Major League Baseball speculation: Diamondbacks set to trade rental players, Twins yet to decide on trading All-Star pitcher
With the trade deadline just 15 days away, the Major League Baseball (MLB) landscape is buzzing with anticipation as several teams position themselves for potential moves. Here's an overview of the current trends and performance, with some teams expected to sell, others to buy, and a few on the fence.
Potential Sellers
The Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates are generally expected to sell, given their current lack of strong playoff contention[1]. The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels, while initially considered sellers, could still decide to hold onto their assets depending on their performance[1].
The Arizona Diamondbacks, currently 47-50 and 5 ½ games behind the third wild-card spot, are expected to trade their rental players at the deadline, including Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Josh Naylor, and Eugenio Suárez[6]. In a surprising move, the Royals have re-acquired utility man Adam Frazier from the Pirates in the first post-All-Star Game trade of the year[7].
Potential Buyers
The Boston Red Sox, after improving significantly following the All-Star break, are trending towards buying, particularly in need of a starting pitcher and a first baseman[2]. Indications are that the San Diego Padres may be looking to acquire a bat or two to bolster their lineup[4].
Bubble Teams
The Atlanta Braves, despite underperforming, have shown signs of improvement and are currently operating with a buyer's mentality. However, they might adjust their strategy if things don't improve[3]. Several other teams are on the fence, and their decisions will be influenced by their performance immediately after the All-Star break[2][3].
Intriguing Players on the Market
Ryan, an All-Star this season, is the most attractive starting pitcher on the trade market if made available by the Minnesota Twins. His impressive 2.72 ERA in 109 1⁄3 innings this season, coupled with his team control through 2027, makes him a valuable asset[5].
The 28-year-old Devanney, a promising minor-league infielder with impressive stats in Triple-A, could potentially be a trade chip for a team in need of offensive reinforcements[8].
Veteran reliever David Robertson, who had a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 72 innings with the Rangers last year, has attracted interest from the Mets and Yankees, two of his former clubs[9].
As the second half of the season begins on Friday, teams will be carefully evaluating their positions and strategising their moves. The MLB trade deadline promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with potential blockbuster deals on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds.
[1] FanGraphs, MLB Trade Deadline: Potential Sellers and Buyers, 14 July 2025. [2] MLB.com, Red Sox trending towards buying, 16 July 2025. [3] ESPN, Braves' buyer's mentality could shift if things don't improve, 15 July 2025. [4] MLB.com, Padres looking to acquire a bat, 17 July 2025. [5] The Athletic, Ryan emerges as most attractive starting pitcher on trade market, 16 July 2025. [6] CBS Sports, Diamondbacks expected to sell at deadline, 15 July 2025. [7] MLB.com, Royals re-acquire Frazier from Pirates, 14 July 2025. [8] The Athletic, Devanney shines in Triple-A, could be trade chip, 16 July 2025. [9] MLB Network, Robertson draws interest from Mets, Yankees, 16 July 2025.
- The Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to sell their assets in Major League Baseball (MLB) due to their current lack of strong playoff contention.
- In need of a starting pitcher and a first baseman, the Boston Red Sox are trending towards buying as they improve following the All-Star break in MLB.
- Veteran reliever David Robertson, who had impressive stats with the Rangers last season, has attracted interest from his former clubs, the Mets and Yankees, in MLB.
- As the second half of the season starts in MLB, teams are carefully evaluating their positions and strategizing their moves for the upcoming trade deadline.
