With the 2025 MLB trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, attention shifts from the headline-grabbing trades to more subtle, yet impactful moves that were made. These trades, whether they involve teams in contention enhancing their bullpen or non-contenders investing in future prospects, often go unnoticed amid the frenzy of big-name transactions. This analysis highlights seven trades that could potentially yield significant benefits for the teams involved, featuring players from a late-inning reliever who may prove to be a bargain to a former top prospect seeking a resurgence.

One notable player is a 30-year-old outfielder who has shown promise in part-time roles. After posting an impressive .343/.425/.525 batting line for a 169 OPS+ last season, he has continued to produce this year, achieving a .314/.359/.443 in 81 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. His blend of a low chase rate and high walk percentage positions him well to potentially secure a larger role with the Los Angeles team, particularly if his performance elevates over the coming weeks, thus encroaching on the playing time of established players like Michael Conforto.

Another intriguing addition is a 28-year-old pitcher who has performed consistently as a backend starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates since his acquisition from the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2023 trade deadline. With a career 4.32 ERA over 296 innings, he provides a solid option in a rotation, particularly with key starters like Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic sidelined due to injury. We should monitor his contributions as he vies for a spot in the rotation or a role in the bullpen in the upcoming season.

The Seattle Mariners have added a left-handed reliever who has excelled in preventing hard contact throughout the season. This 29-year-old pitchers' ability to limit hard-hit balls positions him as a valuable asset within the Mariners' bullpen alongside Gabe Speier. His statistics against left-handed hitters make him a candidate for high-leverage situations, presenting the potential for meaningful contributions as the season progresses.

In a similar vein, a 30-year-old catcher has joined the San Diego Padres, who have struggled offensively from the catching position, getting just a .211 batting average from their previous options. Although not a power hitter, this addition offers a long-term solution behind the plate, outperforming his predecessors and continuing to build on his previous seasons where he has posted impressive WAR numbers.

Another player to watch is a 24-year-old prospect who, despite a less-than-stellar start to the 2025 season due to injuries, maintains potential for development. After previously being ranked among baseball’s top 100 prospects, he has underperformed with a .238 batting average in the majors but shines with a .297 average in the minors. His trajectory may take an upward turn with a potential regular role next spring if he can capitalize on his opportunities in September.

Additionally, a 29-year-old starter’s recent trade to the Detroit Tigers positions him as a depth option for the rotation. Having dealt with limited innings in the previous seasons, he delivered a quality start in his debut and is likely to compete for a playoff rotation spot, raising the stakes as the Tigers anticipate a postseason appearance.

Lastly, a promising 27-year-old relief pitcher, joining the Toronto Blue Jays, has already made a name for himself by boasting one of the highest average fastball velocities in the league coupled with swing-and-miss capabilities. His addition not only augments the bullpen but could also signal a shift in the late-inning dynamics for the Blue Jays as they aim to contend in the weeks ahead.