With the 2025 MLB trade deadline just weeks away, contending teams are scrambling to finalize their shopping lists.
Relievers are emerging as one of the hottest commodities on the market, and according to USA TODAY, seven bullpen arms are currently drawing significant interest from teams hoping to make a postseason push.
“Teams are scrambling to bolster their bullpens with the influx of injuries around baseball. The top targets: Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals, Felix Bautista, Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto of the Orioles, David Bednar and Dennis Santana of the Pirates and Anthony Bender of the Marlins,” Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported.
These seven relievers bring a range of bullpen experience, from established closers to versatile arms capable of eating multiple innings.
It remains to be seen which — if any — will be on the move before the July 31 deadline.
One club expected to be active in the bullpen market is the Chicago Cubs, who currently lead the National League Central but have struggled with consistency on the mound.
“To quote our manager, we just need to get outs, you know?” Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said. “And so we have to figure that out, whether it’s the beginning of the game or the end of the game.
“[Our depth has] been tested, and we have to assume that that’s not going to stop, that we’ll continue to be tested. We have to continue to find depth where we can find it.”
While relievers are clearly a focus for many teams, position players are also generating buzz.
Chief among them is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who is rumored to be drawing interest from several clubs – including the New York Mets.
As we creep closer to the deadline, expect to hear several more names float around the trade block.
The MLB trade deadline is set for Wednesday, July 31, leaving front offices two months to make their moves.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming deadline? … Who do you want to see your team go after???
