MLB trade deadline 2025: What's the latest on the Diamondbacks, Cubs and Luis Robert Jr.?
- - - MLB trade deadline 2025: What's the latest on the Diamondbacks, Cubs and Luis Robert Jr.?
Russell DorseyJuly 19, 2025 at 4:13 AM
In a trade market projected to have more buyers than sellers, the team that has started to get the attention of contenders around the league is the Arizona Diamondbacks. League sources tell Yahoo Sports that Arizona has become the top team of interest and could prove to be one of the biggest factors shaping this year's trade deadline.
The D-backs had hopes of being competitive this season but instead have been wrecked by injuries. Free-agent acquisition Corbin Burnes, starter Jordan Montgomery and relievers Justin Martinez and AJ Puk all underwent Tommy John surgery, and the team sits a disappointing 47-50 and in fourth in the NL West as the second half begins. In a division that is as competitive as any in the sport, looking toward the future is likely in Arizona’s best interest at this point.
Arizona has several movable pieces in terms of both starting pitchers and position players who are free agents at the end of the season. That list notably includes right-handers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, third baseman Eugenio Suárez and first baseman Josh Naylor. As Yahoo has reported in recent weeks, the starting pitching market is shaping up to be very expensive this July, and that dynamic has only increased lately, with several contenders needing not just one but multiple starters.
Kelly has quietly been one of the most consistent starters in the National League this season, going 8-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 20 starts. Gallen, conversely, struggled throughout the first half and has a 5.40 ERA through 20 starts. Still, Arizona could probably get above market value for both arms, given the scarcity of starting pitching available on this year's market.
The Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Blue Jays, Tigers and Dodgers could all use starting pitching as they try to solidify their place amongst baseball’s elite. Both Kelly and Gallen have plenty of postseason experience and could be the answers several teams are looking for while also giving their new teams future flexibility, given that they’re both on expiring contracts.
What’s the latest on the Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs sit atop the NL Central with a slim, one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers, who have been one of the best teams in baseball since the beginning of May. For as well as the Cubs have played, it feels like they need a trade deadline move or two as much as any team to solidify themselves for the final two months of the season and into October.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer reiterated Friday that the Cubs, like other teams around the league, are looking to add starting pitching. He also said his team wouldn’t be opposed to acquiring some depth at third base. Rookie Matt Shaw has been the team’s primary third baseman this year but has dealt with some struggles in his first season in the big leagues.
“Matt [Shaw] has certainly played great defense for us,” Hoyer said. “But I think that's a position [to potentially add to]. And then obviously, just like thinking about the position-playing group and just ensuring it. Adding depth is something we'll look at as well.
“We're not going to completely turn over the 26-man roster, but thinking about how we can potentially get deeper and potentially ensure some areas of roster makes sense.”
Third base is another position that will have plenty of suitors around baseball at the deadline. The D-backs’ Suárez is one of the names that has circulated the most at the position. Other third-base options on the market could include the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes, the Rockies’ Ryan McMahon and possibly the Royals’ Maikel Garcia.
What to make of Luis Robert Jr.?
It has been a disastrous year for Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. The former All-Star has stayed surprisingly healthy this season but has regressed mightily offensively. Robert’s .600 OPS ranks sixth-worst in MLB among qualified hitters. The White Sox’s star was supposed to be one of the hottest names on this year’s trade market, but instead, finding a market for him might prove difficult for the Sox.
Robert is still an above-average defender in center field, but the power that once made him such a tantalizing talent has all but vanished, and with him sporting a 30.4% strikeout rate in 2025, it’s difficult to gauge what his value looks like at this point.
The Phillies, Mets, Astros and Tigers could all use an upgrade in center field. Other center-field options that could be available are the Orioles’ Cedric Mullins and Ramon Laureano, the D-backs’ Alek Thomas and the Twins’ Harrison Bader.
Are there still some teams that would trade for Robert? Sure. But would the available return be enough for the White Sox to punt on the options of moving him in the offseason or at next year’s deadline? That remains to be seen. After this season, Robert has $20 million club options for 2026 and ‘27.
Source: “AOL AOL Sports”
