The 2025 MLB transaction deadline has concluded, and a multitude of exchanges transpired in the hours and days leading up to Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET cutoff as contenders bolstered their lineups and rebuilding teams expanded their developmental system. Now, with all the agreements finalized, it’s opportune to identify some victors and vanquished from this year’s transaction deadline. Accompany us, if you will?
Victor: A.J. Preller
And indeed, all of us. The Padres GM functions as baseball’s disarray generator. Each transaction deadline, Preller amazes us with a significant deal(s), even when it seems he lacks the prospect assets to execute it. This year’s headline: Mason Miller. San Diego obtained the Athletics closer (and lefty JP Sears) in exchange for four prospects, inclusive of shortstop Leo De Vries. De Vries is regarded among the top five prospects in the sport and the most distinguished prospect involved in a transaction at the deadline for quite some time. Preller additionally acquired outfielder Ramón Laureano and DH Ryan O’Hearn, addressing a pronounced need for lineup depth. Neither righty Dylan Cease nor closer Robert Suarez was dealt, but that’s acceptable. Preller surrendered a considerable amount to generate excitement on Thursday. The Miller transaction is undeniably a Capital-B Blockbuster.
Perhaps? One could readily contend that Carlos Correa no longer represents a game-changing player at this juncture. He is, after all, experiencing the least productive season of his career. The Astros, however, reinstated their former franchise savior, essentially absorbing him as a salary offset in a trade with the Twins, who adopted a scorched-earth strategy concerning their roster. Minnesota is substantially subsidizing Correa, covering $33 million of the $104 million remaining on his contract, yet Houston is still committing substantial funds and a lengthy duration to a player seemingly in decline. This is undeniably precarious.
Carlos Correa trade evaluations: Astros achieve ‘A’ grade for remarkable deadline acquisition, Twins realize their salary reduction
R.J. Anderson
Nonetheless, Correa’s return to Houston constitutes a compelling narrative, one that will undoubtedly gratify Astros enthusiasts who appreciate nostalgia. Furthermore, with DH Yordan Alvarez (hand) and third baseman Isaac Paredes (hamstring) sidelined, including Paredes for an extended period, the Astros were in dire need of offensive firepower. Correa will contribute to fulfilling that need, and he has consented to transition to third base to fill in for Paredes. Correa’s return to Houston is a captivating storyline that, frankly, appeared improbable just a week prior.
Victor: Mariners’ offense
This is not emblematic of those exclusively pitching/lacking hitting Mariners teams of the 2010s and early 2020s. Seattle entered play on Thursday ranked a respectable 12th in runs scored per game. There existed room for augmentation, however, and the M’s enhanced their lineup by incorporating first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez in separate exchanges with the Diamondbacks. These acquisitions represent substantial improvements at the corner infield positions. Admittedly, trading prospects for Suárez after salary-dumping him on the D-backs two years prior reflects poorly on GM Jerry Dipoto, but he deserves recognition for acknowledging this and securing the most potent bat available in the market. Seattle’s offense now possesses greater depth and is considerably more formidable.
Vanquished: Tigers’ bullpen
For an organization leading its division and on the periphery of World Series contenders, the Tigers experienced a subdued transaction deadline. Their bullpen has exhibited vulnerability in recent weeks, and their sole reliever additions consisted of righties Codi Heuer (Rangers), Kyle Finnegan (Nationals), Rafael Montero (Braves), Paul Sewald (Guardians). Finnegan is a high-caliber reliever. Otherwise, Heuer provides depth, Montero was designated for assignment by the Astros the preceding year, and Sewald is currently injured. He is placed on the 60-day injured list and will not be eligible for return until September. Acquiring righty Charlie Morton (Orioles) to bolster the rotation was a commendable move. However, the bullpen required reinforcement and received more uncertainties than definitive resolutions.
Victor: East division bullpens
The Mets and Phillies have been exchanging leading positions atop the NL East throughout the season. Neither team has managed to establish a significant lead. Both organizations acutely required bullpen fortification at the deadline, and they secured it in abundance. Philadelphia acquired closer Jhoan Duran in a transaction with the Twins and additionally signed David Robertson as a free agent. The Mets imported Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), Tyler Rogers (Giants), and Gregory Soto (Orioles) in three distinct deals. Each team made multiple impactful bullpen additions. Duran, who remains under team control through 2027, was among the most influential arms relocated this week, although the Mets also made three quality acquisitions.
Over in the AL East, the Yankees aggressively reconstructed their unsteady bullpen with three additions: David Bednar (Pirates), Jake Bird (Rockies), and Camilo Doval (Giants). All three are subject to team control beyond 2025 as well. The Blue Jays, the team the Yankees are pursuing in the AL East, incorporated Seranthony Domínguez (Orioles) and hard-throwing Louie Varland (Twins) into their relief corps. The Rays also participated in the activity and added Griffin Jax (Twins). There were a multitude of bullpen exchanges at the deadline, as is customary annually, and the majority of the game’s premier relievers landed in either the AL East or NL East.
Once more, the Angels were among the most perplexing teams at the deadline. They acquired veteran relievers Andrew Chafin and Luis García from the Nationals on Wednesday in a move that entailed minimal cost. A relatively low-stakes move that did not require much expenditure. The Angels also picked up all-glove/no-bat infielder Oswald Peraza in a minor trade with the Yankees. And that concludes their activity. The Angels are diminishing in contention for the postseason and neither aggressively purchased nor sold assets. Their rentals (Tyler Anderson, Kenley Jansen, Luis Rengifo, etc.) remain, despite the Halos’ diminished prospects for participating in October baseball. I am uncertain as to the prevailing strategy in Anaheim. Is there a discernible strategy? It proves challenging to identify one.
Victor: JP Sears
Referred to as the “other guy” whom the Padres acquired in the Mason Miller transaction, Sears is transitioning from Sutter Health Park in Sacramento to Petco Park in San Diego. He has consistently exhibited a susceptibility to home runs (career 1.6 HR/9), although his splits are particularly pronounced this year: 2.6 HR/9 at home and 1.3 HR/9 on the road. Statcast’s park factors rate Sutter Health Park as the eighth most home run-friendly ballpark in MLB. Petco Park is ranked 22nd. For an individual who struggles to contain the ball within the park, relocating from Sacramento to San Diego could substantially enhance Sears’ performance and his career trajectory moving forward. Moreover, he transitioned from a last-place team to a team actively competing in the race. That is invariably beneficial.
