MLB Trade Deadline Predictions: Projecting Acquisitions for 10 Best MLB Teams

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MLB Trade Deadline Predictions: Projecting Acquisitions for 10 Best MLB Teams

MLB trade deadline predictions — Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Sun, Jul 20, 2025 ·

7 min read

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The MLB trade deadline is just over a week away, with playoff contenders and World Series hopefuls all eyeing big additions by July 31 that could give them an extra push. A few more All-Star talents have been made available, which makes it a lot more fun to do MLB trade deadline predictions.

Let's dive into our picks for the top player each of the best MLB teams will acquire this summer.

Emmanuel Clase , Closer: Philadelphia Phillies

MLB trade deadline predictions, best MLB teams — Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

This is the time for the Philadelphia Phillies to strike. There are a few All-Star closers available at the MLB trade deadline, including David Bednar , but Cleveland Guardians standout Emmanuel Clase ranks as the top option. He is under control through 2028 and owed just $26.4 million total over that span, which should be viewed as a bargain for the Phillies front office. Acquiring an All-MLB First Team closer who has a 1.78 ERA and a 0,92 WHIP since 2021 would not come cheaply, but he is exactly the caliber of reliever the Philadelphia bullpen needs. Outfield prospect Justin Crawford and shortstop Aidan Miller could be particularly intriguing to a Guardians organization in need of everyday prospects who can reach the majors as early as next season.

Eugenio Suarez , Third Base: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners need to find more sources of run production if they are going to secure a wild-card spot. Ideally, they would acquire both a first baseman and a third baseman, but the primary objective should be to land the best bat possible. Eugenio Suárez, coming off an All-Star selection, is that player. The veteran third baseman has already proven he fits in well with the Mariners' clubhouse, and his 31 home runs with an .888 OPS on the year would certainly strengthen Seattle's playoff hopes.

Ryan McMahon , Third Baseman: New York Yankees

Since we have Eugenio Suárez landing with the Mariners in our MLB trade deadline predictions, the New York Yankees have to pivot. They go to another third baseman who has been on their radar for over a year. Ryan McMahon, a 30-year-old left-handed hitter, does not have Suárez's numbers at the plate this season; his .694 OPS leaves a lot to be desired. However, he posted a .751 OPS from 2019 to 2024 and will provide far better value defensively than Suárez. It would be a gamble in some regards, but a worthwhile one for New York.

Mitch Keller , starting pitcher: Toronto Blue Jays

Mitch Keller is arguably the top starting pitcher available at the MLB trade deadline, given Sandy Alcantara's struggles this season. The All-Star hurler is exactly the caliber of starter, especially given his contract, who seems perfect for an aggressive Toronto Blue Jays front office. Keller was lights out prior to the All-Star break, posting a 1.96 ERA in 36.2 innings, and the Blue Jays have been saddled with a bottom-10 rotation this season. Keller provides the stability Toronto desperately needs, and he should help them solidify themselves as a legitimate threat to win the AL East this season, especially since acquiring him would keep him away from the Yankees and Boston Red Sox .

Ryan O'Hearn, Houston Astros

Cedric Mullins is certainly the more realistic target for the Houston Astros at the MLB trade deadline. However, the All-Star outfielder has been in a dreadful three-month-long slump at the plate. In his last 52 games, Mullins has a .181/.230/.346 triple-slash line. As desperate as Houston is for a left-handed bat, its issues are not that severe. Instead, Mullins' teammate Ryan O'Hearn is the solution. A reigning All-Star selection, the Orioles' left-handed hitter sports an .834 OPS this year with a .283 batting average. Additionally, he has experience playing first base and both corner outfield spots. Like Mullins, O'Hearn is only a half-season rental.

Merrill Kelly , starting pitcher: Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty has not performed well enough to guarantee himself a spot in the playoff rotation, and Keider Montero certainly is not an option. While the Tigers could theoretically try to turn Sandy Alcantara back into a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, his contract and performance this season are not worth the gamble. Instead, the Tigers opt for the stable choice with 36-year-old righty Merrill Kelly. He has a 3.45 ERA across his last 63 starts over the past three seasons, with a 3.34 ERA this year in 20 starts, 113 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP. Additionally, since he is only a half-season rental, it should not require as much prospect capital to acquire him.

Edward Cabrera , starting pitcher: Chicago Cubs

Sandy Alcantara is often mentioned as one of the Chicago Cubs ' top trade targets. If the organization is going to dip into its pool of top prospects, however, Edward Cabrera might be the safer bet. The 27-year-old is arbitration-eligible through 2028 and will make less in the next four years combined than Alcantara will in the next two. Cabrera also holds a 3.61 ERA this season, including a 2.54 ERA in his last 12 starts. He seems like the more cost-effective, long-term option for Chicago, and the added financial flexibility would make it even easier to re-sign Kyle Tucker this winter.

David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates : Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the luxury of not needing to be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline. However, closer Tanner Scott (4.09 ERA) has been up-and-down in 2025 and Kirby Yates (4.08 ERA) hasn't been any better. It might be worthwhile for Los Angeles to use its deep farm system to bring in a stable All-Star closer. After a rough patch in April, All-Star reliever David Bednar entered the All-Star break with a 1.74 ERA in his last 31 innings pitched. Acquiring Bednar allows Los Angeles to move everyone down a spot in the bullpen and when Los Angeles gets Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech back, Dave Roberts will have a wealth of options.

Luis Robert , outfielder: New York Mets

Coming into the weekend, the New York Mets ' center fielders ranked 24th in OPS ( .609 ). This isn't to suggest that Luis Robert Jr ( .196/,284/.341 ) is a guaranteed fix for that, but he is a low-risk, high-reward bet. The Chicago White Sox simply want to get off his contract, and New York would have no long-term financial obligations beyond the $2 million buyout this winter. So, the Mets can keep all of their top prospects by taking on Robert's contract with the hope that a change of scenery will unlock the hitter who averaged an .842 OPS from 2021 to 2023, thanks to outstanding power (.511 SLG).

Taylor Ward , left fielder: San Diego Padres

In a perfect world, the San Diego Padres would acquire outfielder Jarren Duran from the Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately for San Diego , Boston is a buyer, and it is hard to see a match between these two clubs unless a three-team trade can be arranged. So, the Padres pivot to Taylor Ward. The 31-year-old entered the weekend with 67 RBI, 22 home runs, and a .773 OPS across 365 at-bats. Ward might not get on base often (.299 OBP), but his .474 slugging percentage is a significant improvement over what Padres left fielders have produced (.342) this season.

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