MLB: Trade Deadline 2025 — Major Updates, Big Names, Bold Moves & One Untouchable Ace

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and the baseball world is already buzzing with blockbuster moves, high-stakes rumors, and one burning question: Could Paul Skenes actually be traded?

While the answer to that appears to be a hard no, there's no shortage of stars, arms, and late-season X-factors on the market — and if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that championship teams are often built at the deadline.

📅 When Is the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline?

Circle it now: Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m. ET. The league pushed the traditional 4 p.m. time back by two hours this year, giving GMs just a little more room to pull off eleventh-hour deals. And with contenders scrambling to load up for the postseason, don’t be surprised if it comes down to the wire.

🔄 Who’s on the Block?

Here are some of the biggest names drawing attention as July winds down:

• Eugenio Suárez (3B, Diamondbacks)
• MacKenzie Gore (SP, Nationals)
• Joe Ryan (SP, Twins)
• Seth Lugo (SP, Royals)
• Jhoan Duran (RP, Twins)
• David Bednar (RP, Pirates)
• Emmanuel Clase (RP, Guardians)
• Sandy Alcantara (SP, Marlins)
• Zac Gallen (SP, Diamondbacks)

But the most buzzed-about name is one that isn’t going anywhere…

🚫 The Paul Skenes Question

With a 1.91 ERA and an NL All-Star Game start under his belt, Paul Skenes has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. And while his 5-8 record has Pirates fans screaming about run support, that hasn’t stopped the trade chatter.

Unfortunately for rival GMs, Pittsburgh has made it clear: Skenes is untouchable.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported earlier this month that the Pirates have no intention of dealing the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, calling him a "generational talent" and a franchise cornerstone.

🧠 Don’t Forget the Quiet Deals

While headliners grab the headlines, it’s often the low-key trades that tip the scale. Think: a bullpen arm who throws 18 scoreless innings in October, or a mid-rotation starter who locks down Game 3 of the ALCS. Names like Verlander (2017), Chapman (2016), and Soler (2021) prove that deadline deals build dynasties.

🎙️ MainEvent.News | Backstage Take

With just days left until the buzzer, GMs are walking the line between desperation and brilliance. The blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers may have already shaken the league, but don’t be surprised if a “quiet” reliever ends up being the real October hero. All eyes are on Pittsburgh, not because they're sellers—but because the baseball world is dreaming of the impossible: a Skenes trade that probably won’t happen... but what if?