The clock is ticking and MLB teams have one more full day to make deals before the arrival of the trade deadline.
Whether it’s a big bat or a bullpen arm, this year’s playoff hopefuls are looking to find that missing piece that could put them over the top in the postseason. There are still several difference-makers on the market so baseball fans can expect a flurry of activity as the deadline (6 p.m. ET on Thursday) approaches.
Perhaps today is the day we see starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Merrill Kelly or Zac Gallen on the move.
Here’s a look at all the news and updates from Wednesday, July 30:
MLB trade deadline candidates
Here’s some of the top players who could be on the move ahead of Thursday’s deadline:
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- 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: 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, 3B Nolan Arenado (Cardinals), OF Steven Kwan (Guardians), DH Marcell Ozuna (Braves).
Phillies ‘done’ with bullpen additions
Speaking with reporters following the Phillies‘ 9-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that the Phillies are done adding to their bullpen following the acquisition of Twins closer Jhoan Duran.
He additionally mentioned that the Phillies are still talking to teams ahead of Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline to potentially add a bat to their lineup.
“No,” Dombrowski said. “We have Duran. Have (David) Robertson coming in, pleased with his progress. Have (Orion) Kerkering from the right side and (Matt) Strahm (from the left side). We feel very comfortable with where we are.” — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
REQUIRED READING: Jhoan Duran trade grades: Breaking down Phillies-Twins deal
Tigers ‘reluctant’ about trading for Eugenio Suarez
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported last Wednesday night that the Tigers are holding back from trading for Eugenio Suarez, given that the Diamondbacks‘ All-Star third baseman is a rental piece and would require several of Detroit’s top prospects.
Detroit holds a nine-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central and heads to Philadelphia to start a three-game weekend series vs. the Phillies on Friday. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Cubs acquire Michael Soroka from Nationals
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have reportedly acquired right-handed starting pitcher Michael Soroka from the Nationals. Soroka, a former touted prospect in the Braves system, fills a need in the starting rotation for the Cubs, who are without several starting pitchers like Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Padres trade rumors: San Diego pursuing Steven Kwan, Mason Miller
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are looking at Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Rosenthal also mentioned that the Padres are pushing for A’s closer Mason Miller, which would be an intriguing move for San Diego, given it has Robert Suarez already as its primary closer. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Mets looking to add bat
After trading for two relievers, the Mets don’t seem to be done adding to their roster. According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is looking to land a bat with less than 24 hours until the trade deadline.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported on July 29 that the Mets have looked at the Chicago White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. and the Baltimore Orioles‘ Cedric Mullins as two outfielders to fill that want in their lineup. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Mets trade for Ryan Helsley from Cardinals
The Mets announced late Wednesday night that they have acquired St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley. The 31-year-old right-hander is the second bullpen arm that the Mets have traded for before Thursday’s deadline and has a 3.00 ERA in 36 games this season with 21 saves and a 3-1 record.
In the return to St. Louis will be two of the Mets’ top-15 ranked prospects in infield prospect Jesus Baez (No. 8) and right-handed prospect Nate Dohm (No. 14) and then right-handed pitching prospect Frank Elissalt. All three prospects were currently at High-A in the Mets minor league system. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Twins trade Jhoan Duran to Phillies
The Phillies landed their big bullpen acquisition in Twins right-handed reliever and closer Jhoan Duran, according to USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale. In the return package to Minnesota will be Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait, the Phillies’ No. 6 and No. 4 ranked prospects, per Nightengale.
The 27-year-old, who has a 2.01 ERA in 49 games with 16 saves this season, is one of the top relievers on the market and is under team control through 2027. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
REQUIRED READING: Jhoan Duran trade grades: Breaking down Phillies-Twins deal
Pirates flipping Taylor Rogers?
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Pirates could be flipping left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers after receiving him in the package from the Reds for Ke’Bryan Hayes. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Are Giants trading Justin Verlander?
The Giants appear not to be done with their surprising selling after they sent Tyler Rogers to the Mets earlier in the day, as they are putting future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander on the trading block, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
The 2025 season hasn’t gone Verlander’s way, as he didn’t pick up his first win of the season until July 23 vs. the Braves and has a 4.53 ERA in 18 starts. But what might interest contenders out there on the market in the 42-year-old right-hander is his experience in the postseason, which includes two World Series trophies.
Should Verlander be traded by the Giants, he will need to lift his full no-trade clause in his contract, meaning San Francisco likely will allow the three-time Cy Young winner to pick his next landing spot. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Ferguson traded to Mariners from Pirates
The Mariners have agreed to acquire Pirates reliever Caleb Ferguson for Single-A pitching prospect Jeter Martinez, according to multiple reports.
Ferguson has been one of the top arms in the Pirates’ bullpen alongside David Bednar and Dennis Santana this season, as he has posted a 3.74 ERA in 43 1/3 innings of work — an improvement from his 2024 season with the Yankees and Astros. It is the second straight season that Ferguson has been dealt at the trade deadline.
As for the Pirates’ return, Pittsburgh received Seattle’s No. 13-ranked prospect in Martinez, who is 2-6 with a 6.18 ERA in 62 1/3 innings of work this season in Single-A. — John Leuzzi, USA TODAY Sports
Ke’Bryan Hayes trade: ‘Best defender in baseball’?
“He might be the best defender in baseball,” Reds manager Terry Francona said of his new third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, acquired Wednesday in a trade with the Pirates.
“If not, he’s right there. He’s that good. We’re trying to find ways to get better and sometimes it might not be the sexiest move but we care so much about trying to play clean baseball and this will be a huge step in that direction.”
Tyler Rogers to Mets in trade with Giants
The Mets have agreed to acquire right-handed reliever Tyler Rogers from the Giants, with Jose Butto, Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell going to San Francisco, according to multiple reports.
Rogers has one of the most unique deliveries in baseball, with a submarine where his right hand nearly scrapes the mound before release. In 53 games this season, Rogers has notched a 4-3 record with a 1.80 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 50 innings.
The 34-year-old is on a one-year, $5.25 million deal and will become a free agent after the season. — Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com
Jhoan Duran rumors: Twins trade looking likely
The Minnesota Twins are expected to move reliever Jhoran Duran before Thursday’s deadline, with the Los Angeles Dodgers in strong pursuit, reports USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale.
Duran, 27, is one of the top relievers on the market and is under team control through 2027. The flamethrowing right-hander has a 2.01 ERA in 49 games with 16 saves this season for Minnesota.
The Twins have also been in discussion with the Phillies about Duran, but Philadelphia is balking at the asking price of top prospect Andrew Painter.
Ke’Bryan Hayes to Reds in NL Central trade
The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the teams announced Wednesday.
Hayes, 28, has five more years of club control after this year thanks to the eight-year, $70 million extension he signed in 2022. The Pirates are receiving reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura in the trade.
Hayes, a 2023 Gold Glove-winner at third base, has played in 100 games for the Pirates this season and owns a .236/.279/.290 slash line for an OPS of .569. He has hit two home runs so far this year. – Jack McKessy, USA TODAY
Phillies rumors: Jesús Luzardo to Philadelphia bullpen?
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are looking at a closer, but the cost of Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar, who is under team control until 2026, is too high. The Phillies are interested in Minnesota relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, but the Twins may wait until the offseason to deal either pitcher. The Phillies may be pivoting to the Cardinals’ Helsley. However, the closer, who is a free agent after the 2025 season, is being considered by several teams.
If the Phillies don’t get any of the closers, Gelb wrote, there’s the possibility of moving Luzardo to the bullpen once Aaron Nola returns from the injured list. The switch would bolster the Phils’ bullpen while limiting Luzardo’s innings, which have already surpassed his career high. — Anthony DiMattia, Delaware News Journal
Andrew Chafin to Angels in trade with Nationals
The Washington Nationals have traded Luis Garcia (the relief pitcher, not the second baseman) and Andrew Chafin to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and 1B Sam Brown, the teams announced on Wednesday afternoon.
This deal will not move the playoff needle.
Eugenio Suárez trade rumors: D’backs slugger returns to lineup
Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, who missed the game on July 29 after being hit in the right index finger with a pitch in the ninth inning on July 28, was back in the lineup as the DH for July 30.
Had the game been tight, Suárez would have been able to pinch-hit on July 29, Lovullo said. Suárez, not wearing anything protective over his finger or hand, took swings with a bat and said he felt good enough to hit.
Suárez had three different bone scans done on his finger, and none revealed a broken bone. Like Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, his hours as a Diamondback could be numbered, as Suárez is still being talked about as a candidate to be traded.
— José M. Romero Arizona Republic
When is MLB trade deadline?
Major League Baseball’s 2025 trade deadline is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31.
Carlos Correa back to Houston?
The Houston Astros are exploring the possibility of acquiring
Minnesota Twins
shortstop
, a high-ranking executive told USA TODAY Sports. The possibility of Correa’s potential return is fascinating considering he was a homegrown product and led the Astros to four division titles, three pennants and a World Series title before leaving as a free agent after the 2021 season.
In need of a third baseman with starter Isaac Paredes potentially out for the rest of the season, the Astros are also interested in Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals and Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity since trade talks are ongoing.
Money could be a factor in their ultimate decision. Suárez is in the final year of his seven-year, $66 million contract, while Correa and Arenado have several years left on their current deals — and would push them past the luxury tax threshold.
Austin Slater to Yankees in trade with White Sox
Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Slater is headed to the Bronx. According to Jack Curry of YES Network, the Yankees have traded for Slater, 32, on Wednesday, on the eve of MLB’s trade deadline.
Before Thursday’s 6 p.m. deadline the Yankees will be actively seeking to add a starting pitcher and multiple relievers. So far, the Yankees’ three trades during this period have all been for offensive players – third baseman Ryan McMahon, utility player Amed Rosario and now Slater.
Slater could be used in a left field platoon with switch-hitting Jasson Dominguez, who has struggled hitting against left-handed pitching. In 77 plate appearances this year against lefty pitching, Slater has posted an .859 OPS. All five of his home runs this season have been hit against left-handed pitching. — Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com
Orioles still have more trade chips
Even after dealing relievers Seranthony Dominguez, Gergory Soto and Bryan Baker, the Baltimore Orioles may still have more trades up their sleeve.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports the Milwaukee Brewers are interested in All-Star 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn, who’s hitting .283/.374/.456 this season. They could use O’Hearn – who mashes right-handed pitchers – as a platoon partner for Andrew Vaughn while regular first baseman Rhys Hoskins is on the injured list. O’Hearn is a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.
Also, the New York Mets are potentially interested in longtime Oriole Cedric Mullins to fill a hole in center field. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers recently reported the Mets are “keeping an eye on” Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox and Mullins for a potential deal.
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale has previously reported that the White Sox want third baseman Mark Vientos from the Mets in any deal for Robert. The Orioles, flush with position players, would likely want pitching in return for Mullins.
Seranthony Dominguez switches dugouts in mid-doubleheader trade
It was late in the evening and Seranthony Dominguez was standing in the same dank hallway he’d strolled down hours before, when the rarest of baseball oddities – a trade consummated by two teams between games of their doubleheader – transformed him from a last-place Baltimore Oriole to a frontrunning Toronto Blue Jay.
Dominguez endured one of the longest and strangest days a ballplayer can have, but when it comes to the trading deadline, there are far worse fates than leaping four spots in the standings and sleeping in your own bed the night you’re dealt.
“It’s been kind of crazy,” says Dominguez after pitching a scoreless seventh inning in his Toronto debut, a 3-2 loss to his old Baltimore teammates. “I wake up today and come to play for the Orioles and after the first game, I’m sitting there and hanging out with the guys and they call me and tell me, ‘Hey, we got you traded. Go to the next dugout.’ ” – Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY
Eugenio Suárez to Tigers? Gleyber Torres would welcome trade
The Tigers are one of many teams interested in acquiring Eugenio Suárez from the Diamondbacks
before the MLB trade deadline, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31. Other teams in the mix include the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners.
“If he comes here at some point, it’s going to be awesome,” said Torres, a former teammates of Suárez with Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. “He treats people the right way. He’s easy to talk to. He always wants to help the players. It would be a really, really good addition for us.”
Said Torres: “I think he’s a better person than player. I have a really good relationship with him. He is a humble guy, an awesome person. I’ve known him for many years. Our relationship is really good.”
Suárez has said he
. The Tigers signed Suárez out of Venezuela for a $10,000 bonus during the 2008 international signing period. He made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2014. After 85 games, the Tigers
. – Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press
Brewers’ Danny Jansen trade has catcher back in Wisconsin
Not so long ago, members of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers lived in the home young Danny Jansen shared with his family, just a bike ride away from Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. In a twist of fate, it was a Timber Rattlers player sent to another organization who brought Jansen back to Wisconsin.
Jansen, 30, joined the Brewers on July 29, one day after Milwaukee consummated a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Class A infielder Jadher Areinamo. The catcher Jansen, an alumnus of Appleton West and part of a former Timber Rattlers host family, now finds himself with his fourth team in the span of a year after getting dealt on back-to-back trade deadlines.
“Definitely surprised at the news at first,” said Jansen, who has served as the Rays primary catcher in 2025. “Hearing that it’s for the Brewers is exciting. Obviously, the Brewers have been playing awesome baseball. Definitely being close to home where my wife and I live, as well, is exciting. Being part of an awesome clubhouse, as I’ve heard, and just competing with these guys.” – JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
