MLB Trade Rumors: Top 8 Bullpen Targets at 2025 Trade Deadline

As they are every year, high-leverage relievers will be a hot commodity at the trade deadline. As we get closer to summer, the list of names who'll be available to bolster bullpens for contenders around baseball is starting to take shape, as certain teams are revealing themselves as non-contenders.

For instance, the Baltimore Orioles are having a dreadful season and have no shot at the playoffs, so their three proven ninth-inning arms have emerged as trade candidates. Pittsburgh has proven once again that they won't be in the playoff mix, and they have a couple of coveted arms.

Here, we list the top relievers expected to be available come July 31st.

Top 8 Bullpen Targets at the 2025 Trade Deadline

David Robertson, Free Agent
Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals
Felix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles
Seranthony Dominguez, Baltimore Orioles
Gregory Soto, Baltimore Orioles
David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
Dennis Santana, Pittsburgh Pirates
Anthony Bender, Miami Marlins

With David Robertson, 40, holding out for a huge offer, which we revealed on the weekend, it'll be interesting to see who bites. But for teams not looking to give up prospects (or with a dearth of prospects to offer), this would be the best route to go.

Finnegan, of those who are actually pitching this season, has boosted his trade value the most, having locked down 15 saves already, with a 2.41 ERA.

Bautista, in his first season back from sitting out a year due to Tommy John surgery, has the most upside of anyone on this list. He has seven saves thus far, with a 4.02 ERA. His bullpen-mates, Dominguez and Soto, have each had their various turns at being closers in their careers, and while neither are lighting it up thus far in 2025, they do have a track record.

The same can be said in Pittsburgh about Bednar. The two-time All-Star led the NL in saves with 39 in 2023, but has a dreadful 2024 and '25, as his ERA sits at 5.17. A trip to the minors last month hasn't helped much, but he still has the history that teams will take a chance on him.

Santana is having a terrific year in the Bucs' 'pen, with a 1.61 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP with five saves. Bender is having a similarly strong season in Miami, with a 1.69 ERA.

Plenty to choose from for teams looking to boost their bullpens when the time comes.