Major MLB Trades of the 2025: “Odds-Changer” Moves?

MLBNEWS
August 4, 2025

MLB Market Heats Up: Major Moves Before the Trade Deadline… and MLB Odds Are Adjusting Too

 

July 31 marks the end of MLB’s trade deadline, and teams are already shaking things up. With every move, MLB Odds shift, and attentive bettors could find valuable opportunities.

 

Blue Jays Bolster Bullpen with Seranthony Domínguez

 

The first big move came from Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t have to look far to improve their bullpen: they acquired flamethrower Seranthony Domínguez from the Baltimore Orioles… right between games of a doubleheader in Baltimore!

The Dominican reliever is an ideal fit for Toronto’s bullpen. His fastball reaches elite speeds and, according to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 94th percentile in velocity, 92nd in strikeout rate, and 95th in whiff rate. Sure, his walk rate (5.2 BB/9) is a concern, but he compensates by limiting hard contact and has only allowed 4 home runs in 41.2 innings this season.

With Domínguez setting the table for closer Jeff Hoffman, the MLB Lines of the Blue Jays making a deep October run have slightly improved. However, experts agree: they still need another reliable arm to be genuine contenders.

 

Orioles Keep Selling… and Eye the Future

 

Domínguez is the second reliever the Orioles have moved this month (after Gregory Soto). In return, they received young starter Juaron Watts-Brown, a 23-year-old ranked as Toronto’s No. 10 prospect. With this kind of move, GM Mike Elias is making it clear that the focus is on the medium-term future.

Bettors should take note: if Baltimore continues selling key pieces, their MLB Betting to win the American League  East could take a serious hit—opening the door for teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees to capitalize.

 

Brewers Add Power with Danny Jansen

 

The Milwaukee Brewers have been desperate for offense—especially from behind the plate. That’s why they brought in Canadian catcher Danny Jansen from the Rays. With 11 home runs and a .703 OPS, he offers more power than the team’s current catchers, who’ve struggled to produce.

This move boosts Milwaukee’s MLB Odds in key matchups, especially against left-handed pitchers, where Jansen has performed well. Plus, the club remains committed to improving a lineup that currently ranks 22nd in slugging and 24th in home runs across MLB.

 

Rays Make Their Classic Move: Sell and Buy

 

While they sent Jansen to the Brewers, the Rays also acquired catcher Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins. Though limited offensively (.637 OPS), Fortes is excellent defensively and is under team control through 2028.

This move doesn’t directly impact MLB Lines, but it does highlight Tampa Bay’s strategy: staying competitive while constantly renewing with cheap, controllable players. It’s a formula that helps maintain stability—even as they chase a Wild Card spot.

 

Tigers Patch Rotation with Chris Paddack

 

After losing Reese Olson to injury, the Detroit Tigers didn’t wait for the deadline. They brought in starter Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins.

Although Paddack has struggled recently (7.49 ERA over his last 8 starts), his most recent outing was a gem: 6 innings, 1 run, and 8 strikeouts at Dodger Stadium. This addition slightly improves Detroit’s MLB Betting in the AL Central, especially if Paddack can regain consistency.

 

Royals Surprise by Adding Randal Grichuk

 

Few expected the Kansas City Royals to be buyers, but they proved otherwise. They added veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk, who brings power against lefties (.825 career OPS vs. LHP).

The move signals that Kansas City is not throwing in the towel. Just 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, they followed the trade with an extension for starter Seth Lugo. If they keep adding, the odds of winning for the Royals to sneak into the playoffs could become very appealing to bettors looking for a profitable “dark horse.”

 

Yankees Strengthen Third Base with Ryan McMahon

 

Fans may have expected Eugenio Suárez, but the Yankees landed Ryan McMahon. He’s not a superstar, but he is a solid defender with 16 home runs and team control through 2027.

His weak road stats (.589 OPS outside of Coors Field) raise questions, but his power, patience, and glove fit what the Yankees desperately need. New York’s MLB Odds remain stable for now, but could improve if McMahon adapts well to the Bronx.

Amed Rosario Joins Yankees as a Useful Utility Option

Another Yankees addition is Amed Rosario, a versatile utility man who can play multiple positions and hits well against left-handers (.816 OPS). He’s no star, but for a bench as inconsistent as the Yankees’, his flexibility is valuable.

Bettors who follow the day-to-day matchups know that these smaller acquisitions can affect MLB odds to win in specific games—especially in series where opponents feature multiple lefty starters.

 

Gregory Soto Switches Coasts Again

 

Lefty reliever Gregory Soto was traded from the Orioles to the New York Mets, who needed a left-handed bullpen arm. Soto has dominated lefty hitters (.133 average against), though his control is shaky at times.

For Baltimore, Cameron Foster and Wellington Aracena provide future depth. For the Mets, Soto is a tactical upgrade: while it may not drastically change their MLB Odds to win the division, he can help them close out tight games down the stretch.

 

Seattle Lands the Perfect Bat: Josh Naylor

 

One of the deadline’s top acquisitions: Josh Naylor heads to the Seattle Mariners. The Canadian slugger is just what the Mariners needed at first base—power, consistency, and very few strikeouts.

With Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and now Naylor in the heart of the lineup, Seattle’s offense takes a big step forward. Their MLB Lines to win the AL West have already ticked upward following the trade—and could keep climbing if Naylor produces.

 

The Trades Are Already Impacting Betting Markets… and the MLB Odds Show It

 

With each trade, possibilities shift. It’s not just players that move—MLB Betting has also evolved, creating unique windows of opportunity for savvy bettors. Whether you’re hunting for a longshot to shine in the World Series or seeking value in individual matchups, this time of year is critical.

 

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