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Published in Business and Finance on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 10:22 GMT by The New York Times
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The Windup is The Athletic's baseball newsletter.

MLB Trade Deadline Week: The Windup

As the calendar flips to the final days of July 2025, Major League Baseball finds itself in the throes of its most chaotic and exhilarating period: trade deadline week. With the deadline set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, teams across the league are scrambling to bolster their rosters for the stretch run, while others look to offload assets in exchange for future promise. This year's market is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, fueled by a surge in competitive parity, unexpected injuries, and a handful of blockbuster names that could reshape the playoff picture. In this edition of The Windup, we'll dive deep into the swirling rumors, the strategic maneuvers, and the high-stakes decisions that define this pivotal moment in the season.

Let's start with the buyers. The landscape of contenders has evolved dramatically since Opening Day. In the American League East, the New York Yankees, perennial powerhouses, are once again at the forefront of the trade chatter. After a middling first half marred by inconsistent starting pitching, the Yankees are desperate for rotation reinforcements. Sources close to the team indicate a strong interest in acquiring a frontline starter to pair with their ace. Names like Miami Marlins' ace have surfaced, with his impressive strikeout rates and durability making him an ideal fit for the Bronx. The Yankees' front office, led by their savvy general manager, is reportedly willing to part with top prospects from their farm system, including a highly touted outfielder who's been tearing up Triple-A. This move could solidify their rotation and give them the edge in a tightly contested division where the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays are nipping at their heels.

Speaking of the Orioles, they've emerged as surprise contenders this season, thanks to a youth movement that's paid dividends. However, their bullpen has been a weak link, blowing leads in crucial games. Insiders suggest Baltimore is eyeing relief arms from selling teams like the Chicago White Sox or the Oakland Athletics. A potential target is a veteran closer with a proven track record in high-leverage situations, whose addition could transform the Orioles from plucky underdogs to legitimate World Series threats. The Rays, ever the innovators, are taking a different approach, focusing on positional versatility. They're rumored to be in talks for a utility infielder who can provide depth and flexibility, allowing them to mix and match lineups against left-handed pitching.

Over in the AL Central, the Cleveland Guardians hold a slim lead, but their offense has sputtered at times. To address this, they're exploring trades for power bats. A slugging outfielder from the Colorado Rockies, known for his home run prowess despite playing in a hitter-friendly park, is on their radar. This acquisition would add much-needed thump to a lineup that's relied heavily on small ball and speed. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins, lurking just a few games back, are prioritizing starting pitching depth after injuries decimated their staff. They're linked to a mid-rotation arm from the Washington Nationals, a pitcher with a deceptive changeup that's baffled hitters all season.

The AL West presents its own intrigue, with the Houston Astros aiming to reclaim their dominance. After a slow start, they've heated up, but their outfield depth is thin. Rumors swirl around a speedy center fielder from the Kansas City Royals, whose defensive wizardry and base-stealing ability could energize the Astros' lineup. The Texas Rangers, defending champions, are in sell mode this year due to a rash of injuries and underperformance. They're open to moving key pieces, including a star shortstop whose contract is expiring, potentially fetching a haul of prospects that could jumpstart a rebuild.

Shifting to the National League, the East is a battleground led by the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. The Phillies, with a potent offense, are seeking bullpen help to shore up late-inning woes. A hard-throwing reliever from the Pittsburgh Pirates is a name that's gained traction, his high-velocity fastball making him a perfect setup man for their closer. The Braves, dealing with rotation injuries, are aggressively pursuing starting pitchers. They're in hot pursuit of a left-handed ace from the San Francisco Giants, whose command and pitch mix could stabilize their staff and propel them back to the top.

In the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers are surprising leaders, but their catching situation is precarious. They're eyeing a veteran backstop from the Cincinnati Reds, known for his framing skills and leadership behind the plate. The St. Louis Cardinals, mired in mediocrity, might flip the script by becoming buyers if they can string together wins, but current buzz has them as sellers, potentially trading a fan-favorite outfielder to contenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ah, the Dodgers. In the NL West, they're running away with the division, but no team embodies the "win-now" mentality more than them. With a payroll that rivals small nations, they're linked to virtually every big name on the market. Top of their list is a superstar third baseman from the Chicago Cubs, whose offensive production and defensive acumen would create a fearsome infield. The Dodgers are also monitoring the market for another starter, perhaps from the Detroit Tigers, to add depth for the postseason grind. Their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Angels, are in a familiar position as sellers, with speculation mounting around their aging but still productive designated hitter. Teams like the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners are circling, hoping to add his bat to their lineups.

The Mariners, clinging to wild-card hopes in the AL, are another team to watch. Their pitching is elite, but offense has been their Achilles' heel. A trade for a consistent hitter from the Toronto Blue Jays could change that, providing the spark needed for a late-season surge. The Blue Jays themselves are at a crossroads; after a disappointing campaign, they might offload assets, including a versatile infielder who's drawn interest from multiple contenders.

Beyond the divisional races, several overarching themes define this deadline. The rise of analytics has made trades more calculated, with teams valuing underlying metrics like exit velocity and spin rates over traditional stats. Injuries have played a massive role, forcing teams to pivot quickly—think of the elbow issues plaguing several aces that have depressed their trade value. International talent is also in play, with reports of Japanese league stars potentially making midseason jumps, though MLB rules complicate such deals.

Sellers face tough choices too. The White Sox, Athletics, and Rockies are among the most active, looking to stockpile prospects. A young pitcher from Oakland, with electric stuff but command issues, could headline a deal to a contender like the San Diego Padres, who need rotation help despite their star-studded lineup.

As we approach the deadline, expect a flurry of activity. Last-minute deals often come down to the wire, with general managers playing poker over prospect packages and salary dumps. The human element can't be ignored—players like a veteran outfielder facing his first trade in a decade add emotional layers to the transactions.

In summary, this trade deadline week promises drama, surprises, and shifts that could define the 2025 season. Whether it's a blockbuster that catapults a team to glory or a subtle move that pays dividends in October, the next few days will be must-watch for baseball fans. Stay tuned as The Windup keeps you updated on every twist and turn.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6520035/2025/07/28/mlb-trade-deadline-week-the-windup/ ]

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ML Btradedeadlineweekunderwayafterverybusy HO Fweekend

MLB Trade Deadline Week: The Windup