The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline has come and gone, and it was a rush of blockbuster trades that have shuffled rosters across the league. From high-profile relievers changing jerseys to impact bats finding new homes, this deadline was action-packed, shaking up real-life playoff aspirations and fantasy baseball lineups everywhere. Fantasy Alarm's Caught Stealing podcast, featuring Colby Conway and Joe Galina, broke down the most significant moves, offering analysis on what they will mean for fantasy managers. Here, we discuss the biggest trades, their fantasy baseball implications, determine the 2025 trade deadline winners and losers, and give away some MLB deadline fantasy sleepers to grab on the wire.

 

Biggest Trades of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline

The 2025 timeline was marked by a strong focus on bullpen additions and power hitters, along with some starting pitchers mixed in. The following are the signature agreements that ruled MLB trade rumors 2025 headlines:

Yankees Reinforce Bullpen with Camilo Doval and David Bednar: The New York Yankees made a splash by landing top relievers Camilo Doval from the Giants and David Bednar from the Pirates. These acquisitions shore up a bullpen that's been operating on fumes, with Luke Weaver scuffling after his return from injury and Fernando Cruz out until late August. Devin Williams is still the closer for the time being, but Doval and Bednar offer depth and flexibility, and could steal save chances if Williams struggles.

Padres Add Mason Miller and JP Sears: San Diego's aggressive GM AJ Preller added Oakland's fireballing closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears. Miller, with his elite stuff and years of club control, adds to a loaded bullpen with Robert Suarez, Jason Adam, and others to create a shutdown late-inning crew. Sears moves from a hitter's park in Oakland to pitcher-friendly Petco Park, which may add to his fantasy value.

Phillies Pick Up Jhoan Duran: Philadelphia plucked Minnesota's Jhoan Duran, a reliever with several years of control, to shore up their bullpen. The matchup-intensive approach of manager Rob Thompson makes Duran an instant candidate for closer duties, boosting his fantasy value on a contending club.

Mets Add Ryan Helsley and Cedric Mullins: The Mets, who already have Edwin Diaz as their closer, added Cardinals' ace Ryan Helsley and Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins. Helsley's transition to a setup role behind Diaz takes a big hit to his fantasy value, while Mullins adds speed and pop to a growing Mets lineup.

Astros Reunite with Carlos Correa, Add Jesus Sanchez: Houston reunited with Carlos Correa from Minnesota to man the hot corner, a position of need with Isaac Paredes out due to a hamstring injury. They also added Miami's Jesus Sanchez, a left-handed bat with a 20% strikeout rate and 10 home runs, who gets a park and lineup boost.

Twins' Fire Sale: Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and More: Minnesota was one of the largest sellers, dealing Duran to Philly, Griffin Jax to Tampa Bay, and more. They got Taj Bradley from the Rays, a high-ceiling pitcher with inconsistent outcomes.

Other Notable Moves:

  • Shane Bieber to Toronto: Post-Tommy John, Bieber joins a Jays rotation desperate for stability.
  • Merrill Kelly to Texas: Kelly breaks free from Arizona's hitter-friendly park to a more neutral one.
  • Charlie Morton to Detroit: The veteran right-hander gives the Tigers playoff experience as they seek to steady their rotation.
  • Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor to Seattle: The Mariners revamped their offense, adding power hitters to a lineup that already features Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez.
 

Fantasy Baseball Impact: Who Rises, Who Falls?

The fantasy baseball trade deadline breakdown shows a definite split in how these transactions impact player value. Here's a fantasy breakdown of the winners and losers:

Upcoming Fantasy Stars

  • Jhoan Duran (Phillies): A move to a competitive team with a manager who will use him as the closer sends Duran's fantasy value through the roof. With his strikeout ability and save chances, he is a must-roster in all leagues.
  • Jesus Sanchez (Astros): Sanchez's move to Houston's hitter-friendly park and potent lineup boosts his power and run-scoring potential. A .256 average and 10 home runs are worth a pickup.
  • JP Sears (Padres): A move from Oakland's hitter-friendly park to Petco Park might unleash Sears' potential, and he could be a sneaky addition for fantasy owners in need of starting pitching depth.
  • Carlos Correa (Astros): Back with Houston, Correa has the advantage of familiar surroundings and a good lineup. Injury issues aside, his batting average and runs should increase.
  • Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor (Mariners): The revamped Seattle lineup provides both players with more RBI and run-scoring opportunities, which enhances their fantasy appeal.

Fantasy Falling Stars

  • Ryan Helsley (Mets): Once a saves machine in St. Louis, Helsley's move to a setup role behind Edwin Diaz annihilates his fantasy value. Those 70 saves since 2024 aren't coming in New York.
  • David Bednar and Camilo Doval (Yankees): Both are elite relievers but have their fantasy value lower while competing with Devin Williams for saves. They are still useful for ratios and strikeouts but sans closer value.
  • Zach Littell (Reds): Going from one hitter-friendly park (Tampa Bay) to another (Cincinnati), Littell's home run problems will likely continue to cap his fantasy ceiling.
  • Cedric Mullins (Mets): While the move to New York brings depth to the lineup, Mullins' declining batting average and reduced power cap his fantasy potential from his Baltimore years.
 

Winners & Losers of the MLB Trade Deadline

The trade deadline winners and losers of 2025 extend beyond fantasy implications to real-life playoff races:

Winners

  • San Diego Padres: The additions of Mason Miller and JP Sears bolster an already strong roster. Their bullpen, with Miller, Suarez, and Adam, is now a nightmare for opposing teams, and Sears could excel in Petco Park.
  • New York Mets: Helsley, Mullins, and Tyler Rogers' acquisitions provide depth to an already good roster. With Diaz already established as the closer, the Mets are poised for a deep postseason run.
  • Houston Astros: Getting reacquainted with Correa and bringing in Sanchez fills lineup voids, particularly with Yordan Alvarez's murky status. These acquisitions maintain Houston's competitiveness in the AL.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Duran's addition provides Philly with a solid closer to go along with their deep rotation and lineup in a World Series run.

Losers

 

Under-the-Radar Fantasy Sleepers Post-Deadline

The trade deadline always opens doors for less-known players to move into larger roles. Some of the MLB deadline fantasy sleepers to add on the waiver wire are:

  • Dennis Santana (Pirates): With David Bednar being traded to the Yankees, Santana is now the closer in Pittsburgh. He's a priority pickup for saves in all fantasy formats.
  • JoJo Romero (Cardinals): Helsley’s departure opens the door for Romero to take over as St. Louis’ closer. His prior spot-save experience makes him a strong speculative add.
  • Samuel Basalo (Orioles): The Baltimore fire sale (dealing Mullins, O'Hearn, and Loriano) clears the path for the debut of top prospect Basalo. Catcher and first base eligibility make his offensive ceiling worth considering as a stash candidate.
  • Joe Boyle (Rays): Tampa Bay's trade of Zach Littell solidifies Boyle's rotation spot. He's a deep-league streamer with his high-velocity fastball and sufficient strikeout numbers.
  • Leo Pagero (Pirates): Ke'Bryan Hayes was dealt to Cincinnati, so Pagero is in line for everyday at-bats in Pittsburgh. He's a sleeper for batting average and counting stats in deeper leagues. 
  • Andrew Painter (Phillies): Now that Mick Abel has been dealt to Minnesota, Painter is Philly's best pitching prospect. A recent AAA outing (6.1 innings, one run) indicates a promotion might be near.

The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline provided a flurry of activity that will define the remainder of the season, both on and off the field of fantasy baseball. From the Yankees' bullpen restructuring to the Padres' bold additions and the Astros' lineup augmentation, playoff hopefuls stocked up for the stretch run.

For fantasy owners, sorting through the aftermath involves targeting players such as Yohan Duran and Jesus Sanchez, whose values are increasing, and moving away from ex-closers like Ryan Helsley. Monitor the waiver wire for MLB deadline fantasy sleepers such as Dennis Santana and Sam Basalo, who can offer late-season value. 

For more fantasy baseball trade deadline analysis and reaction to the winners and losers of the 2025 trade deadline, subscribe to gain access, jump into the Discord for expert inquiries, and get ahead with the update to the Closer Grid to chase those precious saves. The stretch drive is here—make your deals and take control of your league!