beyond the back page The teams that will dictate the Yankees’ and Mets’ options at the trade deadline By Peter Botte Published July 22, 2025, 7:45 a.m. ET Diamondbacks third base Eugenio Suarez celebrates after hitting a home run during a game against the Astros in Phoenix on July 21, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Yankees have needs . The Mets have needs . Other playoff contenders do, too. It is that third sentence that makes the upcoming July 31 MLB trade deadline a murky proposition for those firmly identifying as buyers this year, because “other playoff contenders” could be more than 75 percent of the game based on the current standings. If the thinking in expanding the postseason