The MLB trade deadline is always a wonder for fans of the sport. Prospects change hands, stars move across the country, and borderline contenders become favorites.
We might have already seen the biggest trade of the season, though, when the San Francisco Giants landed former Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers (who has done anything but slug since joining the team).
Oftentimes, the most impactful moves of the deadline are the quiet ones, the short-term trade for a reliever who ends up throwing 18 shutout innings in the postseason and helps a team win a title. That doesn’t mean big names are not impactful. In the last decade we’ve seen players like Justin Verlander (2017), Aroldis Chapman (2016), and Jorge Soler (2021) get dealt at the deadline and go on to be massive centerpieces of championship teams.
So, with the trade deadline drawing near, is a similar outcome on the table? Here’s everything to know about the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
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When is the MLB trade deadline?
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31.
In recent years, the deadline had been on the same date, but at 4 p.m. ET. But the date is not set in stone year by year. Per MLB.com, the commissioner has the authority to set the deadline at any date and time between July 28 and Aug. 3, depending on which date and time will conflict with MLB games the least.
Who are the biggest trade targets this year?
3B Eugenio Suarez, Diamondbacks
SP MacKenzie Gore, Nationals
SP Joe Ryan, Twins
SP Seth Lugo, Royals
RP Jhoan Duran, Twins
RP David Bednar, Pirates
RP Emmanuel Clase, Guardians
SP Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
SP Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks
Could Paul Skenes get traded?
A name that has been thrown around all year has been Pittsburgh Pirates ace and National League All-Star Game starter Paul Skenes. The former No. 1 overall pick has posted a 1.91 ERA on the season, the best in baseball. Despite the great numbers, though, Skenes has a record of 5-8, which has fans clamoring for him to be moved.
Skenes would surely bring in an absolute haul of prospects, but the organization has repeatedly stated it has no intent of trading a generational talent like Skenes. In early July, ESPN’s Jeff Passan said the Pirates will not entertain offers for Skenes.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the MLB trade deadline? Date, targets for contenders
