In a little more than a month, the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline will pass. There’s a lot of time between now and then, and thus, a lot can change. But for the teams currently in contention, what exactly does each one need the most? Let’s take a look at the one pressing need for each National League contender.

Brewers

Biggest need: Corner infielder, namely a third baseman

As of June 24, 10 teams in the National League are either in a playoff spot or less than or equal to five games out of a spot. The Brewers, thanks to a 12-8 June (as of June 24), are very much in the thick of this race.

The Brewers have received strong pitching from Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, and, most recently, phenom rookie Jacob Misiorowski. Milwaukee’s likely not to add significant pitching help, as the Brewers are one of the few teams with depth.

What the Brewers could use is solidification at the hot corner. Heading into play on the 24th, Milwaukee’s third basemen had a combined .567 OPS, second-worst in the Majors behind only division rival Chicago (.544).

Milwaukee’s tried several options, including rookie third baseman Caleb Durbin (a fast player, albeit one with well-below-average power). Jeimer Candelario, recently DFA’d by the Reds, would make sense here as a free agent signing once he clears waivers.

Cardinals

Biggest need: Outfield depth

The Cardinals have remained largely competitive despite a retool. St. Louis went 43-36 over their first 79 games, staying highly competitive in the National League playoff race.

Much of that can be attributed to timely hitting and a strong pitching staff. Erick Fedde, Sonny Gray, and Matthew Liberatore have all given the team length. And, St. Louis’ defensive play looks more reminiscent of the “good ol’ days.”

Cardinals outfielders, combined this season, own the fifth-lowest SLG (.360) and sixth-lowest OPS (.679) in the Majors. Now, part of that is by design: Victor Scott II, a terrific defender and speedster, provides value but not with power at the plate.

Unfortunately, Jordan Walker has seen his strikeout and whiff rates go up even further.

Cubs

Biggest need: Pitching

Despite the fact that Chicago has received tepid production at third base, the Cubs’ offense has been fine. Sitting in first place, the Cubs need pitching more than anything else.

Cubs president of baseball ops Jed Hoyer made it clear the team is after pitching. That comes to no shock. Justin Steele, the team’s co-ace, is done for 2025 thanks to Tommy John surgery. And while Daniel Palencia‘s held down the ninth inning just fine for the Cubs, a reliever to pair with him, Ryan Pressly, and Porter Hodge wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Right now, the Cubs’ major issue is trying to get production from the back half of their rotation. Colin Rea isn’t an overpowering arm, while Ben Brown simply struggles to give length with his two-pitch arsenal.

Diamondbacks

Biggest need: Starting pitching

This will be a recurring statement heard over the next month: [team X] is looking for pitching.

Arizona went all-out over the last two winters to solidify their rotation and get back to the World Series. However, the results have been about as uneven as a team could get.

Jordan Montgomery struggled after signing late and a quick turnaround in 2024. Then, his 2025 season ended before it even started. Corbin Burnes joined him on the shelf after he required Tommy John surgery himself, while Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk also had season-ending elbow surgeries.

Between those injuries, and Corbin Carroll now headed to the IL, the Diamondbacks are in a tight spot. It’s more likely than not that Arizona doesn’t add and instead either hold or look to sell off assets in what will be a seller’s market. But if the Diamondbacks get hot and decide to add another starter to complement Merrill Kelly and a depleted pitching staff wouldn’t hurt.

Dodgers

Biggest need: Starting pitching

Well, this has been an interesting year for the Dodgers.

It looked like at one point, the Dodgers’ biggest issue was the center field position. Heading into 2025, the Dodgers had an abundance of relief help — whittled away thanks to injuries — as well as starters likely ready to come back from injuries. But since then, Andy Pages solidified center field, while injury after injury hit the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

Now, the good news is Tyler Glasnow is working his way back. He’s currently on a rehab assignment. But with the injuries to Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, among others, added pitching help would make a lot of sense here.

Giants

Biggest need: Back-end starter

San Francisco made a major splash, adding All-Star slugger Rafael Devers and giving the Giants a much-needed power bat for their offense. However, it came at a cost.

The Giants parted with Kyle Harrison, a great arm, albeit one with flaws. It also meant losing some starting pitcher depth, even though the Giants have several arms like Carson Whisenhunt and Carson Seymour, the two top strikeout pitchers in the PCL, as midseason callup options.

However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants were to hold at this point. After all, the Giants made their “big” move already.

Mets

Biggest need: Pitching

Things change very quickly in the Major Leagues.

The Mets came into June flush with starting pitcher options, to the point where rumors were circulating that Paul Blackburn could be shopped, as teams were reportedly interested. But after injuries to Kodai Senga & Tylor Megill, plus less-than-stellar moments from Griffin Canning & Clay Holmes, the Mets could use pitching depth.

Now, to be fair, the Mets will get Frankie Montas this week and Sean Manaea potentially in the near future. Before his final scheduled rehab start, Manaea experienced soreness. So, the Mets may very well not do anything for their rotation; those arms could be the midseason acquisitions.

However, the bullpen is an area to watch. New York added multiple left-handed relievers in recent weeks; Jose Castillo, Richard Lovelady, and Brooks Raley, the latter of whom is on rehab.

Padres

Biggest need: Starting pitching

This one is pretty straightforward.

It’s a critical year for the Padres, as several notables on this team are set to hit the market this winter. Thus, it may be the only opportunity to win with Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, and Michael King (on IL).

Under A.J. Prellar, the Padres love to go big-game hunting — and that might happen again this season. And, there are other areas of need. San Diego catchers have the fourth-lowest combined OPS (.595), although Elias Diaz (+3 BAA) and Martin Maldonado both have good bodies of work. There’s also a hole in left field, as the Padres have been unable to find production there since Jurickson Profar left.

But in what would be a move that would make a lot of sense, targeting a starting pitcher with at least one more year of control would make sense for both 2025 & 2026. Especially if Cease & King walk.

Phillies

Biggest need: Relief help

Again, another straightforward one here.

Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games for PEDs in May. Not only will that see him miss games deep into the summer but it also made him ineligible for the 2025 postseason.

The Phillies have made it work with a trio of arms in the late innings. Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm have been steady, while Jordan Romano didn’t give up an earned run in 15 of his last 19 outings.

Still, it doesn’t change the fact that another potent reliever would greatly help out an all-or-nothing season for the Phillies.

Reds

Biggest need: Starting pitching

Aside from the fact that the Reds will debut perhaps their future ace on June 24, Chase Burns‘ callup also serves as an audition to see if he can stick in the Majors now.

If he can, it’ll greatly help a Reds rotation thwarted by injuries yet again. Ace Hunter Greene, as well as Wade Miley and Brandon Williamson are among the starters currently on the IL.

Much like the Cardinals, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Reds hold this summer.

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