MLB trade deadline 2025: Should the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Royals sell or stay in the postseason race? Decisions loom.
The trade deadline isn’t just about winning now — it’s about understanding where a team truly stands. For Toronto and Kansas City, the playoffs are within reach, and both clubs have enough to justify reinforcing the roster. For St. Louis, even a competitive season might be best served by selling high and starting fresh under new leadership.
One way or another, the next few weeks will tell us who’s chasing October dreams — and who’s already thinking about 2026.
The Cardinals’ Rebuild Must Continue
For much of the 2025 season, the St. Louis Cardinals have been quietly rewriting expectations. Once presumed to be in rebuild mode, the team instead surged into second place in the NL Central with a mix of youth and resilience. Led by the underrated consistency of Brendan Donovan, the Cardinals’ offense ranks among the league’s most efficient. And for fourth-year manager Oli Marmol, this season might have salvaged his tenure.
Willson Contreras smashed his 8th home run of 2025! pic.twitter.com/8fjIzDcFut
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 11, 2025
But with July 31 approaching, the Cardinals face a franchise-defining decision: go for it, or reset the timeline. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak is in his final season, and a sentimental push to the postseason would be a fitting sendoff. But with Chaim Bloom poised to take over the reins, the long-term picture may matter more than one final run.
Selling could net valuable prospects, especially with several veterans drawing interest. For now, the Cardinals remain in limbo, with a defining stretch against the Brewers and Cubs ahead. But unless they go on a run that demands investment, the wise move may be to prepare for the future and hand Bloom a cleaner canvas.
Decision: Sell
Toronto’s Window Reopens — and It’s Time to Push Through
A few months ago, Toronto’s outlook seemed murky. The uncertainty around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future loomed large, and the team lacked identity. But a record-setting $500 million extension for Vlad changed everything — and suddenly, the Blue Jays’ window of opportunity has reopened.
Now tied for second in the AL East, Toronto has turned the page on mediocrity. Despite injuries to Max Scherzer and inconsistent production from stars like George Springer and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays have clawed their way into a wild-card spot. Recent momentum — winning eight of their last ten — has shifted the tone.
21-10 in our last 31 games 😁
Goodnight, #BlueJays Fans 💙 pic.twitter.com/teUCroSnjP
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 11, 2025
Toronto may not be built for a deep October run just yet, but standing pat would waste a rare stretch of collective health, confidence, and momentum. A deadline addition or two — especially a bat or bullpen arm — could push the Jays into the ALDS. With the league’s top contenders looking beatable, even a modest upgrade might pay postseason dividends.
Decision: Buy
Royals Must Back Their Arms Before It’s Too Late
Pitching wins in October — and the Kansas City Royals know it. Built from the rotation out, the Royals have established one of baseball’s most dominant starting staffs. Kris Bubic’s breakout season has anchored a unit ranked fourth in MLB in starter ERA, giving Kansas City a fighting chance every night.
But pitching can only take you so far without run . Despite the heroics of Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals remain near the bottom in nearly every offensive category. That has left them unable to consistently capitalize on their elite arms. The recent call-up of Jac Caglianone signaled urgency, but more help is needed.
This team doesn’t need a lineup overhaul — just a few upgrades around the edges. If the front office can find offensive value on the trade market, even incremental improvements could be the difference between contending and falling just short. With such a rare pitching core in place, standing still isn’t an option.
Decision: Buy
