What a trade deadline day in Major League Baseball! Minutes before the league’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline, social media went berserk with the reporting of a flurry of trades unlike anything most fans had ever seen.
The Padres bought everyone. The Twins sold everyone. Names no one expected were moved. Names everyone expected were moved. Big names everyone thought would be shipped stayed put. It was a whirlwind of expected decisions and unexpected destinations that had the entirety of USA TODAY Sports’ MLB team gasping for air even after the deadline had passed.
If you have an hour or two or seven of free time on your hands, here’s every trade that went down Thursday. It’s been a doozy of a day:
Mike Yastrzemski to Royals
Little Yaz has moved to the midwest. After a stellar (shortened) 2020 campaign that saw Yastrzemski finish top-10 in NL MVP voting, the outfielder had been mostly underwhelming, bouncing between the top, bottom, and middle of the Giants’ lineup. Amid the Giants’ light sell, Yaz was shipped to the Royals.
Brewers acquire pitchers from Diamondbacks
Milwaukee acquired veteran pitchers Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery from Arizona.
Miller, 34, has had a strong season in relief, posting a 1.98 ERA over 37 appearances. The Brewers will be the 10th team Miller has played for.
Montgomery, 32, is out for the season after having Tommy John surgery.
Blue Jays join the Twins bonanza, add Louis Varland
We don’t know if all is said and done at this point, but who is left on the Twins? Byron Buxton? Joe Ryan? They might be the only ones left standing.
The Blue Jays have acquired Louis Varland from the Twins. After an underwhelming 2024, Varland has improved in 2025, posting a 2.02 ERA across 49 innings. He could be a very valuable asset as an overlooked reliever on this hectic deadline day.
Charlie Morton to the Tigers
The Tigers didn’t need much pitching help but a veteran presence who has been solid as of late is never a bad get.
LHP Micah Ashman is going back the other way.
Rays land underrated reliever
Griffin Jax might be the steal of the deadline. In a buzzer-beater, the Rays have acquired an elite strikeout arm that could be a phenomenal addition for a playoff run, taking advantage of the Twins’ fire sale.
Camilo Doval traded at the buzzer
The Yankees just couldn’t get enough bullpen help today. If David Bednar and Jake Bird weren’t enough, the team also made a last-minute deal for flamethrower and 2023 All-Star Camilo Doval. Over their last 27 games, the Yankees’ bullpen has been a problem, recording a 6.27 ERA. They have done all they can to fix that issue at the deadline.
Rays add, then ship
The Yankees made an addition at shortstop, adding Tampa Bay’s Jose Caballero to their clubhouse in exchange for Everson Pereira and a player to be named later. Meanwhile, the Rays added an arm to offset the move, making a deal with the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Adrian Houser. Houser provides a stable arm with experience in the pen and as a starter. He’s been lights out this year in particular to the tune of a 2.10 ERA over 68.2 innings.
Rangers land Phil Maton
What a hectic five minutes. After speculation that the Cardinals were looking to make one final move in shipping Phil Maton, it happened with moments to spare. The Texas Rangers are the winners, per Jeff Passan.
Nasty Nestor now a Padre
AJ Preller must be a monster on the treadmill, because normal people do not have the cardio for this many moves.
In a last-minute deal, the Padres have acquired Nestor Cortes Jr. from the Milwaukee Brewers, adding starting pitching depth to a revamped Padres staff. In exchange, the Padres have surrendered OF Brandon Lockridge.
Miguel Andujar to Cincinnati, Dustin May to Boston
One Red, one Red Sox, and one redhead.
In back-to-back moves, the Athletics have shipped OF Miguel Andujar, who has quietly had a very solid year to the Cincinnati Reds, while the Dodgers shipped hyped talent yet injury-prone and underperforming pitcher Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox.
Both deals were announced within minutes of one another as the trade deadline ticks nearer.
Willi Castro is a Chicago Cub
A 2024 All-Star Twins’ utility man Willi Castro is the next part of the Target Field fire sale, heading to Wrigley Field to join the Chicago Cubs in exchange for prospects.
Merrill Kelly stays in the West, swaps leagues
Although most of the chatter has surrounded Dylan Cease as of late, another NL West starter was the next big name to go, swapping to the AL West, joining the Texas Rangers.
The Texas Rangers already had the lowest team ERA in baseball heading into the trade deadline. Still, they found a way to improve their rotation. Kelly has posted a 3.22 ERA this season to go along with a stellar 3.18 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
LHP Kohl Drake (Rangers’ No. 5 prospect) and RHP David Hagaman (Rangers’ No. 13) are the two biggest parts of the deal for Kelly, per Ken Rosenthal.
Nationals land two prospects for Alex Call
Earlier today, the Dodgers traded away James Outman to snag Brock Stewart. In return, they went after Nationals’ rising star Alex Call. In response, the Nationals received two of the Dodgers’ top-20 prospects in RHP Eriq Swan (No. 16) and RHP Sean Paul Liñan (No. 20).
Rangers add bullpen help
Continuing the Twins fire sale, the Texas Rangers have acquired southpaw Danny Coulombe. The left-hander has been outstanding for Minnesota this year, recording a 1.16 ERA in over 30 innings of work, while striking out nine hitters per nine innings.
Astros snag Jesus Sanchez
After acquiring Carlos Correa, the Astros were not done adding to their offense, acquiring OF Jesus Sanchez from the Marlins. Sanchez has been an above average hitter for the Marlins this year, hammering ten home runs and driving in 36 to the tune of a .740 OPS.
Padres acquire more offensive help
Wheelin’, dealin’, and feelin’. That’s the Padres’ motto this deadline. They’d already made the move of the day by grabbing Mason Miller from the Athletics, and had added much-needed help at catcher with the addition of Freddy Fermin. Well, after a call with the Orioles, they’ve also added help in the outfield and infield by trading for defensive wiz Ramon Laureano and power bat Ryan O’Hearn.
Laureano is in the midst of a career offensive season, posting a stellar .884 OPS through 82 games with Baltimore. O’Hearn, meanwhile, is having a similarly solid year, posting an .837 OPS and earning his first All-Star nod. Both Laureano and O’Hearn will be free agents at the end of the season.
Twins continue fire sale, send Correa back to the Astros
It’s a reunion no one saw coming. With the Minnesota Twins selling everything and everyone, they’ve included 2024 All-Star Carlos Correa. The Twins will be eating some of his remaining contract ($33 million).
Minnesota is receiving 26-year-old Class A left-hander Matt Mikurski.
Through three-and-a-half years with the Twins, Correa recorded 61 home runs and 214 RBI. Now he heads back to where his career began, joining the Houston Astros, who are looking to make the postseason for the ninth consecutive season. Correa waived his no-trade clause in order to get the deal done. Correa later confirmed that Houston was the only team he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for.
Correa joins the Astros at an interesting time, given that starting shortstop Jeremy Peña is currently on the 10-day injured list. Correa is expected to play third base for the remainder of the season in Houston, per Jon Heyman.
Yankees snag Jake Bird from Colorado
After acquiring David Bednar, the Yankees were not done stripping to league’s basement dwellers of their top relievers. The Yankees have acquired Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for prospects Roc Riggio and Ben Shields.
Bird has posted a 4.73 ERA across 53.1 innings with the Rockies this season. Despite the underwhelming ERA though, Bird was the only member of the Rockies pitching staff, rotation or bullpen with a winning record, 4-1.
Mullins heads to Queens
After a flurry of moves to bolster their bullpen yesterday, the Mets were done building up their World Series run. The team added center fielder Cedric Mullins, a former member of the 30-30 club to man center field. In return, the Orioles have received Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez, and Chandler Marsh.
Mullins has been a plus-hitter this year despite a low .229 batting average. He provides above average power and plus baserunning ability.
Padres add backstop firepower
Per Baseball-Reference, the San Diego Padres have ranked dead last in MLB in WAR from the catcher position in 2025 (-1.7). In an effort to improve their offense behind the plate, the Friars have made a trade with the Kansas City Royals in exchange for 30-year-old Freddy Fermin.
Fermin has not been outstanding offensively, posting just an 81 OPS+, but as far as catchers go, that’s not bad. For reference, the Padres’ two main catchers Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado have posted a 61 and 58 OPS+, respecitvely, this year.
In exchange, the Royals acquired right-handed pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek.
Yankees add bullpen help in David Bednar
Jeff Passan reports that the New York Yankees are close to finalizing a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire Pirates closer and two-time All-Star David Bednar.
The Yankees’ bullpen currently ranks 21st in MLB with a 4.24 ERA in 2025. Bednar has recorded a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves this season, a huge step up from the Yankees’ offseason acquisition Devin Williams who has posted a 5.01 ERA in his first season in pinstripes.
Bednar is under team control through 2026. In exchange, the Pirates will receive the Yankees’ top catching prospect, Rafael Flores, No. 2 catching prospect Edgleen Perez, and OF Brian Sanchez.
Tigers add Codi Heuer
The Texas Rangers have traded Codi Heuer to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. As Bob Nightengale points out though, the salary relief for the Rangers is minimum considering that Heuer was making the MLB minimum salary.
Heuer has pitched just 1.1 innings in 2025 to the tune of a 6.75 ERA. That said, the last time he pitched in MLB in 2021, he was able to provide the Cubs with a 3.41 ERA across 21.1 innings in the second half. While Heuer likely will not see the big leagues again in 2025, perhaps he could be an asset in the future.
Brock Stewart returns to Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers already boasted arguably the best bullpen in the National League, but with so many injuries to their late-inning arms, they’ve decided to take advantage of this Minnesota fire sale, adding Brock Stewart to their pen.
Stewart’s first stint at Chavez Ravine did not go particularly well. He posted a 5.46 ERA across three-and-a-half seasons with the team but has turned his career around with Minnesota. In 2025, he’s recorded a 2.38 ERA and 10.9 K/9 rate with the Twins. He’ll be a massive help to a Dodgers’ team looking to stay in front of the NL West amid injuries to key relievers like Tanner Scott and Michael Kopech.
James Outman is part of the return for Minnesota in this deal.
Harrison Bader continues Minnesota-Philadelphia pipeline
For the second time in two days the Twins and Phillies have made a trade. Following in the footsteps of closer Jhoan Duran, the Phils are adding outfielder Harrison Bader, ESPN’s Jeff Passan is reporting.
Bader provides more offense than lefty-hitting Max Kepler — the former Twin the Phils added as a free agent over the offseason. Bader, 31, hit .258/.339/.439 with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 307 plate appearances in Minnesota. But perhaps more important, he is an excellent defensive outfielder, ranking in the 92nd percentile in Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric.
The Twins are receiving a pair of minor prospects, outfielder Hendry Mendez and right-hander Geremy Villoria, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
Tigers adding closer Kyle Finnegan to bullpen
Left out of the mix as closers Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran and Ryan Helsley were traded, the Detroit Tigers have apparently made a decidedly less-splashy move. Multiple media outlets are reporting the Tigers are set to qcquire 2024 NL All-Star Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals.
Finnegan is a Detroit native.
The Nationals will receive minor league right-handers Josh Randall (the Tigers’ No. 15 prospect) and RJ Sales, according to D.C.-area broadcaster Grant Paulsen.
Phillies in the market for more offense
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi seems to think the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t finished making trades. After picking up closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, the Phils are now turning their attention toward acquiring a hitter.
Morosi lists four right-handed-hitting outfielders at the top of GM Dave Dombrowski’s list: Luis Robert of the White Sox, Ramon Laureano of the Orioles, Tommy Pham of the Pirates and Harrison Bader of the Twins.
Padres-Athletics trade grades: Win-win
As we look for clarity on the impact of the huge deal between the Padres and Athletics, USA TODAY Sports’ Gabe Lacques has handed out his grades for both teams.
Padres (RP Mason Miller, SP JP Sears): B
‘It’s quite a coup getting both the game’s most dominant closer and a guy with four years of club control remaining after this season. Miller, 26, is generally untouchable in the ninth inning and in two seasons as A’s closer has nailed down 48 of 54 save opportunities, an 89% conversion rate on par with Hall of Famers Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera.’
Athletics (SS prospect Leo De Vries, 3 pitching prospects): A
‘De Vries is the most significant international signing the Padres have had this decade, no small honor, and he’s consistently been challenged – and succeeded – at levels where the average player is four to five years older. Put simply: Not many 17-year-olds flash power and speed in stateside A ball and go on to the Arizona Fall League, as De Vries did in 2024.’
Padres land closer Mason Miller, give up top prospect
In what will likely be the biggest unexpected blockbuster of the 2025 trade deadline, the Padres and Athletics have made a huge impact player-for-top prospect swap.
San Diego gets All-Star closer Mason Miller, as well as left-handed starter J.P. Sears from the A’s in exchange for MLB Pipeline’s No. 3 overall prospect, shortstop Leo De Vries, USA TODAY Sports has confirmed.
ESPN reports the Padres will also give up three additional pitching prospects in the deal.
The hard-throwing Miller, whose fastball can top 100 mph, recorded 28 saves for the A’s and made the AL All-Star team last year. He has a 3.76 ERA and 20 saves in 38 1/3 innings this season.
The left-handed Sears, 29, has a 4.95 ERA in 22 starts for the A’s.
De Vries is just 18 years old, but is already holding his own as the youngest player in High-A with a .245/..357/.410 slash line, eight home runs and eight stolen bases in 368 plate appearances.
Tigers betting on Sewald’s return to form
Although he’s been sidelined for three weeks and not expected to return until September, the Detroit Tigers believe reliever Paul Sewald can help them down the stretch and into the postseason.
The Tigers picked up the former Mariners and Diamondbacks closer in a minor deal with the Cleveland Guardians. Sewald (4.07 ERA, 2 saves in 15 1/3 innings with Cleveland) has been out since July 11 with a shoulder strain.
Andrew Kittredge trade to Cubs official
The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles have finalized their trade sending reliever Andrew Kittredge to the Windy City.
The Orioles receive 17-year-old shortstop Wilfri De La Cruz in return. The native of San Pedro de Macoris, D.R., has been playing for the Cubs’ team in the Dominican Summer League, posting a .442 on-base percentage in 113 plate appearances with no home runs and five stolen bases.
Blue Jays add Shane Bieber to rotation
The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized a trade with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire 2020 AL Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber, the team announced Thursday.
The 30-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has recently begun ramping back up in the minor leagues. He’s made just four starts totaling 11 1/3 innings, but the Jays apparently feel the two-time All-Star can help their rotation down the stretch.
The first-place Jays have three solid starters in Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt, but have seen uneven results from Max Scherzer and Eric Lauer, among others, in the final two rotation spots.
The Guardians will receive Class AA pitching prospect Khal Stephen in return.
Who are the Diamondbacks getting in Eugenio Suarez trade?
The big trade news overnight was slugging third baseman Eugenio Suarez going to the Seattle Mariners — pairing up the 36-homer hitter with the major league leader in that category, M’s catcher Cal Raleigh (41).
Understandably, there was less attention on the players Arizona will receive in return.
From Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic:
1B Tyler Locklear, 24, struggled during his first taste of the majors last season but has been one of the hotter hitters in the minors in recent weeks. For Triple-A Tacoma, he owns a solid .316/.401/.542 line with 19 homers on the season and has hit .390 with 13 homers and a 1.249 OPS over his past 30 games.
RHP Juan Burgos, 25, is a reliever who logged 31 innings in the upper minors with a 0.87 ERA and 31 strikeouts compared to just nine walks. He made his major league debut earlier this month.
RHP Hunter Cranton, 24, was a third-round pick last year out of Kansas. He has logged a 1.13 ERA in eight innings at High-A, walking three and striking out 11.
Red Sox land veteran lefty Steven Matz
The St. Louis Cardinals are sending pitcher Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox for prospect Blaze Jordan, the team announced Thursday.
Matz, 34, is a former starter who’s mainly been used in the bullpen during his time in St. Louis. He has a 3.44 ERA in 32 appearances this season.
Jhoan Duran trade grades: Who won Phillies-Twins deal?
Just ahead of MLB’s trade deadline day, Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made a big splash by landing one of the top closers on the market – Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait.
Phillies grade: A
Twins grade: B+
– John Leuzzi, USA TODAY
Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers trades reshape Mets bullpen
The Mets front office is building a monster of a bullpen ahead of the trade deadline. A few hours after the team acquired Tyler Rogers from the Giants on Wednesday afternoon, the Mets agreed to a deal to land Cardinals right-handed closer Ryan Helsley.
It is an arms race in the National League East, with the Phillies adding Twins closer Jhoan Duran.
Ke’Bryan Hayes trade: Did Reds get ‘best defender in baseball’?
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 28, comes to Cincinnati in exchange for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, who the Reds acquired this past offseason, and prospect Sammy Stafura, 20, who was drafted in the second round with the 43rd overall pick in 2023 and who was in big league camp this past spring training.
Hayes, a Gold Glover in 2023, checks several boxes for Cincinnati at the trade deadline as he’s under team control through 2029, and affords the club flexibility with its existing players and prospects. Most significantly, Hayes will be a clear upgrade defensively.
When is the 2025 MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.
What time is the MLB trade deadline?
The 2025 MLB trade deadline falls at 6 p.m. ET.