2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Everything that you need to know

The 2025 MLB trade deadline has arrived, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

Teams have until Thursday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m. PT to make moves that could reshape the playoff picture—or signal a step back toward a rebuild. After that, trades of players on the 40-man roster are off the table.

Here’s everything that you need to know about Thursday’s 2025 MLB Trade Deadline:

“Clase and Cade Smith they’re listening on… I’ve heard it’s very unlikely at this point… I know teams are trying on Mason Miller…”

– @JonHeyman shares the latest on the relief pitcher market ahead of the Trade Deadline pic.twitter.com/ymrlPQFUvj

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 21, 2025

How the MLB Trade Deadline Works

Since MLB scrapped August waiver trades a few years ago, the deadline is a true do-or-die moment. All deals must be finalized by the cutoff. The league has the flexibility to set the date anywhere between July 28 and August 3, and this year it stuck with the traditional July 31—just with a later 6 p.m. ET finish instead of the old 4 p.m.

Buyers, Sellers, and Teams in Between

A few teams have made their intentions crystal clear. The Yankees, Phillies, and Mariners are going all in, aggressively looking for starting pitching and bullpen help. The Blue Jays have also signaled they’re ready to deal prospects for immediate upgrades.

On the flip side, the Diamondbacks and Orioles are expected to unload expiring contracts. Arizona could move pieces like Eugenio Suárez and Zac Gallen, while Baltimore is rumored to be shopping Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins.

The San Francisco Giants are in an interesting spot. Hovering around the .500 mark, they’ve shown flashes of being a Wild Card contender but haven’t fully committed to buying. San Francisco could look to offload veterans like Mike Yastrzemski or make a sneaky add to the bullpen if the price is right. The next couple of games may dictate which direction they go.

Meanwhile, the A’s remain deep in a rebuild, but they hold two of the more intriguing trade chips on the market. Hard-throwing closer Mason Miller has drawn widespread interest from contenders, though Oakland’s asking price is sky-high given his team control. Veteran starter Luis Severino, who has not been a fan of the Sacramento experience thus far, could also be on the move following three-straight strong starts.

Names to Watch

Eugenio Suárez is the biggest bat on the market during the MLB trade deadline. After mashing 36 homers since mid-2024, he’s drawn serious interest from the Yankees, Mariners, Tigers, Cubs, and Phillies.

Relievers are also hot commodities this year. David Bednar, Ryan Helsley, Jhoan Duran, and Cleveland’s Cade Smith have all been linked to contenders. With closer Emmanuel Clase on leave, the Guardians could become even more active in reshaping their bullpen.

Other potential headline moves include Nolan Arenado, who would need to waive his no-trade clause, and Steven Kwan, whose elite contact skills and defense have caught Seattle’s eye.

What’s Different About This Year?

The market is thin on superstars, which makes controllable players and quality bullpen arms more valuable than ever. Front offices are working the phones, but many insiders believe the biggest deals will come down to the final hours. Teams on the bubble—like St. Louis, San Francisco, and even the Cubs—could dramatically alter the landscape if they decide to sell.

Another wrinkle: several veterans have no-trade clauses, meaning last-minute negotiations could make or break potential blockbusters.

What to Watch in the Final Hours

Can the Yankees land another arm to complement their rotation?
Will the Guardians cash in on their pitching depth despite the Clase situation?
Could the Giants make a surprise push or pivot into selling mode?
Do the A’s cash in on Mason Miller’s value, or is Luis Severino the one on the move?

With just hours to go, expect rumors to fly and the standings to shift. Whether it’s a last-minute blockbuster or a series of under-the-radar moves, the 2025 MLB trade deadline promises to keep fans glued to their screens right up to 3 p.m. PT on Thursday.