MLB Sets 2025 Trade Deadline for July 31
Major League Baseball has announced that the 2025 trade deadline will be Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. ET.
First July 31 Deadline Since 2019
This marks the first time since 2019 that the trade deadline will fall on the last day of July. For many years, the deadline was fixed on July 31 at 4 p.m.ET.The Commissioner’s Office now has the authority to set the date between July 28 adn August 3 to avoid conflicts with scheduled games.
Understanding the Trade Deadline Rules
The trade deadline is the last point in the season when players on a team’s 40-man roster can be traded to another team. After this date, players can be placed and claimed via waivers, but trades are no longer permitted. Before 2019, July 31 was known as the “non-waiver” trade deadline, allowing trades after that date if players first passed through revocable waivers. In 2019, MLB eliminated the August waiver trade period and established a single deadline.
Minor League Players and Postseason Eligibility
Minor league players who are not on the 40-man roster can still be traded after the deadline. However, any player must be in an organization before the end of August (whether on the 40-man roster or not) to be eligible to play in the postseason with that team.
Notable 2024 Trades
The 2024 trade deadline, which fell on July 30, saw several prominent players change teams, including pitcher Jack Flaherty, infielder Jazz Chisholm jr., outfielder Randy Arozarena, and reliever Tanner Scott.
how does the Commissioner’s Office’s new authority to set the trade deadline between July 28th and August 3rd impact team strategy?
MLB Sets 2025 Trade Deadline for July 31
Major League Baseball has announced that the 2025 trade deadline will be Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. ET.
First July 31 Deadline Since 2019
This marks the first time since 2019 that the trade deadline will fall on the last day of July. For many years, the deadline was fixed on July 31 at 4 p.m.ET.The commissioner’s Office now has the authority to set the date between July 28 adn August 3 to avoid conflicts with scheduled games.
Understanding the Trade Deadline Rules
The trade deadline is the last point in the season when players on a team’s 40-man roster can be traded to another team. After this date, players can be placed and claimed via waivers, but trades are no longer permitted. Before 2019,July 31 was known as the “non-waiver” trade deadline,allowing trades after that date if players first passed through revocable waivers. In 2019, MLB eliminated the August waiver trade period and established a single deadline.
Minor League Players and Postseason Eligibility
Minor league players who are not on the 40-man roster can still be traded after the deadline. However, any player must be in an organization before the end of August (whether on the 40-man roster or not) to be eligible to play in the postseason with that team.
Notable 2024 Trades
The 2024 trade deadline, which fell on July 30, saw several prominent players change teams, including pitcher jack Flaherty, infielder Jazz Chisholm jr., outfielder Randy Arozarena, and reliever Tanner Scott.
Q&A: Decoding the MLB Trade deadline
Q: Why is the trade deadline date flexible now?
A: The Commissioner’s Office can now set the deadline between July 28th and August 3rd to avoid conflicts with the regular season schedule. This provides more strategic flexibility for MLB.
Q: What’s the difference between the trade deadline and waivers?
A: The trade deadline is the last chance for direct trades. after that, teams can still acquire players through waivers, where other teams can claim them. However, trades are no longer allowed after the deadline.
Q: Can minor league players be traded after the deadline?
A: Yes, minor league players not on the 40-man roster can still be traded after the deadline. However, they must be within an organization by the end of August to be eligible for postseason play with that team.
Q: How has the trade deadline changed over the years?
A: Before 2019, there was a “non-waiver” deadline on July 31st, followed by a waiver trade period in August. Now, there’s a single deadline, making it simpler for teams.
Q: What are some recent examples of importent trade deadline moves?
A: The 2024 deadline saw notable players like Jack Flaherty, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Randy Arozarena, and Tanner Scott changing teams, signaling how impactful this deadline can be.
Q: What’s the strategy behind trading at the deadline?
A: Contending teams ofen look to acquire players who can fill specific needs and boost their chances for a playoff run. Teams out of contention might trade star players for prospects to rebuild and improve their roster for future seasons. The deadline is a high-stakes period with major implications for teams’ outcomes.
Q: How can fans stay updated on the trade deadline?
A: Keep an eye on major sports news outlets, MLB.com, and social media. Following beat reporters for your favorite team is a good way to get inside facts.
Stay informed about the 2025 trade deadline and see how your favorite team will strategize for the remainder of the season!
