The Athletic has live coverage of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. 

Happy Trade Deadline Eve Eve!

With mere days until the MLB trade deadline and most of the available players yet to change teams, we’re likely in for another mad dash to the finish, Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.

Monday brought more twists and turns. First, there was the news that Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase had been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a sports betting investigation, a shocking development that shook the sport, but also the back-end reliever trade market. Then there was the unfortunate sight of Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez writhing in pain after he was hit on the hand by a pitch, throwing the trade status of perhaps the deadline’s best available bat into question.

What other surprises could await?

To set the stage for the run-in to the deadline, I’ve put together a primer based on what I’m hearing in conversations and texts with front office executives across the league.

Here are top storylines to watch, the best-available players on the market, the teams that are most likely to dominate the headlines (and some of their top trade targets), along with 10 bold predictions that I’ve thrown in just for fun.

Five storylines to watch

Eugenio Suárez reacts after being hit on the hand by a pitch from Tigers reliever Will Vest. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

1. Who will win the Eugenio Suárez sweepstakes? (And it’s still on, right?) 

The Diamondbacks slugger could be the headliner of this year’s trade deadline — if he’s healthy. Suárez, who has 36 homers and a league-leading 87 RBIs, had several GMs across MLB holding their breath Monday night after he was hit on the right hand with a fastball and exited the game in Detroit. The worst-case scenario appears to have been avoided: Suárez’s X-rays were negative, he is considered day-to-day and will undergo further testing, but we’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds. The Mariners, Tigers, Reds, Cubs, Brewers, Mets and Phillies have all been linked to Suárez with at least some interest in acquiring him.

2. In a lackluster starting pitching market, will three pitchers who have underwhelmed — and one who has exceeded expectations — be moved? 

Will Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, Dylan Cease of the Padres or Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks be traded? All three have disappointed this season and their trade value has been significantly depressed, but as always, starting pitching is in demand, so they could be dealt if their respective teams’ asking price is met. Cease and Gallen will be free agents at season’s end, while Alcantara has two more years of team control.

Is there a team willing to overpay for one of them? The Marlins are said to believe that Alcantara will eventually return to his prior standout form, so they are still putting a steep prospect price on him; if it’s not met, they could keep the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner and trade him in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline.

Update (Tuesday afternoon): The Sandy Alcantara market has picked up significantly and it now appears there is a real chance he will be traded by Thursday, according to major-league sources.

Meanwhile, the Nationals are listening to inquiries on MacKenzie Gore, but it’s unclear if they’ll actually trade him. The lefty has impressed this season, posting a 3.52 ERA and averaging a career-high 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings. He is under team control through 2027.

The Cubs are among several teams that have had trade discussions with Washington regarding Gore. Nationals interim GM Mike DeBartolo may decide to stand pat. But if he’s able to trade Gore for a significant prospect haul, he would make a huge statement that could help him keep the job beyond this year.

3. How many high-leverage relievers will be traded, and what will they net for selling teams? 

The market is once again robust for back-end relievers, and many contenders — including the Phillies, Mets, Dodgers, Tigers, Mariners and Rangers, among others — have made that their top deadline priority.

Monday’s news about Emmanuel Clase being put on administrative leave completely changed the trade market as he was expected to be one of the top two closers traded (along with the Twins’ Jhoan Duran). Obviously, that’s no longer the case. Clase’s absence improves the trade value of the remaining relievers. Teams like the Twins, Cardinals and Pirates should get better prospect packages for their back-end relievers; meanwhile, Cleveland now must adjust.

The stakes remain high for the teams that hope to acquire a big bullpen arm, but now there’s one fewer. Teams could end up winning or losing the division or a playoff series based on whether they land or lose out on key relievers at the deadline.

4. Which president of baseball operations or GM will make the biggest splash at the deadline? 

It could be the Mariners’ Jerry Dipoto, who already landed Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks. Or the Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski, who has signaled that he’s ready to go all-in. Maybe it’s the Cubs’ Jed Hoyer, who just received a multiyear contract extension and needs to upgrade his roster to best the Brewers in the NL Central. Or perhaps it’s Houston’s Dana Brown, who’s dealing with a bunch of injuries to the team’s core.

On the other end of the spectrum, maybe it’s an executive from a selling club, such as the Diamondbacks’ Mike Hazen or two GMs who are under intense scrutiny amid disappointing seasons, the Orioles’ Mike Elias and the Pirates’ Ben Cherington.

5. Will Luis Robert Jr. and Cedric Mullins, the top two available center fielders, be traded — and how much value do they even have?

Their respective trade value has dropped over the past couple of years, and it’s not clear whether the White Sox or Orioles will get a good enough offer to accept a deal. Mullins is an impending free agent, so one would think that Baltimore will move him. Robert has two more years of team control, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that the White Sox will exercise his $20 million club option for 2026 if they don’t receive at least one of a team’s top 10 prospects in return.

I think a change of scenery would really help Robert, who is an above-average defender in center field with a strong combination of power and speed. He’s had to endure several brutal, non-competitive seasons on the South Side, with no lineup protection around him. If he goes to a contender with a deep lineup and strong clubhouse, like the Phillies, Mets or Dodgers, I think he might be able to maximize his talents and shine again.

Teams most likely to define the deadline

Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has started to sell and has more cards left to play. (Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images)Top 5 sellers 

1. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are expected to be the headliner of this trade deadline. After trading Josh Naylor to the Mariners and Randal Grichuk to the Royals, they are now prepared to deal impending free agents Eugenio Suárez, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly between now and Thursday’s deadline.

2. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles are expected to be another big mover in the market as they have several players on expiring contracts to deal, including starter Charlie Morton, reliever Seranthony Domínguez and position players including Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins. Outfielder Ramón Laureano, infielder Ramon Urías and others could also be dealt. The O’s have already traded relievers Gregory Soto and Bryan Baker.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates could trade controllable relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana, along with Mitch Keller, one of the better starting pitchers who might be on the move. There has been buzz about them dangling outfielders Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, but I have not confirmed those rumors.

4. Minnesota Twins

The Twins have the best-available closer (Jhoan Duran) and one of the best set-up men (Griffin Jax, though he has a 4.00 ERA this year). They have listened to inquiries on starter Joe Ryan, who is not expected to be traded. They dealt Ryan’s rotation mate, Chris Paddack, to the division-rival Tigers on Monday. Utilityman Willi Castro, an impending free agent, is coveted by several contending teams.

Update (Tuesday afternoon): A league source tells me the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mariners are showing significant interest in Twins players, including Joe Ryan, several relievers, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader. The Twins could end up being the headliner of the deadline if talks continue to heat up and they make a flurry of moves.

5. Miami Marlins

The Marlins have been listening on starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera but won’t trade either unless they get a strong return that augments their rebuild. It’s more likely they move Cabrera than Alcantara because they believe Alcantara’s trade value will be much higher in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline, and it’s hard to argue with that approach. Meanwhile, the Marlins (50-55) have played above-.500 ball for the last two months and are five games ahead of the disappointing Braves in the standings.

Update (Tuesday afternoon): The Sandy Alcantara market has picked up significantly and it now appears there is a real chance he will be traded by Thursday, according to industry sources.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wants to bolster the team’s shaky bullpen. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)Top 16 buyers 

1. Philadelphia Phillies

After signing reliever David Robertson as a free agent, the Phillies are now looking to add an even more impactful high-leverage reliever. Their bullpen ranks 22nd in the league in ERA (4.28) and has pitched the fewest innings in the majors because of the team’s strong rotation. The Phillies could also use a right-handed bat and have been linked to Luis Robert Jr. and Eugenio Suárez.

2. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been focused on the top of the starting pitching market, including MacKenzie Gore, Sandy Alcantara, Edward Caberera, Mitch Keller, Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen.

3. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners already added Josh Naylor via a smart trade with Arizona, but they’re not done. They are trying to acquire more bullpen depth and are still in the running to land Eugenio Suárez.

4. Houston Astros

The Astros are looking to add a left-handed hitter who could play second base, third base or left field, as well as an impact starter who could slot in behind Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown in their rotation.

5. New York Yankees

The Yankees solved their third-base situation with the trade for Ryan McMahon, then added infielder Amed Rosario, who provides versatility and a good bat versus lefties (.829 OPS). Now, they are focused on acquiring a starting pitcher and a reliever or two. They will not trade outfielder Spencer Jones or shortstop George Lombard Jr., but are open-minded about swapping their other top prospects in the right deal.

6. San Diego Padres

A.J. Preller is everywhere. The Padres’ president of baseball operations is open to trading Dylan Cease if he can use him to obtain another starter with more years of control. The Padres are focused on adding a bat or two, with a preference for a left fielder such as Jarren Duran of the Red Sox.

7. Toronto Blue Jays

The surging Blue Jays have made acquiring a starter their top priority. They’d also like to add bullpen depth and a utility player who could give them more positional flexibility.

8. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers want to add an impact reliever to the back of their bullpen and also would like to pick up another right-handed bat.

9. New York Mets

The Mets added lefty reliever Gregory Soto in a swap with the Orioles and now, like the division-rival Phillies, are chasing more back-end relief, along with an upgrade in the outfield.

10. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have focused on adding a corner power bat and improving their bullpen depth.

11. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are determined to add bullpen depth and are also seeking a utility player. They could surprise with a left-field upgrade as well.

12. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are trying to add a power bat with preference for the left side of the infield, but have also been linked with other types of hitters. (The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that they’re among the teams interested in the Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn.) They would like to add to their bullpen depth as well.

13. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox would like to add a starting pitcher, upgrade at first base and find their long-term solution at catcher. Teams have been inquiring about Jarren Duran for several months now, and if the Sox can get the right controllable starting pitcher or first baseman, they’ll probably trade him. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if he remains a Red Sox.

14. Texas Rangers

The Rangers are trying to acquire an impact reliever and a solid right-handed hitter who can come off the bench.

15. San Francisco Giants

It’s been more than a month since the Giants shocked the baseball world with the June 15 blockbuster deal for Rafael Devers, one of the moves that will define this trade season. They entered Tuesday four games out of the final NL wild-card spot and would like to add another bat before the deadline.

16. Kansas City Royals

The Royals have traded for outfielder Randal Grichuk and utilityman Adam Frazier, and reached a multiyear extension with starter Seth Lugo to bolster their rotation beyond this season. They entered Tuesday 4 1/2 games out of the final AL wild-card spot. They’d love to acquire an impact bat if they can match up with a team that’s looking to move one.

Best-available players who could get traded

These are the top players who teams are fielding inquiries on heading into Thursday’s trade deadline.

(Note: Salary and contract details are listed in parentheses after each player.) 

Joe Ryan (2.82 ERA, 0.92 WHIP) is under team control through the 2027. (Matt Krohn / Getty Images)Top 15 starting pitchers

1. Joe Ryan, RHP, Twins
($3 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible 2026-27)

2. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Nationals
($2.9 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible 2026-27)

3. Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres
($13.8 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

4. Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins
($17.3 million in 2025, $17.3 million in 2026, $21 million team option in 2027 with $2 million buyout) 

5. Edward Cabrera, RHP, Marlins
($2 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible 2026-28)

6. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pirates
($15.4 million in 2025; $16.9 million in 2026, $18.4 million in 2027, $20.4 million in 2028)

7. Merrill Kelly, RHP, Diamondbacks
($7 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

8. Zac Gallen, RHP, Diamondbacks
($13.5 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

9. Luis Severino, RHP, Athletics
($20 million in 2025; $25 million in 2026; $22 million player option in 2027) 

10. Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians
($10 million in 2025; $16 million player option in 2026 with $4 million buyout)

11. Charlie Morton, RHP, Orioles
($15 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

12. Jeffrey Springs, LHP, Athletics
($10.5 million in 2025; $10.5 million in 2026; $15 million team option in 2027 with $750,000 buyout) 

13. JP Sears, LHP, Athletics
($770,000 in 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026-28) 

14. Adrian Houser, RHP, White Sox
($1.4 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

15. Tyler Anderson, LHP, Angels
($13 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

Jhoan Duran (1.86 ERA, 16 saves)  is under team control through the 2027. (Matt Blewett / Imagn Images)Top 10 high-leverage relievers 

1. Jhoan Duran, RHP, Twins
($4.1 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible 2026-27)

2. David Bednar, RHP, Pirates
($5.9 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026)

3. Ryan Helsley, RHP, Cardinals
($8.2 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

4. Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Rays
($3.7 million in 2025; $7 million club option with $1 million buyout in 2026)

5. Cade Smith, RHP, Guardians
($785,100 in 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026)

6. Griffin Jax, RHP, Twins
($2.4 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026-27)

7. Raisel Iglesias, RHP, Braves
($16 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

8. Kenley Jansen, RHP, Angels
($10 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

9. Seth Halvorsen, RHP, Rockies
($762,000 in 2025; not arbitration-eligible until 2028)

10. Kyle Finnegan, RHP, Nationals
($6 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

Jarren Duran (111 OPS+) is under team control through 2028. (Greg Fiume / Getty Images)Top 15 position players 

1. Jarren Duran, OF, Red Sox
($3.9 million in 2025; $8 million club option with a $100,000 buyout for 2026; arbitration-eligible in 2027-28)

2. Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Diamondbacks
($15 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

3. Steven Kwan, OF, Guardians
($4.1 million 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026-27)

4. Bryan Reynolds, OF, Pirates
($12 million in 2025; $14 million in 2026; $15 million per year from 2027-30 and a $20 million club option with $2 million buyout in 2031)

5. Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF/DH, Orioles
($7.5 million 2025; free agent at season’s end)

6. Luis Robert Jr., OF, White Sox
($15 million 2025; $20 million club options with $2 million buyout for 2026 and 2027)

7. Marcell Ozuna, DH, Braves
($16 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

8. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Cardinals
($32 million in 2025; $27 million in 2026)

9. Cedric Mullins, OF, Orioles
($8.7 million 2025; free agent at season’s end)

10. Ramón Laureano, OF, Orioles
($4 million 2025; $6.5 million club option for 2026)

11. Taylor Ward, OF, Angels
($7.8 million in 2025; arbitration-eligible in 2026)

12. Willi Castro, UTIL, Twins
($6.4 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

13. Harrison Bader, OF, Twins
($4 million in 2025; $10 million mutual option with $1.5 million buyout in 2026)

14. Yoán Moncada, 3B, Angels
($5 million in 2025; free agent at season’s end)

15. Ramón Urías, 3B, Orioles
($3.2 million 2025; arbitration-eligible for 2026)

Ten bold predictions

Making predictions on the fast-moving trade market is fraught with hazard, but here goes …

1. The Phillies will land Jhoan Duran from the Twins and Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox.

2. The Cubs will acquire Edward Cabrera from the Marlins.

3. The Reds will win the Eugenio Suárez sweepstakes, getting the slugger from the Diamondbacks.

4. The Astros will trade for Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (who is currently on the injured list but expected back soon).

5. The Red Sox will get Yandy Díaz from the Rays.

6. The Mets will acquire relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana from the Pirates.

7. Tigers will land Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals.

8. The Blue Jays will acquire Mitch Keller from the Pirates.

9. The Yankees will add Zac Gallen from the Diamondbacks.

10. Neither Sandy Alcantara nor MacKenzie Gore will be traded at this deadline.

(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic. Leonardo Fernandez, David Berding, Matthew Grimes Jr., Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)