Hidden Gems: 3 Under-the-Radar Trade Candidates for the 2025 Deadline

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the rumor mill is heating up. Big names like Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan and Athletics closer Mason Miller are dominating headlines – and for good reason. Both would be unbelievable additions for contenders looking to shore up their rosters. 

But while the stars draw the spotlight, it’s often the under-the-radar moves that can make the biggest impact down the stretch. Here are some lesser-known trade candidates who could prove to be difference-makers as teams gear up for the final push of the season.

IF - Amed Rosario (Washington Nationals)

Amed Rosario has had a solid debut season with the Nationals, hitting .273 with a .747 OPS overall. While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, he’s been highly effective in a platoon role—slashing .305 with an .841 OPS against left-handed pitching.

Defensively, Rosario has struggled at third base this year (-8 Outs Above Average, -6 Defensive Runs Saved), but he could provide more value at second base or even as a DH option for teams needing some pop in the lineup. On a one-year deal, Rosario’s trade cost should be relatively modest—likely in the range of a low-level prospect or two.

SP - Jeffrey Springs (Athletics)

Jeffrey Springs hasn’t quite returned to form in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, posting a 4.18 ERA and just 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings—down from his career mark of 9.4 K/9. Lately, however, he has been trending in the right direction.

Over his last 15 outings, Springs has a 3.57 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, showing flashes of the pitcher who posted a 2.46 ERA and 1.071 WHIP in 2022. He’s retooled his approach, leaning more on contact and trusting his defense.

Given that he is 32 years old, is having a down year, and has a hefty injury history, Springs won’t command a large return. However, with an extra year of team control, he could fetch a mid-level prospect from a team willing to gamble on upside.

RP - Seranthony Domínguez (Baltimore Orioles)

The Orioles have struggled in 2025, sitting at 44-55 and 8.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot. With injuries piling up and postseason hopes fading, Baltimore is poised to become sellers – especially with pending free agents like Seranthony Domínguez.

Domínguez hasn’t been a world-beater by any stretch this season, as he has a 3.72 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. However, he brings something that many of the other potential deadline acquisitions don’t bring – valuable playoff experience. 

In 17 postseason appearances dating back to 2022, Dominguez has posted a 1.02 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. While it may be quick to say that version of Dominguez has passed, in the 2023 regular season, he posted similar numbers to his 2025 campaign (3.78 ERA, 1.40 WHIP), and he proceeded to appear in 6 postseason games, pitching 5.1 shutout innings. He has been one of baseball’s best pitchers when the lights shine brightest, and with him being on the last year of his deal, he could be a very valuable piece to a contending team’s bullpen. 

While they may not be the headline-grabbers fans and organizations dream of acquiring, players like Rosario, Springs, and Domínguez can be the glue that holds a playoff roster together. The stars may win the headlines – but it’s often the role players who help win in October.