{"id":103326,"date":"2025-07-02T18:19:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T22:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=103326"},"modified":"2025-07-02T18:19:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T22:19:13","slug":"mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-swirl-around-key-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/07\/02\/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-swirl-around-key-players\/","title":{"rendered":"New MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Swirl Around Key Players"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline approaching, trade rumors swirl around key players. Only six teams are clear sellers, and bubble teams like the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/28\/diamondbacks-eugenio-suarez-future-remains-unclear\/\" target=\"_self\">Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> face tough choices. Here, we explore the latest buzz on Alex Bregman, Cedric Mullins, Eugenio Su\u00e1rez, Marcell Ozuna, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/14\/red-sox-aroldis-chapman-good-trade-fit-phillies\/\" target=\"_self\">Aroldis Chapman<\/a>, detailing the context driving their trade talks.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_103354\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-103354\" style=\"width: 516px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-103354\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"516\" height=\"344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26199969_168400885_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-103354\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">May 16, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) scores on a RBI single by shortstop Trevor Story (not pictured) during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>MLB Trade Deadline Rumors Heating Up<\/h2>\n<h3><b>Alex Bregman: Extension or Trade?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox third baseman, faces an uncertain future. Jim Bowden of The Athletic <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6467560\/2025\/07\/02\/mlb-trade-deadline-predictions-alcantara-naylor\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reports<\/a> that without a contract extension by the deadline, Boston might trade him. Bregman\u2019s $40M deal includes a 2025 opt-out, pushing the Red Sox to secure him long-term or maximize his value. He\u2019s hitting .299 with 11 homers and a 159 OPS+, but a quad strain complicates matters. The Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/17\/potential-trade-deadline-acquisitions-detroit-tigers\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Tigers<\/a>, and New York Mets are potential suitors, per ESPN, though his 10% trade probability reflects Boston\u2019s playoff hopes (42-44, 2 1\/2 games back of the final wild card). Bregman\u2019s defense and postseason experience make him valuable in both the short and long term. A trade could yield prospects, but the Red Sox may hold firm if they stay in contention.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Alex Bregman:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI feel really good. Today was the best I\u2019ve felt during the rehab process. The fastest I\u2019ve ran. I resumed full baseball activity, so this is a lot of weeks ahead of what we predicted.\u201d <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/VXf3mMfzBN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/VXf3mMfzBN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WEEI (@WEEI) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WEEI\/status\/1939794492464189564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cedric Mullins: Orioles\u2019 Big Decision<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is a prime trade candidate. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/24\/mlb-trade-deadline-rumors-big-names-perfect-fits\/\" target=\"_self\">Jeff Passan<\/a> of ESPN gives him a 75% chance of being dealt. The Orioles, at 37-48, lack outfield depth, so trading Mullins would signal a 2025 surrender. His .214 average, 12 homers, and 8 steals show versatility, despite a .542 OPS slump from May to June. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/29\/cubs-nearing-trade-starting-pitching\/\" target=\"_self\">Bob Nightengale<\/a> of USA Today notes the Houston Astros are targeting him for left-handed pop. The Mets, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/24\/intriguing-outfield-trade-fits-phillies\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia Phillies<\/a>, and Cleveland Guardians also show interest. Baltimore could land a prospect like the Mets\u2019 Nolan McLean, but with no clear center field replacement, the Orioles may hesitate.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">With the Astros reportedly targeting OF Cedric Mullins<\/p>\n<p>What are some realistic trade packages that you could see getting the deal done? <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/h0eYX7W94B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/h0eYX7W94B<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SleeperAstros (@SleeperAstros) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SleeperAstros\/status\/1939372753456451679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Eugenio Su\u00e1rez: Power for Rent<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eugenio Su\u00e1rez, the Arizona Diamondbacks\u2019 third baseman, draws attention from the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/26\/chicago-cubs-trade-talks-heating-up-late-june\/\" target=\"_self\">Cubs<\/a>. His $15M expiring contract makes him a rental. Su\u00e1rez\u2019s 26 homers and .564 slugging percentage highlight his power, though a 26.2 strikeout rate raises concerns at age 33. The Cubs envision him platooning with Michael Busch at first base, per MLB Trade Rumors. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/05\/30\/report-mariners-trade-deadline-could-be-active\/\" target=\"_self\">Seattle Mariners<\/a> also eye him for infield help. With Arizona at 43-42 and prospects like Jordan Lawlar waiting, Su\u00e1rez could fetch a reliever or mid-tier prospect, addressing roster gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Should the Cubs target 3B Eugenio Su\u00e1rez?????<\/p>\n<p>His stats this season:<\/p>\n<p>.254 AVG<br \/>\n26 HR<br \/>\n69 RBIs<br \/>\n.888 OPS<\/p>\n<p>Drop your thoughts below \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/M708zNQNU6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/M708zNQNU6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SleeperCubs (@SleeperCubs) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SleeperCubs\/status\/1940439424946627043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Marcell Ozuna: Braves\u2019 Trade Exception<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marcell Ozuna, the Atlanta Braves\u2019 designated hitter, is their likeliest trade piece. Despite Atlanta\u2019s reluctance to sell at a pitiful 38-46, Bob Nightengale reports executives see Ozuna as an exception due to his $16M expiring deal. His .244 average, 11 homers, and 114 OPS+ offer power and on-base skills. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/02\/report-padres-eyeing-trade-jarren-duran\/\" target=\"_self\">San Diego Padres<\/a>, the Yankees, and the Mariners are linked. Ozuna\u2019s 10-5 trade veto rights could complicate Atlanta\u2019s efforts to trade him, letting Ozuna largely decide his next destination. A hip injury adds risk, but his bat could boost a contender.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">It\u2019s crazy how Marcell Ozuna just randomly decided to turn the Braves season around on a random Tuesday in June <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Ppr06tzbeZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Ppr06tzbeZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Brady Penn (@bradypenn21) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bradypenn21\/status\/1937898669191159961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Aroldis Chapman: Top Reliever Target<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, a 37-year-old Cuban lefty, stands out as the top reliever likely to switch teams before the July 31, 2025, trade deadline, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/03\/25\/assessing-potential-sandy-alcantara-red-sox-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">Jim Bowden<\/a>, citing over 40 MLB executives. Known for his electrifying 99.2 mph fastball (99th percentile, per Statcast), Chapman has dazzled in 2025 with a 1.32 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 34 innings. He\u2019s posting career-best numbers, including a 7.8% walk rate\u2014his lowest ever\u2014paired with a 38.8% strikeout rate (99th percentile). These stats make him a hot commodity, likely to fetch a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/05\/26\/four-mlb-top-prospects-call-up-timelines\/\" target=\"_self\">top prospect<\/a>. His affordable $10.75 million one-year deal sweetens the deal for contenders needing a battle-tested closer. With the Red Sox (42-44, 6.5 games back in the AL East) weighing their playoff odds, teams like the Phillies, Mets, and Padres are ready to bid big for Chapman\u2019s game-changing arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Aroldis Chapman is TJStats AL Relief Pitcher of the Month for June!<\/p>\n<p>Chapman continues to chug along with a 51.4 K% in the month without allowing a run. His stuff is still bonkers! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nIinxt2kwt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/nIinxt2kwt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TJStats\/status\/1940066679028846724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>Market Outlook<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2025 trade market is cautious, with a limited number of sellers. Bregman\u2019s fate relies on an extension, while Mullins\u2019 trade could reshape Baltimore\u2019s roster. Su\u00e1rez and Ozuna offer short-term power, and Chapman is a playoff game-changer. With the expanded playoffs, more teams than ever are in the buyer&#8217;s market. Teams winning 84-88 games consistently make deep playoff runs, giving roughly two-thirds of the league hope during the grueling summer months. With few teams selling, expect steep prices for top players, intense bidding wars, and unexpected contenders emerging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: \u00a9 Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline approaching, trade rumors swirl around key players. Only six teams are clear sellers, and bubble teams like the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Arizona Diamondbacks face tough choices. Here, we explore the latest buzz on Alex Bregman, Cedric Mullins, Eugenio Su\u00e1rez, Marcell Ozuna, and Aroldis Chapman, detailing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5310,"featured_media":103357,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1071,29,21,3,4,35],"tags":[1156,209,5113,761,221,4527,49],"class_list":["post-103326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-diamondbacks","category-braves","category-orioles","category-redsox","category-news","tag-alex-bregman","tag-aroldis-chapman","tag-cedric-mullins","tag-eugenio-suarez","tag-marcell-ozuna","tag-mlb-trade-rumors","tag-trade-deadline"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103326","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5310"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103326"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103326\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103358,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103326\/revisions\/103358"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103357"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}