MLB Trade Deadline 2025: Final Date, Time & Potential Blockbusters

The MLB trade deadline is always a highly anticipated event on the baseball calendar, with contenders looking to bolster their lineups or pitching staffs ahead of a potential postseason run. This year, teams are getting an early start rather than waiting until the last minute.

A frenzy of activity has already occurred in the days preceding the 2025 deadline. The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers are among the teams pursuing a playoff position who have made recent transactions. More are expected to enter the race in the coming 24 hours, with big-spending teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies all expected to buy.

The wait is on to see if any of the speculated starting pitchers or impact position players will be traded (and which contenders boost their World Series chances the most). Here’s all you need to know about the 2025 MLB trade deadline, including the date and time, top candidates to be transferred, and the most recent rumors and deals.

When is MLB’s trade deadline?

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is planned on Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. ET.

The date may vary from season to season, according to MLB.com. Depending on whatever date conflicts with the fewest MLB games, the commissioner may choose any date between July 28 and August 3 as the deadline.

MLB trade deadline candidates

These are a few of the best players that might be moving before the deadline on Thursday.

Starting pitchers: Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Charlie Morton (Orioles), Edward Cabrera (Marlins), Merrill Kelly (D’backs), Zac Gallen (D’backs), Mitch Keller (Pirates), Shane Bieber (Guardians), Joe Ryan (Twins), Dylan Cease (Padres)
Relief pitchers: Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), Jhoan Duran (Twins), Griffin Jax (Twins), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), David Bednar (Pirates)
Hitters: 3B Eugenio Suarez (D’backs), OF Luis Robert (White Sox), OF Cedric Mullins (Orioles), OF Ramon Laureano (Orioles), 3B Nolan Arenado (Cardinals), OF Steven Kwan (Guardians), DH Marcell Ozuna (Braves).