MLB Trade Deadline: 6 NL Teams Buying and 4 Selling in 2025

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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Buyers: Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have quietly built one of the NL’s most well-rounded rosters, and they’re playing like legitimate contenders. With a 6.5-game lead atop the NL Central, expect them to be buyers—especially in the bullpen and corner outfield. Don’t rule out a splashier move if the right power bat becomes available to complement Kyle Tucker.
Buyers: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial buyers, and 2025 is no exception. They sit atop the NL West and will be aggressive at the deadline to reinforce their bullpen and bench. Shohei Ohtani is doing Ohtani things, Mookie Betts is healthy again, and their rotation remains strong. A high-leverage reliever and backup catcher seem likely additions.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Sellers: Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have hung around at times, but inconsistency and a weak offensive core have left them behind. Expect trade calls on David Bednar and any veteran bats. It’s time for Pittsburgh to reload with more young talent around Paul Skenes and Termarr Johnson.
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Buyers: New York Mets
The New York Mets are finally clicking after a slow start, and with ownership committed to spending, New York should be aggressive in upgrading their rotation and middle infield. If Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso are firing, they’ll want reinforcements to help push toward October.
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Sellers: Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins' 2023 playoff run feels like a distant memory. Injuries and regression have gutted their rotation, and without Sandy Alcantara, their future looks murky. Jesus Sánchez and some bullpen pieces will be on the move as the Marlins pivot toward 2026.
Buyers: San Diego Padres
Despite past rumors of selling, the San Diego Padres are sticking with their core. Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are key to their postseason push. They’ll need more rotation depth and perhaps a veteran bat, but expect A.J. Preller to stay aggressive and supplement their playoff hopes.
Sellers: Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are firmly in seller territory. With a bottom-tier roster and nothing close to playoff contention, Colorado will shop any productive veteran. Expect the most interest to come for pitcher Jake Bird, along with some bullpen arms with control.
Buyers: San Francisco Giants
After acquiring Rafael Devers, the San Francisco Giants left no doubt they’re serious contenders in the NL. They're a top Wild Card team and within striking distance of the division lead. They’ll continue adding—possibly another starter or late-inning bullpen arm—as they gear up for October.
Sellers: Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have shown flashes of growth, but they’re still far from contention. Expect them to listen on veteran reliever Kyle Finnegan and bullpen arms on expiring deals. A complete rebuild isn’t coming, but they’ll sell off short-term assets.
Buyers: Philadelphia Phillies
With one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies are primed for another deep run. The lineup is potent, but Philly could look for an impact right-handed bat and a lefty reliever to round out a championship-caliber roster. Expect Dave Dombrowski to go hunting for big names.
Buyers: Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have quietly built one of the NL’s most well-rounded rosters, and they’re playing like legitimate contenders. With a 6.5-game lead atop the NL Central, expect them to be buyers—especially in the bullpen and corner outfield. Don’t rule out a splashier move if the right power bat becomes available to complement Kyle Tucker.
Buyers: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial buyers, and 2025 is no exception. They sit atop the NL West and will be aggressive at the deadline to reinforce their bullpen and bench. Shohei Ohtani is doing Ohtani things, Mookie Betts is healthy again, and their rotation remains strong. A high-leverage reliever and backup catcher seem likely additions.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
