MLP 2025 Trade Window #2 Tracker: A Comprehensive Look at Major League Pickleball’s Latest Moves

As the pickleball world continues to evolve, Major League Pickleball (MLP) remains at the forefront of professional competition. The recent opening of Trade Window #2 has set the stage for exciting roster changes and strategic moves that could reshape team dynamics for the 2025 season. This comprehensive tracker will keep you informed about all the latest transactions, providing insights into how these trades might impact the league’s competitive landscape.

Understanding MLP Trade Windows

For those new to the world of professional pickleball, MLP’s trade windows are crucial periods where teams can make roster adjustments. Trade Window #2 for the 2025 season began shortly after the conclusion of the Premier Level and Challenger Level drafts. This window, running from Tuesday, March 4th through Wednesday, July 16th at 10pm ET, provides teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their rosters, address weaknesses, and capitalize on available talent.

These trade windows are essential for maintaining competitive balance and allowing teams to adapt to changing circumstances, such as player performance, injuries, or strategic shifts. They also add an extra layer of excitement for fans, who eagerly anticipate potential moves that could boost their favorite teams’ chances of success.

March 18th Update: Bay Area Breakers and Utah Black Diamonds Make a Swap

The Trade:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger) acquire Alix Truong
Utah Black Diamonds (Premier) acquire Allyce Jones

New Rosters:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger): Alix Truong, Danna Funaro, Eric Roddy, DJ Young
Utah Black Diamonds (Premier): Connor Garnett, Tyler Loong, Allyce Jones, Mehvish Safdar, Genie Erokhina, and Yates Johnson

Analysis:

This trade is particularly interesting due to the geographical element, as both Truong and Jones reside in Utah. Truong has shown significant improvement over the past year, highlighted by her impressive semi-final run in the recent PPA Texas Open alongside Eric Oncins. This move could be indicative of a desire for a fresh start, possibly stemming from a lack of recent play between Truong and her former teammate, Connor Garnett.

On the other side of the trade, Allyce Jones has been making waves with her recent performances, including some deep tournament runs partnering with Hurricane Tyra Black. This trade appears to be relatively balanced, with a slight edge potentially going to the Bay Area Breakers. The acquisition of Truong could provide the Breakers with a boost in their Challenger Level competition, while Jones might help solidify the Utah Black Diamonds’ position in the Premier Level.

March 13th Update: Bay Area Breakers and Dallas Flash Exchange Talent

The Trade:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger) acquire DJ Young
Dallas Flash (Premier) acquire Wyatt Stone and cash considerations

New Rosters:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger): Allyce Jones, Danna Funaro, Eric Roddy, DJ Young
Dallas Flash (Premier): JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black, Augie Ge, Tatiana Ruhl, and Wyatt Stone

Analysis:

This trade appears to be a pre-arranged move, likely agreed upon during or before the draft. It’s possible that Dallas drafted DJ Young with the intention of trading him to Bay Area, while Bay Area selected Wyatt Stone with plans to send him to Dallas. From an immediate impact perspective, this trade doesn’t significantly alter the competitive balance between the two teams.

However, it does highlight the strategic planning that goes into MLP roster construction. Teams often use these pre-arranged deals to navigate draft limitations and ensure they acquire the players they truly want. For Bay Area, the addition of DJ Young could provide depth and versatility to their Challenger Level squad. Dallas, meanwhile, adds Wyatt Stone to an already strong Premier Level roster, potentially giving them more options in team formations.

March 11th Update: Multiple Trades Reshape Rosters

Trade 1:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger) acquire Danna Funaro
NY Hustlers (Premier) acquire Lingwei Kong and cash considerations

New Rosters:

Bay Area Breakers (Challenger): Allyce Jones, Danna Funaro, Eric Roddy, Wyatt Stone
NY Hustlers (Premier): Zane Ford, Donald Young, Helena Spiridis, Dominique Schaefer, Stephen Madonia, and Lingwei Kong

Analysis:

This trade was likely pre-arranged on draft day, showcasing the complex strategies teams employ to build their ideal rosters. For Danna Funaro, this move to the Bay Area Breakers presents an excellent opportunity for increased playing time at the Challenger Level. Conversely, Lingwei Kong faces a more competitive environment in the Premier Level with the NY Hustlers, where he’ll need to prove himself to secure court time.

Trade 2:

California Black Bears (Challenger) acquire Juan Benitez
NY Hustlers (Premier) acquire Stephen Madonia and cash considerations

New Rosters:

California Black Bears (Challenger): Rafa Hewett, Lina Padegimaite, Layne Sleeth, and Juan Benitez
NY Hustlers (Premier): Zane Ford, Donald Young, Helena Spiridis, Dominique Schaefer, Stephen Madonia, and Lingwei Kong

Analysis:

This trade also bears the hallmarks of a pre-arranged draft day deal. Juan Benitez, who recently signed with UPA, now has the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Challenger Level with the California Black Bears. For Stephen Madonia, the move to the NY Hustlers’ Premier Level squad may result in limited playing time, at least initially, given the team’s depth.

March 5th Update: Premier Level Teams Make Strategic Moves

Trade 1:

Miami Pickleball Club (Premier) acquires Noe Khlif and cash considerations
Texas Ranchers (Premier) acquires Eric Oncins

New Rosters:

Miami Pickleball Club (Premier): Noe Khlif, Jay Devilliers, Milan Rane, Mya Bui, Ava Ignatowich, and Yuta Funemizu
Texas Ranchers (Premier): Christian Alshon, Etta Tuionetoa, Tina Pisnik, Eric Oncins, Michael Loyd, and Helena Jansen

Analysis:

This trade involves two former Miami Pickleball Club teammates, Oncins and Khlif, suggesting it may have been a draft day arrangement between the clubs. Both players possess significant potential, making it difficult to immediately determine which team got the better deal. The true impact of this trade will likely become apparent as the season progresses and we see how each player performs in their new environment.

Trade 2:

Phoenix Flames (Premier) acquire Genie Bouchard and cash considerations
New Jersey 5s (Premier) acquire Meghan Dizon

New Rosters:

Phoenix Flames (Premier): Tyson McGuffin, Jack Sock, Genie Bouchard, Jessie Irvine, Alex Walker, and Pesa Teoni
New Jersey 5s (Premier): Anna Leigh Waters, Meghan Dizon, Zane Navratil, Will Howells, Christa Gecheva, and Craig Johnson

Analysis:

This trade appears to be another draft day arrangement, with Phoenix likely instructing New Jersey to draft Genie Bouchard on their behalf. If New Jersey wasn’t particularly impressed with the available women to pair with Anna Leigh Waters, this trade makes sense for them. However, the addition of Bouchard may not significantly improve Phoenix’s competitive standing.

Injured Reserve Update

Los Angeles Mad Drops (Premier) have placed Thomas Wilson on IR (out for season) and added Wes Burrows to their roster.

New Roster:

Los Angeles Mad Drops (Premier): Catherine Parenteau, Quang Duong, Jade Kawamoto, Hunter Johnson, Angie Walker, Wes Burrows, and Thomas Wilson (IR)

Analysis:

This move was anticipated given Wilson’s injury status. The addition of Wes Burrows, a local Southern California player, is a smart choice. Not only does it address the team’s immediate roster needs, but it also brings in a player who can actively engage with the local pickleball community, potentially boosting the team’s local support and involvement.

The Impact of Trade Windows on MLP’s Competitive Landscape

Trade windows, such as the one currently open in MLP, play a crucial role in shaping the league’s competitive dynamics. They allow teams to address weaknesses, capitalize on emerging talents, and adapt to changing circumstances. For fans and analysts alike, these periods of player movement create excitement and fuel discussions about potential team improvements and strategic shifts.

As we continue to track the trades and roster changes throughout this window, we’ll gain valuable insights into how teams are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season. These moves not only impact the teams directly involved but can also create ripple effects throughout the league, influencing matchups and competitive balance across both the Premier and Challenger Levels.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

As Trade Window #2 progresses, there are several key aspects to keep an eye on:

Emerging Talents: Watch for teams taking chances on up-and-coming players who have shown promise in recent tournaments or lower-level competitions.
Strategic Partnerships: Teams may look to acquire players who have demonstrated strong chemistry with existing roster members in other events.
Balancing Act: Observe how teams manage the delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term potential in their roster decisions.
Cross-Level Movements: Pay attention to players moving between Premier and Challenger Levels, as these transitions can significantly impact both individual careers and team dynamics.

Stay tuned to this tracker for the latest updates and analysis as MLP’s Trade Window #2 continues to reshape the league’s competitive landscape. The moves made during this period could very well determine the frontrunners and underdogs of the 2025 MLP season.

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