Which team should exhibit the most assertiveness at the MLB trade deadline to boost their chances for a championship?
The Major League Baseball (MLB) trade deadline is fast approaching, and contenders are gearing up for some significant moves to bolster their rosters. Here's a roundup of the key discussions and predictions from MLB experts.
In the National League (NL), the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a tight race with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. R.J. Anderson, a prominent MLB analyst, believes that the Cubs have the most at stake in the trade deadline decisions. With a strong motivation to win their division and the resources to significantly improve their roster, the Cubs could be the team that needs to be most aggressive at the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros, who are expected to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline, are looking for a third baseman due to Isaac Paredes' uncertain future. The Astros, like other serious contenders, will also monitor the bullpen market and may make moves to strengthen their rotation.
One of the hot topics in last week's Batting Around roundtable was whether MLB should move the trade deadline. The experts discussed the pros and cons of changing the deadline, but no concrete decision has been made as of yet.
In the American League (AL), the league is considered the easier one this season and is wide open. The Toronto Blue Jays, a strong contender in the AL East, need a high-end pitcher at the trade deadline to boost their postseason odds. Their offense and depth have been reliable, but adding a star pitcher would elevate their championship potential.
ESPN's Jeff Passan notes that nearly three-quarters of MLB teams are within 5½ games of a playoff berth at the deadline, making trade decisions critical for teams aiming to complete their championship puzzle. Contenders face the challenge of balancing present competitiveness and future flexibility while bolstering their pitching staffs or adding impactful hitters for the playoff push.
Some contenders are targeting bats like Eugenio Suárez (3B, Diamondbacks), who leads in RBIs and home runs and is a highly sought-after trade target due to his offensive impact. This suggests teams with corner infield needs might be active buyers to enhance run production.
As the trade deadline approaches, the MLB contenders with the greatest needs are focusing on critical upgrades to pitching and lineup star power. The dynamic trade market and the need for balance between present competitiveness and future flexibility are central themes discussed by experts ahead of the 2025 deadline.
Stay tuned for this week's Batting Around roundtable, where the experts will delve deeper into the contending teams with the greatest deadline needs.
[1] MLB.com article on MLB contenders' needs at the 2025 trade deadline
[2] MLB.com article on players likely to move before the 2025 trade deadline
[3] ESPN article on the 2025 MLB trade deadline and the challenges contenders face
- The Chicago Cubs, as previously mentioned, have a significant stake in the 2025 MLB trade deadline decisions to boost their roster and secure their division.
- Predictions suggest that the Houston Astros may be among the most active teams at the 2025 trade deadline, looking for a third baseman due to the uncertainty surrounding Isaac Paredes' future.
- A potential shift in the MLB trade deadline has sparked discussions among experts, but a decision has not yet been made.
- In the American League, contenders like the Toronto Blue Jays need a high-end pitcher at the 2025 trade deadline to boost their postseason odds, while their offense and depth impress.
- With the 2025 trade deadline approaching, contending teams like the Diamondbacks might target players like Eugenio Suárez, known for his offensive impact, to address their corner infield needs and enhance run production.
