As contenders focus on key players, with teams making aggressive plays as defensive strategies, you know the MLB trade deadline is getting close. That’s what it’s like when the Cubs and Phillies fight over a potential $66 million third base upgrade. A Yankees prospect’s performance is ending trade speculation about him. And a Red Sox outfielder makes a case for why he should stay where he is.
Let’s begin with the Cubs and the Phillies, as they battle over Eugenio Suárez, a third baseman, currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The $66 million slugger is the most sought-after player at the MLB trade deadline. And the Cubs are doing everything they can to get him.
Mike Rodríguez, an MLB insider, posted on X that “Sources indicate that the Cubs are pursuing Eugenio Suárez more intensely than any other team. #Cubs #EugenioSuarez .” And it’s easy to see why. He is leading the league in power with 36 home runs and 87 RBIs. Plus, his OPS is climbing and is now at .904.
Sources indicate that the Cubs are pursuing Eugenio Suárez more intensely than any other team. #Cubs #EugenioSuarez
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) July 27, 2025
The Cubs see him as the key to improving their offense, as their third base production ranks among the worst in the league with a wRC+ of 63. On the contrary, the Phillies want to enhance their lineup for a postseason run and need a right-handed power hitter for their infield. Now the question is, who will get him?
Meanwhile, in the Big Apple, another story is unfolding. The Yankees are handling their top prospect in a very different way. They made Spencer Jones almost impossible to deal with, even though several teams have made strong trade proposals for him. Jon Heyman recently shared an update. He posted on X, “Jones (1.407 OPS in AAA) also isn’t going anywhere. The only type of player they’d trade him for is Paul Skenes, who’s off the table, and that’s obviously a very limited category.”
That statement isn’t just clickbait. Jones is on a Triple-A tear that is changing the Yankees’ farm system: he hit three home runs in two-strike counts during his recent game. He has hit 13 home runs in just 19 games (1.407 OPS) at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has been so dominant that he is now off the trading board.
As the Suarez sweepstakes heat up and Jones is still out of reach. The focus shifts to Boston, where an emotional plea is adding to the MLB trade deadline talks. Recently, Jarren Duran opened up when asked about all the trade discussions, saying, “I have no control over it. So if it happens, it happens.” At the end of the day, all he knows is that he “love this team.” Those remarks mean more since Duran’s name keeps coming up in trade talks.
The Red Sox have a tough choice to make about their fast outfielder. Duran was an All-Star in 2024, but in 2025, he has struggled, hitting .259/.323/.442 with a .768 OPS. However, he’s also second in the league with 10 triples, showcasing his speed and making him attractive to winning teams.
As July 31st gets closer, one thing is sure: the MLB trade deadline will offer some major changes. The decisions by these teams could shape their futures for years to come, with the Cubs and Phillies believing Suarez could alter playoff outcomes, while Boston grapples with Duran’s potential exit. And the Yankees? Well, for them, Jones is definitely not going anywhere now that Aaron Judge is in the 10-day IL. Will he replace Judge?
Is Spencer Jones the answer?
Aaron Judge is on the 10-day IL with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Fortunately, his MRI showed no UCL rupture. Still, manager Aaron Boone is being cautious, so Judge will return as a DH rather than playing in the outfield.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Spring Training-New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays Feb 22, 2025 Dunedin, Florida, USA New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones 78 hits a home run during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Dunedin TD Ballpark Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKimxKlementxNeitzelx 20250222_neb_sv7_179
That change makes many wonder if Jones could take Judge’s place in right field. He has been playing amazingly in Triple-A. But his latest back spasms and absence from the 40-man roster make things difficult. He is not available right now, which makes it harder to promote him quickly.
In addition to health and roster issues, Yankees executives are worried that changing Jones’s development could harm it. His swing-and-miss percentage remains near 36%, which adds to their worries. They believe it’s better for him to continue developing his skills in Triple-A rather than bringing him up as a temporary solution. For now, the Yankees are relying on other players like Ryan McMahon and Giancarlo Stanton moving positions, or their depth.
The post MLB Trade Deadline: Cubs-Phillies Battle over $66M 3B, Spencer Jones’ Yankees Tenure Over? & Jarren Duran’s Final Plea appeared first on EssentiallySports.