Thu Jun 12 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **MLB Trade Deadline Looms: Kurkjian Identifies Potential Buyers and Sellers**

As the MLB season approaches its midpoint, teams are evaluating their positions ahead of the July 31st trade deadline. ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian has categorized all 30 clubs into four groups: October locks looking for final pieces, contenders aiming for a playoff push, fringe teams on the bubble, and those focused on the future.

**Top Teams Eyeing Upgrades**

Several teams with high playoff probabilities are expected to be active. The **New York Yankees** may seek a power-hitting third baseman like Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez along with adding pitching depth. The **Detroit Tigers** aim to bolster their bullpen with high-strikeout arms. The **Los Angeles Dodgers** are focused on stabilizing their injury-riddled pitching staff. The **Chicago Cubs** are looking to add to their rotation, while the **New York Mets** hope to find center field help.

**Contenders Seek Solidification**

Teams with reasonable playoff chances are looking to solidify their position. The **Houston Astros** need their offense to improve with a potential move for Jose Altuve out of left field, while the **San Francisco Giants** need an offensive boost and may turn to prospect Bryce Eldridge. The **Philadelphia Phillies** may seek bullpen upgrades and the **San Diego Padres** are looking for a left fielder with the hopes Luis Robert Jr. could be that man.

**Fringe Teams at a Crossroads**

Several teams are on the fringe, needing to decide whether to buy or sell. The **St. Louis Cardinals** could be deadline sellers. If so, pitchers like closer Ryan Helsley could draw a lot of attention. The **Toronto Blue Jays** must decide what to do with Bo Bichette. If an extension is not worked out, the Blue Jays could send him away.

**Rebuilding Teams Looking to the Future**

Teams focused on the future are expected to be sellers. The **Washington Nationals** will likely trade veterans like Kyle Finnegan, Michael Soroka, Amed Rosario and Nathaniel Lowe. The **Pittsburgh Pirates** are likely sellers with the hopes of trading veterans such as Andrew Heaney, Tommy Pham, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The **Chicago White Sox** could unload Luis Robert Jr. and the **Miami Marlins** could move Sandy Alcantara.

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