The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching on July 31 and several teams are still in the playoff hunt nearly halfway through the season. Many front offices will have to make difficult decisions as the deadline nears that could alter their playoff hopes and the future of the organization. The Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks are just a few of the teams who may have to take a stance on their playoff hopes earlier than fans might expect. If these teams slide down the standings over the next few weeks, a few star players could become available and swing the postseason chances of another franchise. Below, we’ll go over the 5 biggest stars who could find themselves switching jerseys after the MLB trade deadline in 2025.
Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox
Potential Landing Spots: DET, CHI, STL, SEA
Rafael Devers has had an up-and-down year in Boston, starting even before the season began. His relationship with front office and manager Alex Cora can only be described as tumultuous since the team moved him off of third-base upon g Alex Bregman. He started the season 0-for-19 in March before bouncing back to become one of the hottest hitters in baseball over the past few months. Despite his success at the dish, Devers has repeatedly been asked to move over to first base from his designated hitter spot, something he’s refused multiple times even after Triston Casas went down with a season-ending injury. He’s been labeled a bad teammate and many Red Sox fans have soured on keeping him around for the remainder of his 10-year $313 million deal. With teams like the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs needing a proven middle-of-the-order bat, Devers could be a long-term solution at the DH spot.
Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
Potential Landing Spots: DET, PHI, ATL
Bo Bichette is another player who reportedly wants out of his current situation in Toronto and could command a healthy ransom at the trade deadline. Unlike Devers, Bichette is an impending free agent and the Blue Jays have propelled themselves back into the AL Wild Card race after winning 10 of their last 12 games. Following the worst season of his career, Bichette has rebounded with a respectable campaign in 2025, restoring his trade value in the process. He’s hitting .269 with a .737 OPS to go along with eight home runs and 38 RBIs, eclipsing his totals from last season despite playing in 15 fewer games. While he’s taken a stop back defensively, Bichette remains one of the most intriguing trade deadline targets for teams who need middle infield help.
Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves
Potential Landing Spots: SEA, CHI, CLE, NYY
Atlanta might be ready to throw in the towel on its playoff hopes in an ultra-competitive National League East race. The Braves are in fourth-place in the division standings, 13.5 games behind the New York Mets and nine games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. If Atlanta does wave the white flag, slugger Marcel Ozuna might be their most intriguing trade chip for contending teams. Ozuna has already launched 10 home runs while hitting .260 this season and appears to be healthy after dealing with some hip discomfort earlier this year. Ozuna has smacked a combined 79 home runs over the last two seasons and has plenty of postseason experience. In 30 career playoff games, Ozuna has batted .250 with five home runs and 17 RBIs, making him a valuable piece for any team with World Series aspirations.
Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Potential Landing Spots: TOR, CHI, NYY, CLE
Sandy Alcantara has the worst ERA in all of baseball among pitchers with at least 50 innings (7.89) this season, but he could benefit from a change of scenery more than any other player on this list. Alcantara has the pedigree and proven production to believe that he can turn things around. Only 29-years-old, he’s just three years removed from winning the NL Cy Young award. He’s under team control through the 2029 season and still has the stuff to be a contributor in a playoff rotation. The only question is, which team is willing to bet their postseason hopes on a quick turnaround?
Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Potential Landing Spots: CHI, TOR, CLE, NYY
Like Bichette, Zac Gallen is an impending free agent and if the Arizona Diamondbacks don’t believe that they can re-sign him for a fair price, he could be on his way out before July 31. Gallen has struggled to the tune of a 5.15 ERA in 15 starts, which would mark his worst season as a pro. Arizona currently has a losing record and the Diamondbacks are 5.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, so this decision could get easier over the next six weeks.
Honorable Mention: Luis Robert Jr.
Potential Landing Spots: NYM, SEA, SD, KC
Luis Robert Jr. is one of the more enigmatic players on this list. He’s a former All-Star who still has the physical tools to be an elite MLB player but appears to have lost confidence at the plate while battling through injuries over the past two years. The 27-year-old is an elite defender and has 21 steals, which ranks him among the best base stealers in baseball. Those skills could still make him a coveted asset at the trade deadline despite his paltry .177 batting average. He also has club options at $20 million for each of the next two seasons, with a $2 million buyout, so there’s potential upside and limited risk for teams willing to bring him on board.
