The countdown is officially on, and a shot at the World Series could hang in the balance. The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and already the deals have started to fly, with the Cincinnati Reds' shocking move for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes just the latest bit of news that's shaken up the baseball world. And with big names like Steven Kwan, Eugenio Suarez, Jhoan Duran and more getting tossed around, the fireworks are only getting started.
Which stars will wind up where? Which buyers will cement their title hopes, and which sellers will get a jumpstart on the future? There's a lot to be decided before 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, and a lot to keep track of. That's why we're here to help, with live updates and trade grades from all the deals ahead of this year's deadline.
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July 31: Mariners acquire Eugenio Suarez from Diamondbacks for 1B Tyler Locklear, RHP Hunter Cranton, RHP Juan Burgos
The Mariners are the big winners of the trade deadline after winning the Eugenio Suarez sweepstakes. All it took to get the third baseman with 35 home runs on the season was to give away first baseman Tyler Locklear and pitchers Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos. Don't get me wrong, those prospects aren't super easy to part with. The former was the No. 9 prospect in the organization. The latter were the No. 16 and 17. But the Mariners have eight prospects in MLB's Top 100 and they didn't have to part with any of them. That's good business.
The Diamondbacks should feel good about getting Locklear in this deal. And Cranton and Burgos should be able to contribute — Burgos out of the pen right away potentially. Still...that's all they could squeeze out for a bat as hot as Suarez's? I get his defense is suspect, but still.
Mariners grade: A
Diamondbacks grade: C+
July 30: Red Sox acquire RP Steven Matz from Cardinals for 3B Blaze Jordon
The Red Sox and Cardinals locked in a swap late Wednesday with reliever Steven Matz going to Boston and prospect Blaze Jordan going to St. Louis. Matz is coming off a rough 2024 but he's been better in 2025 and the Red Sox will hope he can bolster their bullpen. Jordan is having a strong season in Triple-A, but it didn't look like there was much of a future for him in Boston. One person who clearly digs Jordan? Chaim Bloom. The former Red Sox CBO is now an advisor to and successor John Mozeliak in St. Louis.
Red Sox grade: B
Cardinals grade: A-
July 30: Astros acquire INF Ramon Urias from the Orioles for RHP Twine Palmer
The Astros aren't getting Nolan Arenado, Eugenio Suarez or even Carlos Correa. They've settled for Ramon Urias instead. In exchange, the Orioles are picking up righty Twine Palmer, who is doing well in Single-A ball this year.
Astros grade: C
Orioles grade: C
July 30: Reds acquire RHP Zack Littell from Rays in three-team trade with Rays, Dodgers
The Reds upgraded their rotation and bullpen in one swoop by trading for Zack Littell. The Rays pitcher will either move Nick Martinez to the bullpen or take up a long-relief role himself.
In return, Tampa Bay added pitcher Brian Van Belle from Cincinnati and catcher Hunter Feduccia from the Dodgers. Feduccia is a 28-year-old looking for his shot in the majors — something he was never going to get in LA.
The Dodgers joined the trade to pick up Adam Serwinowski, a pitching prospect they're looking to develop, Paul Gervase, a 25-year-old who has already gotten his feet wet in the bigs and could be useful this season, and Ben Rotvedt, a catcher who hasn't broken through with the Twins, Yankees or Rays.
Reds grade: B
Rays grade: B
Dodgers: A
July 30: Tigers acquire RHP Rafael Montero from Braves for INF Jim Jarvis
Rafael Montero isn't the pitcher he was in 2022 when he won a World Series with the Astros. But he has that experience coming out of the bullpen during a triumphant season and that's exactly what the Tigers need. The Braves reliever is on his way to Detroit with infielder Jim Jarvis going the other way to Atlanta.
Jarvis doesn't move the needle that much, but he is a versatile infielder who will provide the Braves some depth where they don't have it in their farm. And Montero has had a rough season — 5.50 ERA and 1.398 WHIP — so getting any sort of asset back for him is better than nothing.
This is the epitome of a "shrug" trade. The Tigers didn't give up much and they could benefit from Montero's arm. The Braves aren't sad to see the back of Montero and they got a little something for their trouble.
Tigers grade: B
Braves grade: B
July 30: Cubs acquire Michael Soroka from Nationals for Ronny Cruz and Christian Franklin
The Cubs' decision to go out and get Michael Soroka in exchange for two of Chicago's Top 15 prospects might be controversial. On the one hand, the Cubs have a history of nailing under-the-radar pitching additions. Soroka's ERA above 4.00 each of the last two seasons will raise some eyebrows, but the advanced stats are kinder to him. On the other hand, Soroka is a pretty uninspiring addition for a team with aspirations as lofty as the Cubs. Parting ways with two young prospects for a rental is always a risk.
Cubs grade: C+
Nationals grade: B+
July 30: Mets acquire RP Ryan Helsley from Cardinals for INF Jesus Baez, RHP Nate Dohm and RHP Frank Elissalt
Not long after picking up Tyler Rogers, the Mets kept their sights on pitching by adding Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals. A second reliever to beef up their now-formidable bullpen cost them three prospects: Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.
Baez was one of the Mets' top prospects while Dohm could have a future as a reliever. Elissalt is an intriguing arm who could prove valuable down the line. For the Mets purposes, going all-in on the now was well worth giving up these pieces.
Mets grade: B+
Cardinals grade: C
July 30: Phillies acquire RP Jhoan Duran from Twins for C Eduardo Tait and RHP Mick Abel
The Phillies pulled off the biggest trade of the window, adding Twins closer Jhoan Duran for the steep price of two prospects. Catcher Eduardo Tait, MLB's 56th-ranked prospect, and pitcher Mick Abel, 92th-ranked, are heading to Minnesota in return.
The Phillies part ways with their No. 4 and 6 prospects, but that feels like an acceptable cost for a closer under these circumstances. Duran is under team control for the next two-and-a-half years, so they didn't mortgage the future for a rental. Moreover, they held onto their top prospects: RHP Andrew Painter, SS Aidan Miller and OF Justin Crawford.
As for the Twins, they nabbed two Top 100 prospects. Abel has already gotten his feet wet with six starts this season.
Phillies grade: A
Twins grade: A
July 30: Mariners acquire LHP Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates for RHP Jeter Martinez
Seattle is still hell-bent on adding Eugenio Suarez to their revamped lineup, but Jerry DiPoto also needs bullpen arms as well, even being linked to the Jhoan Duran sweepstakes at one point on Wednesday afternoon. Ferguson isn't Duran, but he's perfectly solid in his own right, a lefty with a 3.74 ERA this season who chews up left-handed hitters and does well enough against righties that he's more than just a specialist. He's been around the block and knows how to pitch in the postseason, and he'll be valuable depth for the stretch run. Martinez, Seattle's No. 13 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is still raw at just 19 years old, but 6-foot-4 power arms like this are worth taking a gamble on if he eventually winds up in the bullpen.
Mariners grade: B
Pirates grade: A-
July 30: Mets acquire RHP Tyler Rogers from the Giants for RHP Blade Tidwell, OF Drew Gilbert and RHP Jose Butto
Well then. We knew the Mets wanted more bullpen help despite adding Gregory Soto last week, and Rogers certainly qualifies. But this is an eye-opening package, one that features an MLB-viable arm in Butto plus two of New York's top 12 prospects.
Of course, David Stearns didn't draft or acquire either Tidwell or Butto, and you can understand why he'd be okay with flipping two guys with seemingly limited ceilings taking up 40-man spots in favor of some more high-upside swings at the lower levels of the Minors. The Giants will absolutely take him up on that deal, though, especially given how badly they need both back-end rotation depth and outfield help.
Mets grade: B
Giants grade: A-
July 30: Reds acquire 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes from Pirates for SS Sammy Stafura and RP Taylor Rogers
Well this one came well and truly out of nowhere. The Reds were in on various position players as they look to upgrade their so-so offense, but Hayes brings a spectacular glove with real questions at the plate. It'll be fascinating to see how this affects guys like Noelvi Marte moving forward, and whether Hayes can hit enough to help Cincy make up ground in the Wild Card chase. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, gets off a lengthy contract and acquires a real prospect in the process in Single-A speedster Stafura.
Reds grade: C
Pirates grade: B
July 30: Angels acquire RHP Luis Garcia, LHP Andrew Chafin from Nationals for 1B Sam Brown, LHP Jake Eder
With a 53-55 record, a -63 run differential and a league-worst farm system, you might have assumed that the Angels would be sellers at this deadline. But this team has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and instead they've ... added two uninspiring relievers from one of the worst bullpens in the league. Okay then. L.A. probably won this trade on pure value terms, but overall it's hard to make much sense of it.
Angels grade: D
Nationals grade: C
July 30: Braves acquire RHP Tyler Kinley from Rockies for RHP Austin Smith
The Braves are likely set to sell key pieces like Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, but the goal remains to try and contend in 2026, and that's going to require a bullpen overhaul after this year's disaster. That began on Wednesday with Kinley, whose profile looks a whole lot better away from Coors Field and comes with a team option for next year that Atlanta will surely pick up.
Braves trade grade: B-
Rockies trade grade: C
July 30: Yankees acquire OF Austin Slater from White Sox for RHP Gage Ziehl
It's not the splash Yankees fans were hoping for, but New York did need a righty outfield bat to platoon with either Jasson Dominguez or Trent Grisham. Slater can do just that, and brings serious pinch-hitting chops as well. That'll play even when Aaron Judge eventually returns from the IL, and completes a bench transformation that began with the Amed Rosario deal over the weekend.
Yankees grade: B+
White Sox grade: B+
July 29: Rays acquire C Nick Fortes from Marlins for OF Matthew Etzel
Just hours after flipping previous starter Danny Jansen to the Brewers, Tampa Bay backfilled him by poaching Fortes from their in-state rival. He's not much with the bat, but he's an excellent defender behind the plate who comes with three more years of team control. The Rays remain one step ahead of their payroll at all times.
Rays grade: B+
Marlins grade: C+
July 29: Blue Jays acquire RHP Seranthony Dominguez from Orioles for RHP Juaron Watts-Brown
Toronto responded to its bullpen getting torched in Baltimore by poaching one of the O's best relievers for themselves. But while Dominguez is no doubt an improvement over the likes of the recently DFA'd Chad Green, he's not exactly a late-inning stopper, and the Jays did give up a top-10 prospect in Watts-Brown. If Toronto fails to hang on in the AL East, that could come back to bite them.
Blue Jays grade: B-
Orioles grade: B+
July 28: Braves acquire RHP Carlos Carrasco from Yankees for cash considerations
With their entire non-Spencer Strider rotation currently on the IL, Atlanta just needed live arms to help them play out the string down the stretch. Carrasco fits that bill as a well-traveled veteran who looked competent at times in New York this year before things went pear-shaped.
Braves grade: C
Yankees grade: B
July 28: Brewers acquire C Danny Jansen from Rays for INF Jadher Areinamo
Milwaukee was running starter William Contreras into the ground because it didn't trust incumbent backup Eric Haase, so it went out and got Jansen from the Rays. That makes a decent amount of sense, even if Jansen isn't so hot with the glove and hasn't quite hit up to his potential so far this season.
Brewers grade: B-
Rays grade: B-
July 28: Tigers acquire RHPs Chris Paddack, Randy Dobnak from Twins for C/1B Enrique Jimenez
The Tigers' need for a fifth starter got even more acute when young righty Reese Olson was lost for the rest of the regular season (at least) with a shoulder strain. And you can understand why they'd take the risk on Paddack, given his ability to throw strikes in a pitcher's park and the previous upside he's shown in his career. Still, it's hard to feel like this moves the needle as much as Detroit needs it to, and while Jimenez was blocked by the Tigers' catching depth, he's a not-insignificant prospect.
Tigers grade: C
Twins grade: B
July 27: Braves acquire RHP Erick Fedde from Cardinals for player to be named later or cash considerations
Speaking of the Braves needing live arms! You know you're desperate when you're actively in the market for Fedde, a player the Cardinals were almost literally begging teams to take off their hands. Still, he can eat innings while sparing the rest of Atlanta's system, and that's about all this team can ask for amid a lost 2025.
Braves grade: D
Cardinals grade: C
July 26: Royals acquire OF Randal Grichuk from D-backs for RHP Andrew Hoffmann
The Royals are too far back in the Wild Card chase and the AL Central to buy with any real aggression, but they also don't want to take too big a step back ahead of what they hope will be a competitive 2026 season. So they're decided to split the difference, locking up Seth Lugo to a contract extension rather than trading him and adding Grichuk in an effort to punch up their punchless outfield. I would've preferred Kansas City add assets and retool a bit, but I get the idea.
Royals grade: C+
Dbacks grade: B-
July 26: Yankees acquire UTIL Amed Rosario from Nationals for RHP Clayton Beeter and OF Browm Martinez
The Yankees addressed their black hole at third base with the Ryan McMahon pickup, but McMahon's struggles against left-handed pitching and the team's lack of any infield depth behind him meant that Brian Cashman's job wasn't finished. Rosario checks both of those boxes as a lefty-killer who can play all around the diamond, including the outfield.
Yankees grade: B
Nationals: B
July 25: Mets acquire LHP Gregory Soto from Orioles for RHP Wellington Aracena and RHP Cameron Foster
The Mets made the likely wise decision to jump what figures to be a white-hot relief market, snagging the lefty Soto from Baltimore to give themselves some much-needed depth in what had become a beleaguered bullpen.
Mets grade: A-
Orioles grade: B
July 25: Mariners acquire 1B Josh Naylor from Diamondbacks for LHP Brandyn Garcia and RHP Ashton Izzi
The Mariners came into this deadline season trying to load up as much offense as they could get to support their excellent pitching staff, and snagging Naylor is a pretty great start. He's a rental, but he's an impact one, someone who can slide right into the heart of this order and anchor things behind Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena. The fact that Seattle did so while keeping enough powder dry to make a run at old friend Eugenio Suarez is just an added bonus.
Mariners trade grade: B+
Diamondbacks trade grade: C+
July 25: Yankees acquire 3B Ryan McMahon from Rockies for LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz
It wasn't the third baseman Yankees fans had dreamed of, but that might be for the best if Eugenio Suarez's price gets as high as has been reported. Plus, McMahon does check a fair amount of boxes, especially given his excellent defense at the hot corner. His plus raw power should play well at Yankee Stadium, and all he has to do is be average with the bat to be a monumental upgrade on Oswald Peraza. Brian Cashman better pour those savings into acquiring multiple impact arms, though.