The 2025 MLB trade deadline has ignited with a flurry of high-impact moves, as contenders bulk up for a postseason push. The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays have made headlines with their aggressive acquisitions, significantly bolstering their pitching staffs.
The San Diego Padres, currently holding the National League’s final wild card spot and just three games back in the NL West, made a bold statement by acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics. This blockbuster deal sends highly-regarded shortstop prospect Leo De Vries (ranked No. 3 overall by MLB.com) along with right-handed pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Nunez to the A’s. Miller, whose fastball consistently hits 101 mph, boasts 20 saves in 23 opportunities with a 3.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts this season, and is under team control through 2029. His arrival provides San Diego with an elite late-inning arm to complement their already strong bullpen. Sears, with a 7-9 record and a 4.95 ERA over 22 starts this season, offers a dependable rotation option.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant bet on the upside of former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, acquiring him from the Cleveland Guardians. Bieber, who has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery sustained in April 2024, has made four rehab starts, with encouraging reports. The Blue Jays sent pitching prospect Khal Stephen to the Guardians in exchange for the 30-year-old right-hander. Bieber’s contract includes a player option for $16 million in 2026, offering potential long-term value if he returns to his pre-injury form. In his most recent rehab outing, he allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven in four innings for Double-A Akron. The Blue Jays are looking to him to add a high-end arm to their rotation as they eye a deep postseason run.
These moves signify a clear intent from both the Padres and Blue Jays to compete at the highest level as the trade deadline clock winds down. #ent360news
