Who Is The Team To Beat? Top Division Races? 5 Big Post-Trade Deadline Questions

Major League Baseball: Who Is The Team To Beat? Top Division Races and 5 Key Post-Trade Deadline Questions

Published on Aug. 2, 2025, at 11:01 a.m. ET

By: Rowan Kavner, MLB Writer and Deesha Thosar, MLB Writer

The MLB trade deadline has passed, bringing a mix of high-risk gambles and strategic moves. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to focus on which teams pose the greatest threat and the most competitive division races. Let’s dive into the most pressing questions after Thursday’s flurry of trades.

1. Lots of contenders improved, but are the Dodgers still the team to beat?

Kavner: The reigning champions, despite a surprisingly quiet trade deadline, still hold the title of the team to beat. However, for a franchise that prides itself on “optionality,” the Dodgers—currently ranked 21st in ERA—didn’t do much to bolster their shaky pitching situation. While adding Brock Stewart is a positive step as he offers an advantage against right-handed hitters, the absence of major upgrades, especially with key players like Mason Miller joining the Padres and others moved to competitive teams, raises questions. They’re banking on improved health and performance from their stars, particularly a strong offensive resurgence from Mookie Betts. While they have enough talent to succeed, opting for a quiet deadline while rivals like the Padres aggressively improved is a risky move.

Thosar: Yes, the Dodgers remain favorites to clinch the World Series. I’m not surprised they didn’t make significant moves; even if key players are injured, they’re expected to bounce back by October. The Dodgers have approached this trade deadline with a calm confidence about their chances to repeat as champions, while other teams scrambling for big trades underscores their desperation to catch up, particularly with the Padres making several impactful additions. Despite the strong efforts from divisional rivals, I don’t see anyone overshadowing the Dodgers’ championship potential. cashback casino

2. True or False: The Mariners ‘won’ the trade deadline in terms of adding win-now pieces summer outing 2023. If not, who did?

Kavner: True. The Mariners excelled at the deadline by bringing in Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor, addressing their most pressing lineup needs without weakening their farm system. With an offensive lineup that includes Suarez, Naylor, Julio Rodriguez, and others, they’re making a case for being the most formidable roster in the American League. The Padres, as usual, also made significant strides, adding depth across their lineup and bolstering their already strong bullpen with young stars like Mason Miller.

Thosar: True. There were murmurs that the Diamondbacks were surprised more teams didn’t make a strong push for Suarez, so credit goes to the Mariners for securing him without sacrificing their top prospects. The D-backs received underwhelming returns for a player of Suarez’s caliber, which shows the Mariners capitalized effectively on that opportunity. Naylor’s addition will further solidify Seattle’s lineup, affirming that they emerged as clear winners this trade deadline.

3. Relief pitchers were among the biggest moves. Who came out with the most improved bullpen?

Kavner: The two New York teams made significant improvements, but I’d lean towards the Mets. They struggled in July with an ERA over 4.00, despite Edwin Diaz’s strong performance. They effectively addressed their bullpen needs by acquiring Gregory Soto, Ryan Helsley, and Tyler Rogers, strengthening their relief corps. On the other hand, the Yankees also revamped their struggling bullpen by adding proven names, but their recent performance has been inconsistent.

Thosar: I have to favor the Yankees, despite their recent struggles. Their bullpen improvements outpaced the Mets, who while having the best closer, needed more than just Diaz to compete in tight games. The Yankees’ additions of David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird will have lasting impacts, especially since they hold team control beyond this season, contrasting the immediate but less stable upgrades the Mets made.

4. What are the division races you’re looking forward to the most?

Kavner: The AL East is particularly compelling. Did the Blue Jays do enough to fend off the Yankees and Red Sox as they pursue playoff positions? kareem rings The Yankees have made numerous additions—will that help them recover even with Aaron Judge injured? Meanwhile, the Red Sox’s underwhelming deadline raises questions about their ability to maintain momentum moving forward.

Thosar: I’m equally focused on both East divisions. In the NL East, the Mets are just ahead of the Phillies, and it’s exciting to see how these rivals will compete for the top spot. In the AL East, the Blue Jays have stayed atop the standings but face increasing pressure from the revamped Yankees. With so much riding on these matchups, the competition is fierce.

5. A’s, D-Backs, Twins: Which of the trade deadline sellers have the best reason to believe they’re set for the future?

Kavner: The Athletics had the strongest trade deadline among the sellers, acquiring one of baseball’s top prospects in exchange for a reliever and several enticing pitchers that promise to bolster their system. This trade has significant potential to alter the A’s franchise trajectory pau fajardo issue djokovic vs alcaraz.

Thosar: I agree, the Athletics have the most to be optimistic about. In contrast, the D-backs’ returns were lackluster and the Twins’ complete overhaul raises more questions than answers for their future. The A’s made smart moves that put them in a promising position moving forward.

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. Previously, he covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers, and Dallas Cowboys. Follow him on Twitter at @RowanKavner. Deesha Thosar is also an MLB writer for FOX Sports and previously reported on the Mets for the New York Daily News. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.

What are your thoughts on these developments in Major League Baseball?