5 winners and losers in 2025 Trade Deadline ft. Astros, Dodgers

The 2025 MLB trade deadline draws to a close on Thursday as teams now look ahead to the second half of the season. There were some notable names dealt cross-country, while several others who were constantly in trade rumors remain fixated where they were.

Based on the transactions that have happened before the trade deadline, here's a closer look at the winners and losers in the aftermath.

5 winners and losers from 2025 trade deadline

#1. Houston Astros - Winner

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Dodgers - Source: Imagn

The Astros made the biggest splash at the trade deadline as they brought back the 2017 World Series champion Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins. This way, they can now cover for injured third baseman Isaac Paredes. They also added Jesús Sánchez and Ramón Urías to shore up depth.

Most notably, they did this all without giving up key rotation pieces, making them out-and-out winners at this trade deadline.

#2. LA Dodgers - Loser

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Athletics - Source: Imagn

The Dodgers entered this year's trade deadline with multiple rumors surrounding a potential acquisition of Steven Kwan from the Cleveland Guardians. However, nothing of such sort materialized as the only trade they happened to do was for back-end reliever Brock Stewart.

#3. New York Mets - Winner

Toronto Blue Jays v Baltimore Orioles - Source: Getty

The Mets address several things this trade deadline. They managed to land outfielder Cedric Mullins, who could replace struggling Tyrone Taylor in the lineup. They have also bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers, who would join Gregory Soto to form a dominant unit.

#4. Chicago Cubs - Loser

MLB: Washington Nationals at Houston Astros - Source: Imagn

The Cubs needed a frontline starter for their potential postseason unit for the first time since 2020. However, all they were able to land were modest acquisitions like Michael Soroka, Andrew Kittredge and Willi Castro. The Cubs ended the trade deadline with multiple questions on the franchise's immediate future.

#5. San Diego Padres - Winner

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres - Source: Imagn

While NL West leaders remained silent, the Padres made several strong moves to make the second half competitive within the division. GM AJ Preller pulled off a blockbuster haul, landing flamethrower Mason Miller, starter JP Sears and depth pieces like Freddy Fermin, Ramón Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn.

While they had to deal away top prospect Leo De Vries, their immediate future looks better already.

Let us know which club you think deserves a place in this column.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Veer Badani