MLB Trade Deadline: Top Five Blockbuster Deals to Watch

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The 2025 MLB trade deadline is coming up fast, and teams across the league are bracing for a wild stretch. This year feels especially chaotic, with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers right in the thick of countless trade rumors.

Both clubs want to make big moves to set themselves up for a deep playoff run. Let’s take a closer look at what might happen with these two powerhouses—and what it could mean for everyone else.

Yankees Eyeing Pitching Reinforcements

The New York Yankees have had a rocky season, with injuries and inconsistency dogging them. Even so, they’re still hanging around in the playoff picture.

Pitching remains a glaring need. With several key arms sidelined, the Yankees are hunting for reinforcements.

Potential Targets

Rumors keep swirling about some big-name pitchers possibly heading to the Bronx. Here are a few names that keep popping up:

  • Max Scherzer – The veteran ace from the Washington Nationals always seems to deliver. He could be the steadying force the Yankees crave.
  • José Berríos – Minnesota’s righty has a reputation for durability and racking up strikeouts. He’d fit in just fine.
  • Kyle Gibson – With Texas, Gibson’s having a breakout year. Adding him could really round out the Yankees’ rotation.

Dodgers Looking to Bolster Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a different approach, zeroing in on their bullpen. Despite a stacked roster, closing out games has been a struggle.

If they want to defend their World Series title, fixing this problem is absolutely critical.

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Relief Pitcher Options

The Dodgers have their eyes on a few relievers who could make a difference:

  • Craig Kimbrel – The Cubs’ closer brings a ton of experience. He’s been through just about every high-pressure situation you can imagine.
  • Raisel Iglesias – With the Angels, Iglesias has handled closing duties well. He might be the game-changer LA needs.
  • Richard Rodríguez – Pittsburgh’s Rodríguez has quietly become one of the most effective bullpen arms this year.

Impact on the Playoff Race

The Yankees and Dodgers could both shake up the playoff race with the right deadline moves. These teams always seem to contend, but a bold acquisition might tip the scales in their favor.

American League Dynamics

In the AL, the Yankees are locked in a battle with the Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays for the top of the East. Upgrading their pitching could give them the push they need to leapfrog the competition.

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If they land a top-tier arm like Scherzer or Berríos, the Yankees’ already dangerous lineup would get even scarier. Can anyone stop them if they finally get healthy?

National League Scenarios

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are fighting the Giants and Padres in a stacked NL West. Shoring up the bullpen might be the difference between winning the division and settling for a wild card.

Adding a closer like Kimbrel or Iglesias could patch up LA’s biggest hole. With their lineup and rotation, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.

Other Teams to Watch

It’s not just the Yankees and Dodgers making noise. The White Sox, Astros, and A’s in the AL—and the Brewers, Mets, and Reds in the NL—are all looking to get better before the deadline hits.

White Sox and Astros

The White Sox need help in the outfield and might chase a bat. The Astros, meanwhile, want to shore up their bullpen to stay on top in the AL.

Brewers and Mets

For the Brewers, it’s all about finding more offense. The Mets, on the other hand, are searching for pitching depth—both in the rotation and the bullpen.

Conclusion

The 2025 MLB trade deadline might just be the wildest in years. The Yankees and Dodgers are right in the thick of it, and honestly, who knows what could happen next?

Fans are in for a wild ride, with both teams eyeing bold moves. If you want the latest twists and rumors, check out this in-depth report on MLB trade deadline scenarios involving the Yankees and Dodgers.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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