Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is quickly approaching, set for 6 p.m. ET on July 31, leaving teams with limited time to finalize any last-minute transactions. Some teams have already made moves; the Yankees recently acquired two infielders, Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario, while the Mariners secured Josh Naylor for their first base position.
In the midst of the trade frenzy, the Yankees are reportedly pursuing pitching help and have made inquiries to the Pittsburgh Pirates about closer David Bednar and right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller. However, the asking price might be outside of New York’s comfort zone due to significant competition for both players. The Yankees, missing key pitchers Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the remainder of the season due to injuries, could significantly benefit from adding Bednar or Keller, who are both under team control for several more seasons.
On another front, all-star starter Dylan Cease of the Padres is drawing interest from the Houston Astros as they seek to bolster their rotation amid numerous injuries. The Padres might consider trading Cease if they can secure impactful major-league talent in return.
The Toronto Blue Jays made headlines this week by acquiring right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown. Domínguez has demonstrated solid performance this season, boasting a 3.24 ERA. Speculation suggests that the Blue Jays may not be done yet and could pursue Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley as well.
Helsley himself has indicated that he anticipates a trade shortly, naming multiple teams, including the Yankees and Dodgers, as potential suitors. He currently holds a 3.00 ERA this season and is also a sought-after asset on the market.
Other teams are active in their pursuit of talent as well. The Mets and Astros have expressed interest in Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who is coming off an injury but has shown impressive statistics when healthy.
On the Dodgers’ side, manager Dave Roberts has dismissed rumors about trading rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, stating he doesn’t foresee a deal happening. Meanwhile, they are also in the running for Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, who has had a notable season and remains under team control for several years, potentially influencing Cleveland’s decision-making as they aim for a playoff spot.
Lastly, the Milwaukee Brewers are eyeing Orioles slugger Ryan O’Hearn, who has emerged as one of the most effective bats on the market this season.
As the deadline nears, it will be interesting to see how these discussions progress and which players will ultimately find new homes. The added complexity of injuries and teams’ varying goals—whether rebuilding or contending—could lead to surprising developments before the clock runs out.