Arming for October

Teams with high playoff probabilities are focusing on filling postseason roster gaps.

Detroit Tigers

• Win Average: 99.6
• Playoff Probability: 99.3%
• Key Need: The Tigers are almost certain to return to the postseason but need to bolster their bullpen with strikeout arms to enhance their high-leverage mix.

New York Mets

• Win Average: 98.2
• Playoff Probability: 97.7%
• Key Need: The Mets must assess their center field situation, potentially targeting Luis Robert Jr. to solidify the position.

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Win Average: 97.9
• Playoff Probability: 97.2%
• Key Need: With a pitching staff plagued by injuries, the Dodgers need to identify reliable arms to maintain their dominance in the National League West.

Positioning for a Push

Teams with reasonable playoff probabilities are looking to solidify their push for October.

Houston Astros

• Win Average: 89.5
• Playoff Probability: 83.4%
• Key Need: The Astros need to address their offensive slump and manage rotation injuries to stay atop the AL West.

San Francisco Giants

• Win Average: 89.1
• Playoff Probability: 67.0%
• Key Need: The Giants need offensive upgrades, particularly at first base, to complement their strong pitching and defense.

Philadelphia Phillies

• Win Average: 88.6
• Playoff Probability: 65.0%
• Key Need: The Phillies must improve their bullpen to support their league-average offense and stay competitive in the NL.

Not Out of It ... Yet

Teams on the fringe of the playoff outlook are still considering their options.

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Win Average: 81.2
• Playoff Probability: 16.1%
• Key Need: The Diamondbacks need to score more runs to compensate for their struggling pitching staff and stay in the playoff race.

Boston Red Sox

• Win Average: 80.0
• Playoff Probability: 20.3%
• Key Need: The Red Sox need to get hot soon, potentially relying on Roman Anthony to spark their offense and justify additions at the deadline.

Atlanta Braves

• Win Average: 79.8
• Playoff Probability: 12.6%
• Key Need: The Braves must figure out their late-inning issues and win games quickly to stay relevant in the playoff hunt.

Building for Better Days

Teams favoring future value over present value are focusing on long-term improvements.

Washington Nationals

• Win Average: 72.4
• Playoff Probability: 0.7%
• Key Need: The Nationals are looking to trade movable veterans and possibly add salary to prepare for future seasons.

Baltimore Orioles

• Win Average: 69.4
• Playoff Probability: 0.6%
• Key Need: The Orioles are focusing on their young players and setting up for the 2026 season, as their current playoff chances are slim.

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Win Average: 67.2
• Playoff Probability: 0.1%
• Key Need: The Pirates are likely to trade veterans and focus on building a competitive team for the future, avoiding any moves that could jeopardize their long-term plans.

Conclusion

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, each team has unique needs and strategies to enhance their rosters and improve their playoff chances. Whether they are arming for October, positioning for a push, or building for better days, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the course of the season.