The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching and with a month left to go, a lot of change. But heading into July, what does each American League contending team need right now? Let’s take a look.
Angels
Biggest need: Starting pitcher
We’ll start with the Angels, who at 38-40 are in the playoff race heading into July.
Now, granted, the Angels aren’t in a desirable position. But with the AL Wild Card highly competitive, the Angels — with five hitters with double-digit home run totals — have a good offense to keep them in games.
Their rotation, meanwhile, isn’t as deep compared to the Astros or Mariners. Yes, Jose Soriano, Yusei Kikuchi, and Tyler Anderson have been good. But despite Los Angeles having five pitchers with 15+ starts this season, someone with swing-and-miss improvement would be a welcome addition for a team that doesn’t have enough of it.
Astros
Biggest need: Left-handed hitting power bat
The Astros have already made it known what they want in July.
Astros general manager Dana Brown stated he hopes to add a left-handed hitter before the 2025 Trade Deadline. And, it would be a wise strategy.
For one, the Astros have starting pitcher depth, something many teams right now can’t say. Rookies Ryan Gusto, Brandon Walter, and Colton Gordon have eaten up innings this season. And with Lance McCullers Jr. and Spencer Arrighetti potentially returning in the summer, the Astros should be able to navigate the waters.
However, another left-handed bat to complement would even out a heavy right-handed hitting lineup. Aside from an injured Yordan Alvarez, every other regular on the Astros is a right-handed bat.
Blue Jays
Biggest need: Starting pitching
The Blue Jays’ offense, despite an injured Anthony Santander, has been largely productive this season.
George Springer is having a renaissance, Bo Bichette cracked 31 extra-base hits over his first 78 games, while Alejandro Kirk & Ernie Clement, along with Addison Barger, have been excellent complementary pieces. However, the Jays’ production from the starting rotation has been a mixed bag.
Bowden Francis posted a 6.05 ERA before landing on the IL, while Kevin Gausman‘s been scuffling of late. As of June 25, Toronto’s starting pitchers ranked in the bottom half of the league in strikeouts and have surrendered the second-most home runs (72) in the league, tied with the Cubs. Only the Athletics (74) have surrendered more.
Max Scherzer may be a “midseason acquisition” in theory. But, another arm wouldn’t hurt.
Guardians
Biggest need: Outfielder
Given Cleveland’s tendencies, the Guardians will likely have a quieter deadline. Last season, the Guardians did add, picking up Matt Boyd (free agency), as well Alex Cobb and Lane Thomas (trade). But, no transformative acquisition.
The Guardians have Shane Bieber and John Means on the IL, and both could be options in the second half. Not to mention, Slade Cecconi‘s been more effective, getting more optimal action on the slider and four-seamer this season to fill out the Guardians’ rotation.
Unfortunately, the Guardians’ outfield is currently 29th in OPS (.619) and SLG (.335), just behind another team on this list.
Mariners
Biggest need: Depth bat
Not a shock here.
The Mariners’ rotation has gotten healthy with the returns of Logan Gilbert & George Kirby, the latter of whom hasn’t found his full form since returning from the IL.
However, Seattle’s lineup remains an issue.
Now, it’s not as problematic compared to 2024. Obviously, Cal Raleigh‘s been a force and paced the offense this season. But first base has also been a decent spot, as the Mariners have used Donovan Solano and the recently returned Luke Raley to slot in first with Rowdy Tellez gone.
What would be more likely is if the Mariners do add an outfielder to slot next to Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodriguez, it would make sense. Remember, Victor Robles — a sparkplug late last season — is out for the rest of 2025.
Rangers
Biggest need: Bullpen
The Rangers, like several other teams on this list, could be sellers more than buyers this summer. As of June 25, the Rangers, at 39-41, are three games out of a Wild Card spot but are in a precarious position.
But if there’s one weakness to highlight, it’s the pitching.
Texas should get Nathan Eovaldi back soon but the Rangers’ rotation has been fine. Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle have been two of the best starters in the AL this season, while Patrick Corbin‘s cutter has revitalized him. Cody Bradford is done for the rest of 2025, taking away some depth there.
However, the Rangers have shuffled between Luke Jackson and Robert Garcia for the closer’s role. A firmer option wouldn’t hurt there.
Rays
Biggest need: Depth bat
It’s amazing to think the Rays could host playoff baseball at Steinbrenner Field. But if the season ended today, the Rays would do exactly that.
Whether that holds true — remember, the Rays have a heavy road schedule in the second half — remains to be seen. If the Rays do add an outfielder to give the team added depth, it wouldn’t hurt.
Red Sox
Biggest need: First baseman
The Red Sox could do a lot of things come the summer.
Boston traded Rafael Devers to end the saga between him and the franchise. It came after the Sox unsuccessfully tried to convince Devers to work at first base, a hole after Triston Casas‘ season-ending injury.
Sure, the Red Sox could very well use more depth in the rotation. But, it’s hard to ignore that hole.
Royals
Biggest need: Outfielder
Just like in 2024, the Royals could use some help offensively.
The Royals are lagging in several categories. Kansas City’s team on-base percentage is .299, fifth-lowest in the Majors. It’s not exactly what was hoped for, especially when taking into account the Royals acquired Jonathan India (.314 OBP) to help in that regard.
Their outfield, offensively, hasn’t been stellar. Drew Waters and Kyle Isbel both have OPS+ figures below 80. Isbel is a very solid defender in center, though, making him valuable.
Now, Jac Caglianone has been a breath of fresh air for the Royals. Caglianone’s managed to hold down right field well and despite a .194/,239/.328 (.567 OPS) slash line, possesses power sorely lacking in the Royals’ outfield.
Nonetheless, another bat would make a lot of sense.
Tigers
Biggest need: Bat
The Tigers were the first team to hit the 50-win marker this season, thanks in large part to a deep bullpen and great overall pitching. While another starter — as a depth option — would make sense, a bat would be more appropriate.
Now, the Tigers’ lineup is solid to begin with. Spencer Torkelson‘s been highly productive, as has Riley Greene and a surging Javier Baez.
Perhaps a third baseman would be a fit here, especially since the Tigers have rotated several players there this season.
Twins
Biggest need: Corner infield
As of June 25, the Twins are four and a half games out of a Wild Card spot and at 37-42, Minnesota’s slipping. It would seem more likely the Twins could be sellers come July, even though management is insistent that won’t be the case.
But if the Twins were to add another bat — possibly a corner infielder — would make sense. I don’t believe the Twins, despite losing Pablo Lopez until later in the summer, would go after pitching. But an extra bat who can give the team more depth would make sense — even if it’s purely hypothetical.
Yankees
Biggest need: Infielder/starting pitcher
The Yankees have reportedly been linked to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, an indication of where the reigning AL champions could go this summer.
Thanks to depth issues, the Yankees have pushed Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to third base after starting him at second base. The move came as DJ LeMahieu returned from the IL and took over second base.
Adding a bat, as well as another starter — the Yankees currently have Gerrit Cole (done for 2025), Marcus Stroman, and Ryan Yarbrough on the IL — should be on the menu.
Check out more of our MLB coverage, including a look at what every National League team should target.