AL East Teams Plan Divergent Trade Deadline Moves

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, several American League East teams are positioning themselves for significant roster changes. The Boston Red Sox, currently three games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays, are targeting younger, club-controlled pitchers rather than short-term rentals, with potential interests including Mitch Keller and Edward Cabrera, while also addressing the need for a first baseman and catcher upgrade. The Red Sox recently traded backup catcher Blake Sabol to the White Sox, possibly to make room for a more capable catcher ahead of the deadline. The Blue Jays, leading the division, are expected to be aggressive buyers, seeking front-line pitching to bolster their World Series aspirations, with reported interest in Arizona's Zac Gallen and potential trades involving pitchers like Seth Lugo. Conversely, the last-place Baltimore Orioles are bracing for a fire sale, potentially trading key starters Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, as well as relievers Andrew Kittredge, Seranthony Dominguez, and Gregory Soto, offering opportunities for contenders like the Red Sox to acquire talent. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are undergoing ownership changes, with a $1.7 billion sale expected to close soon, possibly relocating the team within the Tampa Bay area due to stadium issues.