MLB Trade Deadline: One Player Each Team Should Target (or Dump)

David

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Post on Jul 05, 2025

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MLB Trade Deadline: One Player Each Team Should Target (or Dump)

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and front offices across the league are scrambling to make the moves that will solidify their playoff chances or set the stage for a successful rebuild. This year promises to be particularly exciting, with several star players potentially on the move. But who should each team be targeting? And more importantly, which underperforming players should they be looking to offload? Let's dive into a team-by-team breakdown of one key acquisition and one potential trade chip.

American League East

• New York Yankees: Target: A reliable, late-inning reliever like David Robertson (currently with the Miami Marlins). The Yankees' bullpen has been inconsistent, and Robertson's experience would be invaluable in the postseason push. Dump: While painful, considering his contract, moving on from Josh Donaldson could free up valuable roster space and potentially recoup some assets. His offensive production hasn't matched expectations.

• Baltimore Orioles: Target: A starting pitcher who can provide depth and experience. Someone like Lucas Giolito (currently with the Los Angeles Angels) could bolster their rotation. Dump: While he's shown flashes of brilliance, Rougned Odor's inconsistency makes him a prime candidate to be moved for a minor league prospect.

• Toronto Blue Jays: Target: An impact bat, possibly a corner infielder to add some pop to their lineup. Someone like Jeimer Candelario (currently with the Washington Nationals) could fit the bill. Dump: With Bo Bichette's emergence, moving Whit Merrifield could free up playing time and potentially garner a late-round pick in return.

• Tampa Bay Rays: Target: The Rays are masters of finding undervalued talent; they might target a low-cost, high-upside reliever to add depth to an already strong bullpen. Dump: While valuable, if the right offer comes along, moving a utility player like Taylor Walls might be worth exploring to add more depth in a different area.

• Boston Red Sox: Target: A power-hitting outfielder to complement their existing lineup. Someone like Randal Grichuk (currently with the Colorado Rockies) could provide a boost. Dump: Adam Duvall's injury history and inconsistent performance make him a likely candidate to be moved for a prospect or to clear salary space.

American League Central

• Minnesota Twins: Target: A reliable starting pitcher to solidify their rotation. Someone like Aaron Civale (currently with the Cleveland Guardians) could be a good fit. Dump: While he has potential, moving Jorge Polanco could help free up resources and address other needs.

• Cleveland Guardians: Target: Adding a proven veteran bat could be a game-changer for the Guardians. Dump: Anibal Sanchez’s advanced age and diminished performance makes him expendable.

• Chicago White Sox: Target: A high-impact bat, particularly a designated hitter, to rejuvenate their underperforming offense. Dump: Moving on from Tim Anderson could help free up resources and allow for a fresh start.

• Kansas City Royals: Target: The Royals are in rebuilding mode, so focusing on acquiring young talent rather than established stars would be wise. Dump: They are more likely to be sellers than buyers.

• Detroit Tigers: Target: Similar to the Royals, the Tigers are focused on building for the future. Dump: Players like Jonathan Schoop could be moved to free up resources and acquire young talent.

American League West

• Texas Rangers: Target: While their offense is potent, adding a reliable starting pitcher would solidify their playoff push. Dump: With other options available, moving Nathaniel Lowe could potentially bolster another team and free up roster space.

• Houston Astros: Target: The Astros are always looking for ways to improve, and a strong bullpen arm would be a valuable addition. Dump: While a valuable asset, if the right offer arrives, moving Jose Abreu might be worth considering.

• Seattle Mariners: Target: The Mariners could use a proven bat to solidify their lineup. Dump: While still valuable, if a considerable offer arrives, trading Eugenio Suárez might be worthwhile to inject more depth in other areas.

• Los Angeles Angels: Target: The Angels, especially with Shohei Ohtani's potential departure, might target a high-value prospect to help replenish their farm system. Dump: They are more likely to be sellers than buyers, with players like Shohei Ohtani (if he doesn't re-sign) and Lucas Giolito likely to be traded.

• Oakland Athletics: Target: The Athletics are firmly in rebuild mode, prioritizing young talent and future assets. Dump: Almost any veteran player on the roster could be moved for prospects.

(Note: This is just a snapshot, and the actual trades made will depend on numerous factors. Stay tuned for updates as the deadline approaches!)

Call to Action: What trades do you think will shake up the MLB landscape this year? Share your predictions in the comments below!