's first year of arbitration eligibility awaiting this winter, his price tag is about to climb significantly.
It's unlikely the Pirates will openly shop him, but there is also a reasonable chance they won't hang up the phone if a team comes calling. The right offer could convince them to do something big.
The Guardians have had a hole in the outfield for years. Cruz would represent a controllable, reasonably priced option not only for a playoff push this year, but in the years to come.
C.J. Kayfus is hitting .319/.414/.574 with 15 doubles, 11 home runs and 44 RBI in 68 games between Double-A and Triple-A, and he has done nothing but rake since going in the third round of the 2023 draft. He is the prospect centerpiece of this deal and could immediately step into the Pittsburgh lineup.
Catcher Cooper Ingle would instantly become the catcher of the future in Pittsburgh, infielder Juan Brito has an .810 OPS with 47 doubles, 23 home runs and 96 RBI in 169 games at Triple-A, and both Joey Cantillo and Johnathan Rodríguez have spent time on the MLB roster in Cleveland this year.
The Pirates would be landing five players who could all potentially be part of their MLB roster in 2026 in exchange for a controllable five-tool talent with a flawed game and a superstar ceiling.
Sandy Alcantara to the Boston Red Sox
10 of 10
To BOS: RHP Sandy Alcántara
To MIA: SS Franklin Arias (No. 3 BOS prospect, No. 61 on B/R Top 100), OF Jhostynxon Garcia (No. 6 BOS prospect, Next 50 on B/R Top 100), RHP David Sandlin
At first glance, Sandy Alcántara is having a tough season with a 6.98 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 80 innings of work in his return from Tommy John surgery. After a good stretch of starts, he was knocked around on Saturday when he allowed 10 hits and seven earned runs against the D-backs.
However, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner still represents a potential impact addition to a team's rotation for the playoff push. His 2.74 ERA in 23 innings over his previous four starts looked like a step toward regaining his frontline form.
The 29-year-old has a $17.3 million salary for the 2026 season and a $21 million club option for 2027, so he is more than just a rental. Any return package will need to reflect that remaining control.
Shortstop Franklin Arias will be the top prospect in the Red Sox system once Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer exhaust their eligibility. He is hitting .302/.353/.410 with 20 extra-base hits in 64 games between Single-A and High-A as a 19-year-old.
Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and right-hander David Sandlin could both make their MLB debut later this season. They'd both have potential to fill key spots on the roster for a Marlins team still building toward the future.
Will that be enough to pry loose one of the top players who's expected to hit the trade market this summer?
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